WO2007103060A2

WO2007103060A2 - Apparatus & method for radiographing pipelines & similar objects

Info

Publication number: WO2007103060A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/005097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chad C. Savoy
Original assignee: Savoy Chad C
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2007-02-27
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: WO2007103060A3

Abstract

A radiography method utilizing a series of lead tiles having identification marking on one side and its opposing side being of hook and loop construction to permit the lead tiles to attach to a page having at least one side being of hook and loop construction that forms part of a binder that is included in an identification kit for use in the non-destructive testing of a pipe weld or similar metal joint. The page is constructed whereby the identification marking can be clearly seen. The kit further includes an elongated flexible identification belt having one side being at least partially of hook and loop construction for use in positioning metal tiles containing information markings about an object to be radiographed.

Description

Appartύs & Method for Radiographing Pipelines & Similar Objects

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention. This invention relates in general to non-destructive testing of objects, and more particularly to a tile positioning belt, a carrying device for transporting to the site of the testing the tile positioning belt and other items to be used in the testing, as well as methods of radiographing a pipe weld in the field utilizing the tile positioning belt.

Prior Art. It is often necessary to go into the field and test welds on pipe fittings, vessels, tanks, pipelines or other similar objects to determine if these welds were properly made or if there has been any deterioration in the welded areas that could result in leakage from the object to be tested. In many instances the testing must be done at locations that are difficult to reach. In such instances it is necessary to hand carry the testing equipment some distance before reaching the test site. One of the more common ways to conduct the inspection is through the use of non-destructive testing procedures such as gamma radiography. This necessitates transporting to the site, not only the radiation source, but also radiation warning signs, a lead flash pad, hundreds of lead information tiles, multiple metal IQI or penetrameters, multiple high temperature stress tape strips of varying lengths, and multiple charts used to determine the radiation exposure conditions and the IQI or penetrameter selection. Once the radiographer has arrived at the test site, the radiographer must first clean the exterior surface of the object area being tested in order to affix a tile- positioning belt. Once the surface of the object is sufficiently clean, the radiographer must then construct the tile-positioning belt. This involves attaching various information tiles and IQI or penetrameters to a flexible elongated tape strip. The current practice is to attach the tiles and IQI or penetrameters to the tape strip with additional pieces of tape. The tiles and IQI or penetrameters will have information markings on one surface that will identify the test, the type object tested, the test number, and other information that may be desired. This information can include the stencil number (i.e., the welder identity), the weld number, the tracer number, the repair number, the object diameter and wall thickness, and/or other information needed for record keeping purposes. Unfortunately, when taping the small tiles and IQI or penetrameters to the elongated strip it can result in covering up the information markings on the tile. In many instances it is not known which tiles or IQI or penetrameters will be placed on the tape until a physical inspection is made of the object being tested. For this reason the radiographer must carry hundreds of different tiles in order to ensure that the tile-positioning belt can be assembled on site having the necessary tile pieces attached. The current practice to carry the tiles to the test site is to place the loose tiles and other items in a closed box. Keeping the tiles properly separated in a manner to easily and quickly identify the correct tile can be difficult. As a result the construction of the tile-positioning belt in the field is a time consuming task and often results in covering up the identification markings that can result in the radiographer not realizing the wrong tiles have been placed on the tape. The current procedure results too often in a belt that has the wrong tiles attached. Mistakes in selecting the correct tile can result in having to redo the radiography test. In most cases this mistake is not caught until after the radiographer has returned to his office and reviewed the film in his darkroom. When this occurs a second trip to the field site becomes necessary, and thus, adding to the time and costs to perform the testing.

