Automation of weld defect identification in radiography using gamma gradient discontinuity detection.The purpose of this invention is to automate the process of identification of defects in x-ray images. What problem(s) does it solve? Manually identifying defective welds in hundreds of x-ray images is a time consuming process. There is always the possibility of human error. Automating this process can, potentially, lead to a reduction in expenses and fewer errors. How does present invention differ from present technology? What advantages over existing technologies does it possess? The existing systems are designed to be used as decision support systems for a wider range of radiographic image subjects (eg. Chipsets). The proposed system aims, specifically, to automate the process of identifying defects in welded joints. What particular features of the invention are unusual? Systems attempting to address a wider range of radiographic images tend to employ complex logic, such as neural networks, to identify defects. The proposed system targets a specific type of radiographic image subject, thus, allowing it to use a simple and fast, difference-based gamma discontinuity detection algorithm for defect identification.

1. Copyright @ ThinkSmart 2012
Smart way to build software solutions

2. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
What problem(s) does it solve?
Manually identifying defective welds in hundreds of x-ray images is a time consuming
process. There is always the possibility of human error. Automating this process can,
potentially, lead to a reduction in expenses and fewer errors.

3. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
How does present invention differ from present technology? What advantages over
existing technologies does it possess?
The existing systems are designed to be used as decision support systems for a wider
range of radiographic image subjects (eg. Chipsets).
The proposed system aims, specifically, to automate the process of identifying defects in
welded joints.

4. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
What particular features of the product are unusual?
Systems attempting to address a wider range of radiographic images tend to employ
complex logic, such as neural networks, to identify defects.
The proposed system targets a specific type of radiographic image subject, thus, allowing
it to use a simple and fast, difference-based gamma discontinuity detection algorithm for
defect identification.

5. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
Radiography is a nondestructive examination method that uses invisible
Xray, or Gamma radiation to examine the interior of materials.
„ It gives a permanent film record of defects that is relatively easy to
interpret.
Although this is a slow and expensive method of nondestructive
examination, it is a positive method for detecting porosity, inclusions, cracks,
and voids in the interior of castings, welds, other structures.„

6. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
X-ray generated by electron bombardment of tungsten, and gamma rays
emitted by radioactive elements are penetrating radiation whose intensity is
modified by passage through a material.
„ The amount of enegry absorbed by a material depends on its thickness
and density. Energy not absorbed by the material will cause exposure of the
radiographic film. Those area will be dark when the film is developed.

7. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
Areas of material where the thickness has
been changed by discontinuities, such as
porosity or cracks, will appear as dark outlines
on the film.
„ All discontinuities are detected by
viewing shape and variations in the density of
the processed film.

8. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012
Weld Defect Identification System :
Applications:
It is used for examination of weldments in
all types of materials.
Pipeline industry to ensure proper weld
quality.

9. Copyright @ Thinksmart 2012