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Part 2IMAGE QUALITY

INDICATORS (IQI) AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR THEIR USE

RADIOGRAPHY OF WELDED
BUTT JOINTS IN METAL

Australian Standard

AS 2177, Part 21982

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Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject
to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new edit ions as necessary. It is
important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest editi on, and any
amendments thereto.
Full detail s of all Australi an Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australi a
Catalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australi an
Standard, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editi ons
and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggesti ons for improvements to Australi an Standards, addressed to the head off ice of Standards Australia,
are welcomed. Noti fi cati on of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

The following scientific, industrial and governmental organizations and departments

were officially represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this
standard:
Australian Atomic Energy Commission
Australian Gas Association
Australian Institute for Non-destructive Testing
Australian Pipeline Industry Association
Australian Welding Institute
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Confederation of Australian Industry
Department of Defence
Department of Industrial Relations, N.S.W.
Department of Labour and Industry, Victoria
Department of Productivity
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Institute of Australian Foundrymen
Metal Trades Industries Association of Australia
National Association of Testing Authorities
Pipeline Authority
Railways of Australia Committee
Society of Automotive EngineersAustralasia

This standard, prepared by Committee MT/7, Non-destructive Testing of Metals and

Materials, was approved on behalf of the Council of the Standards Association of
Australia on 14 January 1982, and was published on 19 April 1982.

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PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140

First publi shed (as AS B262) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1968

AS 2177, Part 2 fi rst publi shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979
Second editi on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982

ISBN 0 7262 2487 1

Part 2IMAGE QUALITY

INDICATORS (IQI) AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR THEIR USE

RADIOGRAPHY OF WELDED
BUTT JOINTS IN METAL

Australian Standard

AS 2177, Part 21982

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PREFACE

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

British Standards Institution (BSI)
Deutsches Institut fur Normung (DIN)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Association Francaise de Normalisation (AFNOR)
Presented at the Inter-American Conference on Materials Technology, 20-24 May 1968, San Antonio, Texas,
and published by ASME in Materials TechnologyAn Inter-American Approach, pp 496-499

Copyright STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Users of Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all Standards Australia publications and software. Except where the Copyright Act
allows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Australia may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from Standards Australia. Permission may be
conditional on an appropriate royalty payment. Requests for permission and information on commercial software royalties should be directed
to the head office of Standards Australia.
Standards Australia will permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for use exclusively inhouse by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia.
Standards Australia will also permit the inclusion of its copyright material in computer software programs for no royalty payment
provided such programs are used exclusively in-house by the creators of the programs.
Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard is
amended or revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identified.
The use of material in print form or in computer software programs to be used commercially, with or without payment, or in commercial
contracts is subject to the payment of a royalty. This policy may be varied by Standards Australia at any time.

This edition of this standard was prepared by the Associations Committee on Nondestructive Testing of Metals and Materials at the request of the Metals Standards Board to
supersede the 1979 edition, which constituted the revision, metrication and replacement of
AS B2621968.
Because of the widespread use in Australia of image quality indicator (IQI) systems
specified by various standards bodies*, the committee, during the revision, resolved to retain
those systems in this standard.
Imperial units of measurement for plaque/hole type IQI based on the ASME series have also
been retained because of the impracticability of changing to the International (SI) System
of units. The committee proposes to amend the published standard when the American
system is changed and new plaque IQI are available for commercial use in Australia.
During preparation of this edition, consideration was given to matters raised at seminars held
to discuss the standard. Changes incorporated in this standard are intended to remove any
ambiquity which might have existed in the 1979 edition. Known errors have also been
eliminated.
Relevant tables and appendices have been updated to align with the new edition of Part I
of the standard.
Graphical presentations of readily achievable IQI sensitivity percent have also been included.
Data used in the compilation of the relationships between different types of IQI were taken
from a paper by E.L. Criscuolo, Radiographic Image Quality Standards, and from ASME,
SE 142.
This standard may require reference to the following documents:
AS 1929
Non-destructive TestingGlossary of Terms
AS 2177
Radiography of Welded Butt Joints in Metal Part 1Methods of Test
SAA MP19
Report on Preferred Numbers and Their Use
DIN 54109
Non-destructive TestingImage Quality of X-ray and Gamma-ray
Radiographs of Metallic Materials, Definitions, Wire Penetrameter
BS 3971
Image Quality Indicators for Radiography and Recommendations for
Their Use
AFNOR A04-304
Radiographic Examination of Steel of Thickness up to and including
180 mm
ASME, SE 142
Standard Methods for Controlling Quality of Radiographic Testing
ISO 1027
Radiographic Image Quality IndicatorsPrinciples and Identification
ISO 2504
Radiography of Welds and Viewing Conditions for FilmsUtilization
and Recommended Patterns of Image Quality Indicators (IQI)