Another problem results in the need to clean the object (e.g., a pipe) before the tile- positioning belt can be attached to the pipe. If the object is not sufficiently clean, then the risk that the tile-positioning belt will slip out of position increases. If the tile-positioning belt slips then it becomes necessary to re-position the tile-positioning belt on the object and to re-take the radiographic pictures. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that is more easily and quickly assembled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that can be adjusted in the field to accommodate non-standard circumference objects that have welds to be tested.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that can be more easily attached adjacent the pipe fitting, vessel, tank, pipeline, or other similar type weld that is to be radiographed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that facilitates the positioning of the radioactive source to be used for radiographing a pipe fitting, vessel, tank, pipeline, or other similar type welds.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that permits easier viewing of the lead tiles and metal IQI or penetrameters assembled on the tile- positioning belt.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioning belt that reduces the time to take multiple radiographic shots of a single pipe fitting, vessel, tank, pipeline, or other similar type welds.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tile-positioήing belt to be utilized when the object is of irregular shape, such as pipe fittings, flanges, 90° elbows, tees, valves, boiler tubes, and forgings.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a carrying device that can be used to transport most of the items necessary to perform the non-destructive radiographic testing of a weld in the field. Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying device that allows easier organization and separation of the information lead tiles, metal IQI or penetrameters, and other items used to perform on site radiography of pipe fittings, vessels, tanks, pipeline, or other similar type welds.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carrying device for storing and carrying the strips and tiles used in construction of tile-positioning belts, as well as other items useful in radiographic testing of pipe fittings, vessels, tanks, pipeline, or other similar type welds that reduce errors in the selection of tiles and IQI or penetrameters, and permit easier and quicker construction of the tile-positioning belt used to hold the tiles and IQI or penetrameters in the desired position about the pipe fittings, vessels, tanks, pipeline, or other similar type welds.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pocket-sized binder that can hold identification tiles and various charts to calculate exposure times, IQI or penetrameter selection and total wall thicness (figured with reinforcement).

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved method to more quickly and accurately radiograph pipe fittings, vessels, tanks, pipeline, or other similar type welds.

Other objects and advantages of this invention shall become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is an improved tile-positioning belt comprising a novel combination of a securing strip, a tile-attachment pad, and one or more identification tiles utilized in radiographing a pipe fitting, vessel, tank, pipeline, or other similar type weld. Each belt is constructed to facilitate the attachment of the correct tiles to the strip and to allow quicker and accurate positioning of the tiles about the weld during the radiographing procedure. The belt comprises a relatively narrow flexible strip of material, preferably constructed from a high temperature stress tape, having one or more pieces of Velcro® or other hook-type or loop-type pieces affixed to one side of the strip. The belt preferably is constructed of a length that permits the belt to extend around the pipe fitting, vessel, tank, pipeline, or other similar type weld being radiographed and to have its opposing ends positionable to overlap and be attachable to one another. In this embodiment the overlapping sections each have mating Velcro® or similar hook-and-loop type material attached to permit the overlapping sections to be attached to one another by pressing them together. In a preferred embodiment numbered lead tiles will be affixed to the strip and spaced an equal distance from one another when the strip is positioned on the pipe. The number of such tiles will equal the number of radiographic shots that will be made of a weld. The position of the numbered tiles is preferably indicated by a visible vertical marking and a number on the tile. This vertical marking is used in setting the position of the radioactive source to better ensure that the film will not be lighter or darker on its ends and the identification markings will not be unacceptably blown out of proportion; i.e., the desired geometrical unsharpness is achieved. In another preferred embodiment between adjacent numbered tiles there will be multiple such Velcro® or hook-and-loop pieces spaced apart to define an area between adjacent numbered tiles where the other tiles are to be affixed. In a more preferred embodiment a center line indicator marking will be vertically positioned equally distant between adjacent numbered tiles to assist in the alignment of the IQI or penetrameter tiles on the belt. • The pad is constructed having a hook-type attaching surface and an opposite loop-type attaching surface. The pad will be of sufficient length to extend between and be attached to the adjacent pieces of hook-and-loop fasteners affixed to the strip between the numbered tiles. The information tiles comprise small thin lead member sandwiched between a rectangular tape strip and a rectangular hook- or loop-type strip. It is preferred that the lead member has the shape of the marking to be indicated on the surface of the tape strip, and generally consist of letters, numbers or combination thereof. These markings will indicate certain information or identification of a feature of the object and its weld. The tiles can include separate lead, steel or other metal tiles to identify the weld number, the stencil number, the object diameter, the object wall thickness, or the IQI or penetrameter. If desired a single tile can contain multiple pieces of information or identification data, hi a preferred embodiment the information or identification marking will be visually highlighted when affixed to the pad for easier viewing. Each tile will have affixed to the side opposite the markings information or identification data a hook-and-loop piece selected to permit the tile to be affixed to the pad.

