1. Scope

1.1 Purpose—Practices to be employed for the radiographic examination of materials and components with neutrons using digital neutron detectors are outlined herein. They are intended as a guide for the assessment of digital neutron radiographs characteristics. For information on neutron beam lines for imaging and film neutron radiography, refer to ASTM E748.
1.2 Limitations—Acceptance standards have not been established for any material or production process. Neutron radiography, whether performed by means of a reactor, an accelerator, subcritical assembly, or radioactive source, will be consistent in sensitivity and resolution only if the consistency of all details of the technique, such as neutron source, collimation, geometry, film, etc., are maintained. This guide is limited to the use of digital neutron detectors in combination with neutron conversion materials for image recording. This guide is intended for use with thermal and cold neutron spectrums. The production of thermal neutron radiographs by employing the use of film and appropriate conversion screens is covered in ASTM E545-19.
1.3 Interpretation and Acceptance Standards—Interpretation and acceptance standards are not covered by this guide. Designation of accept-reject standards is recognized to be within the cognizance of product specifications.
1.4 Other Aspects of the Neutron Radiographic Process—For many important aspects of neutron radiography such as technique, files, viewing of radiographs, storage of radiographs, film processing, and record keeping, refer to Guide E94, which covers these aspects for X-ray radiography. (See Section 2.)
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 Safety Practices—General practices for personnel protection against neutron and associated radiation peculiar to the neutron radiologic process are discussed in Section 18. Jurisdictional nuclear regulations will also apply.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Keywords

Digital; neutron; computed; digital detector array; radiography; n-ray; Camera-Based System;

Rationale

Guide for digital methods of neutron imaging for NDT. Current standards for neutron radiography are generally applicable to film. There is great demand for digital neutron standards in the committee.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.