AS 2177, Part 21982

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..
..
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OF

IQI
....
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....
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..
..
..
..
..

.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.

..
..
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..
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..
..
..

.. ..
.. ..
....
.. ..
....

.
.
.
.
.

. ..
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...
. ..

...
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14
14
14
14
15

REQUIREMENTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

APPENDICES
A Materials of Construction of Image Quality Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
B Typical Examples of Film Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SECTION 2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE

2.1 Selection of IQI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Location of IQI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 Viewing of Radiographs . . . . . . . . . .
2.4 Assessment of IQI Percent Sensitivity
2.5 Equivalent Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1. SCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL

1.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Required Characteristics of IQI . . . . . .

Page

AS 2177, Part 21982

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTENTS

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RADIOGRAPHY OF WELDED BUTT JOINTS IN METAL

for

Australian Standard

STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

(e) The assessment of the visibility of details of an

IQI is subjective and it depends upon the
following factors:
(i) Visual acuity.
(ii) Viewing conditions.
(iii) Experience and ability in assessing IQI
images.
(iv) Radiographic contrast.
For these reasons, although the specified IQI sensitivity value may be attained, the practices outlined in
AS 2177, Part 1 require that all factors affecting
contrast and definition be considered, i.e.
A. Tube voltage or type of radioisotope.
B. Source-to-film and object-to-film distances.
C. Film type and screen material and thickness.
D. Film density and processing.
In order to assist committees responsible for the
drafting of standards in which radiographic methods
are specified and users of this standard, recommendations given in AS 2177, Part 1 are repeated in
Tables 1 and 2 which show readily achievable values
of sensitivity which may be obtained with different
radiographic methods for steel. Figs 1A, 1B, 2A and
2B show a best-fit graphical presentation of information contained in Table 2.

COPYRIGHT

(a) Defect detection sensitivity is related only in a

general fashion to IQI sensitivity.
(b) For any given radiographic test method, the
numerical value of the IQI sensitivity depends on
the type of the IQI used.
(c) For any given radiographic test method and IQI,
the percentage sensitivity will not be the same
for different metal thicknesses.
(d) For any given metal and thickness, it is possible
to change defect sensitivity without significant
change in IQI sensitivity by changing the radiographic method.

It should be pointed out that the following parameters

apply to the uses of IQI:

NOTE: Throughout this standard, I QI is used to denote

singular and plural of i mage qualit y indicator .

The elements, wires or holes, of image quality indicators (IQI) are used to indicate the sensitivity of the
radiographic process in revealing the presence of any
discontinuities. The image quality is characterized by
the smallest element of a series of wires, or by the
smallest of a series of holes in plates of different
thicknesses, the images of which can be discerned
visually when a film is placed on an illuminated
screen of the required brightness (see AS 2177,
Part 1).