In another alternate preferred embodiment when radiographing larger pipes (e.g., 12"-42" outside diameter) it is preferred to affix one or more magnetic adhesive strips to the strip to hold the belt to the pipe while positioning the belt adjacent to the weld. These magnetic strips should be positioned on the strip at positions that will not interfere with the radiographic shots. Such positions would include affixing them to the side of the strip opposite the side the information tiles will be attached. The opposite side of the belt would have a hook-and-loop type fastener such as described above affixed thereto. In this embodiment the tiles could be fixed directly to the fastener rather than to a separate pad. In still another alternate preferred embodiment for use in radiographing small diameter pipe (2" and below) a lead flash pad having a fastener affixed to one side can be used.

In another alternate preferred embodiment for use in radiographing pipe fittings, boiler tubing, and other similar objects having non-standard diameters and circumferences is an adjustable belt. The adjustable belt is a long, narrow strip having one side covered with loop-type material and the other side having one section covered with hook-type material. Tiles having markings indicating the radiographing positions are affixable to the loop-type material. These tiles are constructed similarly as the information tiles. The length of the adjustable belt must be greater than the circumference at the weld of the object be tested.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a novel carrying device for the strips, tiles, or other equipment needed by a radiographer in the field to perform on-site gamma radiography of a pipe weld. The carrying device includes one or more pages to which tiles can be attached. More preferably each page is perforated along one edge to permit it to be affixed to a conventional ring channel. In one embodiment the page can be a generally rectangular piece of material having either a hook-type fastener or loop-type fastener covering some or all of at least one surface of the page. In a more preferred embodiment each page will be constructed from a rectangular sheet of plastic, or other similar material, having at least one, but most preferably, both of its surfaces substantially covered with either a hook-type fastener tape or loop-type fastener tape wherein the hook or loop members face outwardly from the plastic sheet surface. In a preferred embodiment each page will be separated from one another by a plastic sheet to prevent the opposing tiles on adjacent pages from rubbing against one another. It is preferred the plastic sheet be transparent to permit viewing of the tiles positioned under the plastic sheet. In an alternate embodiment the hook- type fastener tape or the loop-type fastener tape only covers that portion of the plastic surface necessary to attach the pad or the various tile positioning strips. For the page or pages to be used to attach the various length belts, it is preferred that an elastic cord or other known securing device be attached to the page and be extendable over the tile positioning strips when they are attached to the hook-type fastener or loop-type fastener tapes. Alternatively, an envelope or other conventional pocket member can be used to hold the strips separate from one another. In this embodiment it is preferred that the envelope or pocket member be securable to the carrying device. In another preferred embodiment the carrying device will have a front cover and back cover attached to one another by a spine provided with a ring channel to which the pages can be secured. In a more preferred embodiment the front cover and the back cover will be provided with various compartments constructed to hold various other pieces of equipment needed at the site. For example, this could include the gamma radiation exposure calculator, information charts, writing implements, note pads, lead flash pad, or the radiation warning signs. In another preferred embodiment when access to the contents in the carrying device is not needed, a fastening means is attached to the front and back covers to prevent them from opening when not in use and to better secure the tiles and other equipment in the carrying device. Such fastening devices would include, by way of example, a conventional zipper or snap assembly or other such similar known devices.

In another embodiment of this invention an identification tile and information reference carrying strip is provided. The strip will be elongated and constructed from material that can be folded back onto itself. One side of the strip is covered with a loop-type material. To this side desired information tiles can be affixed. The other side of the strip has separated surface areas on which are fixed information tables. The strip is constructed to be folded between the separated information tables. In a preferred embodiment there will be information tables providing the exposure calculations, the IQI or penetrometer selection criteria, and the total wall thickness figured with reinforcement. Both ends of this surface will be covered with hook-type material. In a preferred embodiment, the odd number separated space from each end is partially covered with a vertical strip of loop-type material and a vertical strip of hook-type material to facilitate holding the strip in folded position when not in use.

