Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Radiography
Industry leading Radiography services
Radiographic Testing (RT) is a widely used non-destructive testing (NDT) method that utilises X-rays or gamma rays to inspect the internal structure of materials, identify defects, and ensure the integrity of various components. It is commonly applied in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas, and construction for a variety of purposes.
What is Radiography?
Radiography is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses penetrating radiation to create images of the internal structure of a solid object.
This method is often used to detect volumetric internal defects in welds and castings, as well as planar defects such as cracks and slag inclusions.
Radiography can be used on a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. It is a highly effective method for detecting defects, and it is often used in applications where safety is critical, such as the aerospace and nuclear industries.
Our Radiography capabilities
We can carry out radiography inspections on-site when the component exceeds the size guidelines outlined by the Health and Safety Executive.
At the BES Group, we offer a comprehensive radiography service that includes in-house and on-site inspections. Our team of experienced technicians are highly trained in the safe and efficient use of radiography equipment. We can provide a complete radiography service, from initial planning and consultation to the final report.
Our in-house radiography facilities based in Salford and South Shields are equipped with a large purpose-built radiography bay (8x8m) and four smaller bays. This allows us to accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of objects. We also have a wide range of radiography equipment, including 160kv CP Units, 200-300kv Radiography Sets, and Radiography Crawlers.
Schedule a call to discuss your testing requirements.
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Specialists in pipeline radiography
A comprehensive pipeline Radiography service tailored to your needs
Protect the integrity of your critical pipelines and safeguard your operations with the unmatched expertise of pipeline radiography from BES Group. Our team of experienced and qualified technicians possesses a deep understanding of pipeline radiography techniques, ensuring the flawless performance of your infrastructure.
Our pipeline radiography team boasts a wealth of experience, having successfully completed numerous pipeline inspections across the UK and Ireland. We’ve collaborated with leading organisations in the oil and gas, power generation, and infrastructure sectors, earning a reputation for excellence.
Our comprehensive pipeline radiography service encompasses every aspect of the process, from initial planning and consultation to the final report. Our team will collaborate closely with you to understand your specific requirements and provide a tailored inspection plan.
FAQs
What are the two sources of radiation used in radiographic NDT?
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- X-rays: X-rays are produced by an X-ray generator, which is a machine that accelerates electrons to high energies and then makes them collide with a metal target. The collision produces X-rays, which are emitted in all directions.
- Gamma rays: Gamma rays are emitted by radioactive materials, such as cobalt-60 and iridium-192. These materials are sealed in a container and used as a radiation source.
X-rays and gamma rays are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, but they differ in their energy. X-rays have a lower energy than gamma rays, which means that they can be more easily absorbed by matter. This makes X-rays a better choice for NDT of thin materials, such as sheet metal. Gamma rays have a higher energy than X-rays, which means that they can penetrate thicker materials. This makes gamma rays a better choice for NDT of thick materials, such as castings and welds.
The choice of radiation source for NDT also depends on the specific application. For example, if the NDT is being performed on a radioactive material, then a gamma ray source would be the best choice. If the NDT is being performed on a human patient, then an X-ray source would be the best choice.
What are the safety precautions that need to be taken when using radiography?
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Radiography is a powerful tool for NDT, but it also can be very dangerous if not used correctly. When our technicians carry out Radiography, they wear the correct PPE, keep exposure time to a minimum, don’t come in to contact with the primary beam and use shielding methods. All our testing is completed in the safest conditions possible adhering to HSE guidelines.
Key benefits of Radiography
Permanent documentation
Radiography can provide a permanent record of the inspection results, which can be useful for documentation and future reference. The radiograph image can be stored and reviewed by multiple people, which can help to ensure that the inspection results are accurate and reliable
Accurate detection
Radiography can detect small defects that are not visible to the naked eye or by other NDT methods, making it a valuable tool for inspecting critical components where even small defects can pose a safety risk.
Non-destructive method
It is a non-destructive testing method that can be used to inspect large circumference items such as butt welds without the need to disassemble them. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective testing method for these types of items.
Highly effective
It is a highly effective method for detecting defects, including volumetric and planar defects. Radiography can detect a wide range of defects, including cracks, voids, inclusions, and delaminations.
Versatile
Radiography can be used on a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and concrete, making it a versatile NDT method that can be used in a variety of industries.
Permanent documentation
Radiography can provide a permanent record of the inspection results, which can be useful for documentation and future reference. The radiograph image can be stored and reviewed by multiple people, which can help to ensure that the inspection results are accurate and reliable
Accurate detection
Radiography can detect small defects that are not visible to the naked eye or by other NDT methods, making it a valuable tool for inspecting critical components where even small defects can pose a safety risk.
Non-destructive method
It is a non-destructive testing method that can be used to inspect large circumference items such as butt welds without the need to disassemble them. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective testing method for these types of items.
Highly effective
It is a highly effective method for detecting defects, including volumetric and planar defects. Radiography can detect a wide range of defects, including cracks, voids, inclusions, and delaminations.
Versatile
Radiography can be used on a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and concrete, making it a versatile NDT method that can be used in a variety of industries.
Did you know....
50%
of all NDT inspections are Radiography, according to the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).
90%
decrease in product failures can be achieved by using Radiography, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
4 million
radiographic inspections were carried out in the oil and gas industry in 2019.
Hear what our customers have to say
We care about the journey we take our customers on, but it’s not our word you should be taking, see what our customers think of the service we provided!
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BES is a really disruptive force in the market, they are able to provide a variety of necessary services to their customers and none of the other big players are able to provide that breadth of services.
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Industry competitor
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We have been with BES for the past 5 years and don’t plan on switching providers. They are very flexible with their services and are able to bring the best inspectors who can deal with on the ground challenges and build real relationships with clients.
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Customer
Global Technical Services Manager
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The BES inspectors are way more technically competent and diligent compared to other providers. I previously used Allianz, and BES definitely stands out due to their strong technical competence and strong back office support.
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Customer
Project Operations Manager
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The industry requires competence to be demonstrated, typically through UKAS accreditation, which is a prerequisite for many major clients. BES is type A accredited, which is preferred, they can provide highly objective opinions.
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Customer
Senior Project Manager
Why choose us
Flexible service
We can carry out radiography inspections in our facility or at your site. However, the HSE requires that any transportable items be brought to our facility for radiography inspection.
Protected Service
Our technicians are highly trained radiation protection supervisors (RPS) who work under strict legislative requirements in controlled conditions in accordance with the Ionizing Radiation Regulations (IRR), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Environment Agency.
Standardised Testing
All our radiographic inspections are conducted in accordance with established methods and procedures and evaluated against relevant standards.
Our related services
Eddy Current Testing
Liquid (Dye) Penetrant Inspection
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
Positive Material Identification
Q10 Material Sampling and Analysis
Ultrasonic Testing
Visual Inspection
Our sectors
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