Film radiography is a sequence of controlled steps. A useful radiograph depends on the job requirements, the agreed technique, the condition of the film system and careful records—not on exposure alone. This overview is for learning and planning; use the current project documents and approved written procedure for every examination.
1. Review the examination requirements
Confirm the component, material, thickness range, weld or area to be examined, examination extent, applicable acceptance document and reporting requirements. Check the approved procedure for the technique, source, film system, screens, image quality indicator (IQI), identification and viewing requirements. Resolve missing or conflicting instructions with the responsible technical authority before work begins.
2. Plan the technique and protect people
Establish the exposure arrangement and coverage from the approved technique. Confirm that the equipment and accessories are suitable and serviceable, prepare identification markers and plan how each exposure will be indexed. Before exposure, check the survey meter and required safety equipment, establish and secure the controlled or restricted area, and verify warning systems and communications as required by the site radiation-protection program. Industrial radiography uses ionizing radiation: only authorized, qualified personnel should carry out the work under applicable local rules and emergency arrangements.
3. Load, position and expose
Handle film with clean, dry hands or clean gloves and keep it protected from light, pressure, moisture and contamination. Load the cassette in the correct orientation. Place the IQI, markers and backscatter indicator where the procedure requires them. Verify component identity, coverage, geometry and exposure settings against the technique before initiating an exposure. After each exposure, follow the required survey and re-entry procedure: for sealed-source equipment, confirm with the survey meter that the source is back in its shielded position; for X-ray equipment, confirm shutdown and area conditions as required. Never rely on an equipment indicator alone. Record the exposure identification and any relevant deviations.
4. Process and review the radiograph
Process film using the specified chemicals, temperature, time and replenishment controls for the film and processor in use. A manual process commonly uses a prescribed developer, stop bath or rinse, fixer, wash and final rinse/dry sequence, but the exact solutions and order depend on the film and chemistry instructions. Automatic processors use their own configured cycle. Follow the exact instructions and processor manual rather than combining steps or settings from different systems. Prevent mix-ups by keeping identification with the film through processing. Under suitable viewing conditions, first check identification and the image-quality requirements that apply—including coverage, specified density range, IQI visibility and possible processing or handling artifacts—then interpret indications within the examiner’s authorization.
5. Evaluate, report and retain
Interpretation describes what the image shows; evaluation compares relevant indications with the acceptance criteria specified for the job. These are distinct decisions. Record the result, image references, procedure and any required re-examination or disposition. Retain films and reports according to the contract and document-control rules.
ISO 17636-1:2022 specifies film radiographic techniques for welded joints; its scope expressly does not set acceptance levels for indications. Always confirm the governing acceptance standard and project requirements separately.