In a further embodiment of this invention a method of testing the condition of an object weld is provided. This method includes transporting to the site of the object weld the necessary items needed to construct the tile positioning belt, as well as the other items needed to set up and perform the radiographing of the pipeline weld. At the testing site selecting the tile securing strip corresponding to the parameters of the object at the weld, selecting the information tiles and IQI or penetrameter tile necessary for subsequent identification of the radiograph and analysis of the weld, affixing the information tiles to the belt pad by use of hook-and-loop fasteners, attaching the belt pad to the belt strip by use of hook-and-loop fasteners, affixing to the object a first radiographic film strip over the belt pad and section of the object weld being radiographed, then positioning the radioactive source at a predetermined position relative to the information tiles to obtain the radiographic image desired, exposing the radioactive source for a predetermined time period, removing the belt pad from the belt strip, replacing any information tiles on the pad with new information tiles required for the second radiographic image to be taken of the object weld, securing any removed information tiles in a carrying device, affixing the belt pad to a second predetermined position on the belt strip, securing to the object a second radiographic film strip over the belt pad and second section of the object weld being radiographed, then adjusting the position of the radioactive source relative to the information tiles to obtain the second radiographic image desire, exposing the radioactive source for a predetermined period of time, removing the second film strip, repeating this process until each of the radiographic images has been obtained, removing the information tiles from the belt pad and storing them in the carrying device, removing the belt pad and storing it in the carrying device, and removing the belt strip from about the object and storing it in the carrying device. Preferably the information tiles are grouped close to each other to minimize their footprint on the belt pad. In most testing there will generally be three or more pictures taken at equally distance angles relative to the center of the object. It is also preferred that the information tiles are not positioned at either end of the belt so as not to interfere with securing the belt strip to the pipeline. Preferably the IQI orpenetrameter tiles are positioned on the belt pad so as to be centered about the center line indicator marking as required by governmental regulations. In a preferred embodiment the radiographic filmstrip is positioned over the belt pad and weld section and attached in place by tape, bungee cord, or other such known means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of this invention. However, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive, nor limiting of the invention. They are but examples of some of the forms in which the invention may be practiced.

Figure I is an exploded view of the belt comprising a Velcro^® covered strip having magnetic strips for initial positioning of the belt to the pipe and illustrating a pad to which are attached identification tiles being positioned to radiograph the section of the weld between position 2 and position 3 as indicated on the belt.

Figure II is a three-quarter perspective view of an adjustable belt for use on pipe fittings and other objects having non-standard circumferences adjacent the weld to be tested.

Figure HA. is a front view of the adjustable belt in Figure II.

Figure IIB is a rear view of the adjustable belt of Figure II.

Figure III is a schematic illustrating the relative position of the radioactive source to the information tiles attached to the belt strip of Figure I and secured to the pipeline for radiographing different section of the pipeline weld.

Figure IV is a cross-sectional view of abutting pipes joined by a weld with the tile positioning belt of Figure I wrapped around the weld.

Figure V is a three-quarter perspective of a partially opened binder forming a part of the radiography kit.

Figure VI is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Figure V.

Figure VII is a three-quarter perspective view of the pocket-sized binder in a partially, folded position.

Figure VHA is a front view of the side of the pocket-sized binder of Figure VII used desired identification tiles.

Figure VHB is a top view of the pocket-sized binder of Figure VII.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This invention has application for radiography testing of various types of metallic objects, such as plates, pipes, pipe fittings, vessels, or other three-dimensional objects. Without any intent to limit the scope of this invention, reference is made to the figures in describing the preferred embodiments of the invention when utilized for radiography testing of pipe joint welds.

Figure I illustrates a preferred embodiment combination of tile positioning assembly or belt 1 comprising a tile securing strip 2 of flexible material constructed from paper, plastic, high temperature stress tape, rubber or other non-metallic material that does not interfere with the radiography testing, an attachable tile attachment pad 3 on which information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrometer tiles 20 can be attached and placed in position for conducting a radiography test of a pipe weld or other similar metal object.