FOREWORD

PART 2IMAGE QUALITY INDICATORS (IQI) AND RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR THEIR USE

AS 2177, Part 21982

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Single plate or wall

Double-wall, singleimage

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

X-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

Gamma-rays

XR1/DWS

XR1/DWD

XR2/S

XR2/DWS

XR2/DWD

XR3/S

XR3/DWS

XR3/DWD

GR1/S

GR1/DWS

GR1/DWD

GR2/S

GR2/DWS

GR2/DWD

GR 3/S

GR3/DWS

GR3/DWD

Double-wall,
double-i mage

Double-wall,
double-i mage

3 (medium grain)

3 (medium grain)

3 (medium grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

1 (very fine grain)

1 (very fine grain)

1 (very fine grain)

3 (medium grain)

3 (medium grain)

3 (medium grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

2 (fi ne grain)

1 (very fine grain)

1 (very fine grain)

1 (very fine grain)

SAA fil m type

designation
(see Appendix C)

COPYRIGHT

Double-wall, singleimage

Single plate or wall

Double-wall,
double-i mage

Double-wall, singleimage

Single plate or wall

Double-wall,
double-i mage

Double-wall, singleimage

Single plate or wall

Double-wall,
double-i mage

Double-wall, singleimage

Single plate or wall

Double-wall,
double-i mage

Double-wall, singleimage

Single plate or wall

X-rays

Exposure method

XR1/S

Radiation
source

Radiographic
method
designation
number

AS 2177, Part 21982

As for GR3/DWS where pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for GR2/S where internal

access is not possible

High speed method when the

detection of fi ne disconti nuit ies is
not required

As for GR2/DWS where pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for GR2/S where internal

access is not practi cable

General use where the sensit ivit y

achievable by GR1 is not required

As for GR1/DWS where pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for GR1/S where internal

access is not practi cable

Where the sensit ivit y achievable

by X-ray equipment is not
requir ed

As for XR3/DWS where pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for XR3/S where internal

access is not practi cable

High speed method when the

detection of fi ne disconti nuit ies is
not required

As for XR2/DWS where the pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for XR2/S where internal

access is not practi cable

High sensiti vity, general use

As for XR1/DWS where the pipe

diameter is 90 mm or below

As for XR1/S where internal

access is not practi cable

When a very high level of

sensit ivit y is requir ed

Typical application

TABLE 1
TEST METHOD DESIGNATION NUMBER

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TABLE 2*

GR3

GR2

GR1

XR3

XR2

XR1

Radiographic
test method

12

18

24

30

50

70

90

Weld metal thickness, mm

40

120

150

200

COPYRIGHT

The values of sensit ivit y quoted are not necessaril y the opti mum value which can be achieved, but they
are included for information and comparati ve purposes and should not be taken as mandatory requirements for any parti cular method. Sensiti vity values quoted for gamma ray methods are for Ir idium 192
(I r192 ) in accordance with the thickness range given in Table 3 of AS 2177, Part 1, and for Co60 for
thicker secti ons up to 200 mm. Sensiti viti es quoted for GR methods for less than 10 mm and over
200 mm are included for information only. Attention is drawn to the improved sensiti vity which can
be obtained wit h Ytt erbium 169(Yb 169 ) in the range 6 mm to 20 mm.
Sensit ivit y values are rounded to nearest 0.1 percent.
The typical values of sensiti vity quoted for each of the test methods in Table 2 are not to be taken as
mandatory unless specifi ed or agreed between contracting part ies.

250

300

READILY ACHIEVABLE WIRE IQI SENSITIVITIES FOR STEELEXPRESSED AS SMALLEST

WIRE VISIBLE ON RADIOGRAPH WITH CORRESPONDING SENSITIVITY VALUE

AS 2177, Part 21982

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AS 2177, Part 21982

COPYRIGHT

Fig. 1A. RE AD ILY AC HIEV AB LE WIRE IQI SE NS ITIVITY PER CE NT FOR

THICKN ES S RAN GE FOR STEE L UP TO 125 mmXR METHO DS

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COPYRIGHT

Fig. 1B. RE AD ILY AC HIEV AB LE WIRE IQI SE NS ITIVITY PER CE NT FOR

THICKN ES S RAN GE FOR STEE L UP TO 85 mmXR METHODS

AS 2177, Part 21982

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AS 2177, Part 21982

COPYRIGHT

Fig. 2A. RE AD ILY AC HIEV AB LE WIRE IQI SE NS ITIVITY PER CE NT FOR

THICKN ES S RAN GE FOR STEE L UP TO 300 mmGR METHO DS

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10

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Fig. 2B. RE AD ILY AC HIEV AB LE WIRE IQI SE NS ITIVITY PER CE NT FOR

