Volume 1, Number 3 July 2002
TNT Tips:
Balloon-Aided Radiography
Parts with a closed cavity sometimes require the opening to be radiographed using single wall techniques. The problem associated with this is keeping the film in contact with the part, since the back of the film cannot be accessed easily.
A simple fix is to use a balloon beneath the film. Allow the end to protrude from behind the film cassette. Note film cassette must be bent to get it into the cavity. Inflate to raise the cassette into position. Remove the cassette by breaking the balloon. (I saw this in NASA Tech Briefs a few years ago.)
Stuart Kleven
Bensenville, Illinois
Gamma Radiography - No Longer a Pain in the Back
During a workplace study on back injury prevention, we were surprised to learn how much lifting, twisting and bending were involved with gamma radiography. Field work presents unique problems but we were able to implement changes in our exposure bunker that made repetitive radiography of pipe joints easier and safer. Some of these are:
- use pipe vises to hold work at a convenient height,
- place a small table nearby to hold accessories,
- make a tripod stand to support crank handle at waist height,
- adapt a hand cart to transport camera, cables, and other equipment, and
- use a portable hydraulic engine block lifter to lift heavy spools into position.
John Woollven
St. John, New Brunswick, Canada
[ The NDT Technician ]
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