Securing strip 2 is preferably constructed from high temperature stress tape. The preferred size and shape of strip 2 depends on the size and shape of the object that will be radiographed and the number of different images of the object to being tested. Figure I illustrates a securing strip 2 used in conjunction with a 14 inch outside diameter pipe wherein the weld area is divided into four sections and one shot of each section is to be taken. It is also preferred that the strip material have sufficient rigidity to prevent the material from rolling over on itself from the weight of the information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tiles 20 when the securing strip 2 is in position on the object being tested. It is also preferred the material possess sufficient flexibility and durability to permit the securing strip2 to be reused multiple times, as well as to be folded for compact storage when not in use.

When testing pipe joint welds it is preferred that securing strip2 have a length greater than the outer circumference of the pipe joint to permit securing strip 2 to be wrapped around the pipe adjacent the weld joint. When testing welds on large diameter pipes the positioning of securing strip 2 can become cumbersome due to the length of securing strip 2.

In these instances it is preferred that magnetic adhesive strips 5 be affixed at a position on the inner surface 6 of securing strip 2 where they will not to interfere with the placement of the IQI or penetrameter tile 20 or the radiographic shot. More particularly, it is preferred that magnetic strips 5 be positioned on securing strip 2 at a position coinciding with one or more of the perimeters of the weld sections to be radiographed when securing strip 2 is attached adjacent the pipeline weld.

Securing strip 2 in Figure I is configured to facilitate taking radiographs of the four segments making up the pipe weld as illustrated in Figure III. To simplify the procedure of taking each of the four radiographs, securing strip 2 is constructed to have sufficient length to wrap around the pipe adjacent the weld. In addition its length should allow some overlap to permit the opposing end sections 7 and 8 of strip 2 to be attached to one another to hold securing strip 2 firmly against the exterior surface of the pipe. It is preferred that this attachment be accomplished by the use of Velcro® or similar hook-and-loop type fasteners.

A loop-type fastener 9 is attached to end section 7 on the exterior surface 10 of securing strip 2. A hook-type fastener 11 is attached to end section 8 on strip surface 6 so that it can be overlapped and pressed against loop-type fastener 9 to affix the two together.

The non-overlapped segment 12 of strip 2 is marked to indicate the edges of four equal length sections of the strip 2. The position of these edges is visually identified by position numbers "1", "2", "3" and "4" and marked on strip 2 by vertical segment number lines 13. There will be a lead member having a number shape corresponding to the position number affixed underneath each of the lines 13. Ih a preferred embodiment a thin plate 14 having one of the position numbers marked on the exterior surface of plate 14 is fixed to securing plate side 10 by a piece of tape on which line 13 and the corresponding position number will be marked.

In Figure II an adjustable belt 56 is designed to be used when the object being tested is not of a regular shape. Such objects can include pipe fittings, flanges, 90° elbows, tees, valves, and forgings. In these situations it becomes necessary to measure the object circumference at the position of the weld. With, the circumference the testing personnel can then calculate where the position of the radiographic shots will be. Iri order to mark these positions on belt 56 the numbered identification tiles 4 can be used. Belt 56 will be a narrow, elongated strip 57 having one side 58 provided with a hook- or loop-type covered fastener surface to 59 which tiles 4 can be attached and spaced apart at the calculated distance from each other. The opposite side 60 will be partially covered with the opposite type fastener surface material (i.e., either hook- or loop-type fastener). It is preferred that this covered surface 61 be positioned at one end section of side 60 to facilitate attaching the opposite end section to one another and tightly around the obj ect.