THICKN ES S RAN GE FOR STEE L UP TO 70 mmGR METHODS

AS 2177, Part 21982

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0.125
0.5
1.6
4

0.005
0.01
0.02
0.03

Tolerance
mm

3.20

Wire number

2.50

2.00

1.60

1
6
10

1.25

1.00
7

0.80
8

0.63

2
7
11
3
8
12
4
9
13
5
10
14

Wi re numbers
6
11
15
7
12
16

0.50
10

0.40
11

0.32
12

0.25

13

0.20

14

0.16

Fig. 1.2. WIRE TYPE IQI

15

0.125

16

0.100

The protective sheathing shall preferably be flexible and

the material, adjacent to the wires, as thin as possible
and fastened so as to ensure that the separation between
wires is maintained.
1.3.1.3 Identification. Each wire IQI shall contain lead
symbols giving the following information:
(a) The smallest and largest wire numbers (see
Table 1.2).
(b) The material of which the IQI is made.
(c) The specification with which the IQI complies.
Typical IQI and identification markings are shown in
Fig. 1.2.
The size of the symbols shall be such that they are
readily discernible on radiographs.

NOTE: Where the IQI is composed of thin aluminium or magnesium

wires, the thickness of the protective sheathing should not exceed
0.05 mm.

1.3.1.2 Construction. Wires shall be mounted between

low radiation absorbent protective sheathing material,
such as polyethylene film.

DIN 1/7
DIN 6/12
DIN 10/16

IQI

This system provides for a series of three IQI, each

comprising seven wires. Each wire diameter is denoted
by a corresponding wire number, as shown in Table 1.2.
For information on IQI materials see Appendix A.
Wire IQI are made up as shown in Table 1.3.
TABLE 1.3
STANDARD MODELS (WIRE IQI)

TABLE 1.2
WIRE DIAMETERS AND NUMBERS

Tolerances are correct for steel. For other metals or alloys it is

recommended that production conditions be such that the tolerances are as near as possible to those fixed for steel.

Diameter, mm

<
<
<
<

Wi re diameter,
mm

TABLE 1.1
PERMITTED TOLERANCES ON WIRE
DIAMETERS*

Fig. 1.1. EXAMPLE OF WIRE TYPE IQI

1.1 SCOPE. This standard specifies requirements for

three types of image quality indicators (IQI) used in
X-ray or gamma-ray radiographic examination of welded
butt joints in metal products, viz
(a) wire IQI (W);
(b) step/hole IQI (SH); and
(c) plaque/hole IQI (PH);
and includes recommendations for their use.
1.2 DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this standard,
the definitions given in AS 1929 and the following
definition apply:
Elementa wire in a wire type IQI or a hole in a
plaque of different thicknesses used to assess the
sensitivity of the radiographic process.
1.3 REQUIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF IQI.
1.3.1 Wire IQI (W).
1.3.1.1 General. Wire IQI shall consist of a series of
wires of minimum length 25 mm mounted side by side
in parallel, with a distance between the axes of the wires
of not less than 5 mm, and arranged in order of
increasing diameter. The diameter sizes should be
determined as a consecutive series of numbers taken in
general from the R10 series of preferred numbers.
Exceptionally, and in particular for use with thick
materials, the R20 series of preferred numbers may be
used. An example of a wire IQI is given in Fig. 1.1.
Permitted tolerances on the wire diameters for the R10
series of preferred numbers are given in Table 1.1.

0
0.125
0.5
1.6

AS 2177, Part 21982

SECTION 1. SCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

11

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AS 2177.2-1982 Radiography of welded butt joints in metal Image quality indicators (IQI) and recommendations for their
use