Referring now to Figures III and TV when securing strip 2 is secured adjacent pipeline weld 15 and about one of the two adjoining pipes 16A and 16B the position numbers are positioned to divide the circumference of pipeline weld 15 into four equal length arcs Ct₅ β₅ Y, and δ. Securing strip 2 is also constructed to more accurately position the information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tile 20, as well as the radioactive source 17 for taking a radiographic shot. In a preferred embodiment this is accomplished by visibly marked tile positioning lines 18 being positioned equally distance between each set of adjacent segment number lines 13. In a more preferred embodiment each tile positioning line 18 is marked in red or some other color than segment number lines 13. It is also preferred that each belt 1 be clearly identifiable by marking across tile positioning line 18 a belt code marking 19 indicating the pipe diameter and number of radiographic shots for which the belt 1 has been designed; e.g., "14 x 4". In this embodiment mistakes will be minimized because both tile positioning lines 18 and belt code marking 19 will be clearly visible when securing strip 2 is secured about pipe 16. If a radiographic shot is to be taken of the weld section denoted by arc "«" as illustrated in Figure IE, then the metal IQI orpenetrameter tile 20 will be aligned adjacent line 18« and the radioactive source 17 will be positioned on the axis formed by line 18« and 18Y. This positioning of the radioactive source 17 and IQI or penetrameter tile 20 will ensure that the image on film strip 21 will not be unacceptably light or dark on its perimeter section, and that the identification markings from information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tile 20 will not be overly enlarged on the film strip 21.

Referring back to Figure I, belt pad 3 is attached to securing strip 2 by a series of loop-type fastener segments 22 are affixed to securing strip exterior surface 10. In a preferred embodiment there is a segment 22 positioned on either side of position numbers "2", "3", and "4". It is preferred that segments 22 be spaced sufficiently apart from the position numbers to permit the position numbers to remain clearly visible when securing strip 2 is attached to pipe 16A. In a preferred embodiment the distance "LN" between adjacent segments 22 will be approximately equal regardless of belt length to permit more standardization in the size and shape of belt pad 2.

In yet another alternate embodiment securing strip 2 could be constructed of a single piece of material having a hook-type fastener surface and an opposing loop-type fastener surface. In another alternate embodiment securing strip 2 could be constructed of a hook- type fastener tape affixed to a loop-type fastener tape forming an exterior hook-type fastener surface and opposing exterior loop-type fastener surface.

Belt pad 3 will have a length greater than LN to permit it to extend over adjacent segments 22. Interior facing surface 23 of belt pad 3 is constructed having a hook-type fastener surface that will mate with the exterior facing loop-type fastener surface of segments 22. The exterior facing surface 24 of belt pad 3 is constructed to have the opposite type fastener surface than is fixed to exterior securing strip surface 10. It is also preferred that belt pad 3 is constructed having sufficient surface space to permit the desired information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tile 20 to be attached to belt pad 3 and positioned above exterior strip surface 10 and between adjacent segments 22.

Each of tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tile 20 include a lead plate or metal shim 25, respectively, that has one or more conventional information or identification markings 26 engraved or otherwise affixed to the exterior facing surface 27 of the shim or plate 25. Affixed to surface 27, and opposite markings 26, is a hook-type fastener tape segment 28 whereby the hook-type fastener segment 28 faces away from markings 26.

Turning now to Figures V and VI, a preferred embodiment of a radiography kit 29 is illustrated. Kit 29 includes securing strips 2, belt pads 3, information tiles 4, and IQI or penetrameter tiles 20, as well as a carrying device, such as binder 30, for transporting the pieces used to assembly belt 1. In a preferred embodiment kit 29 will also include other items that are used in radiographing a pipeline weld. <

Binder 30 comprises a front cover 31, a rear cover 32, a spine 33 attaching the front and rear covers at one of their side edges 34 and 35, respectively. The binder 30 also includes a conventional ring channel 36 having rings 37 that can be opened and closed. In a more preferred embodiment rings 37 can be opened or closed by use of triggers or boosters 38.

Binder 30 also includes one or more pages 39 provided with perforations 40 to permit the pages 39 to be secured in conventional fashion to rings 37. It is preferred that pages 39 be constructed of stiff plastic or similar material 41 that will hold up to the use in the field. It is also preferred that in a vertical position pages 39 will remain reasonably flat when information tiles 4 are attached. At least one page 42 will have one surface 43 at least partially covered by either hook-type or loop-type fastener material 44, such as Velcro^®, that has been glued or otherwise permanently affixed to surface 43. As illustrated in Figure V, it is preferred both sides 45 and 46 of page 42 can be covered in whole or part by the material 44. If desired pages 39 can be provided with identification tabs 47 to identify the type of tiles 4 that are attached to pages 39. It is also preferred that a clear vinyl page 39A be affixed in the binder to separate the adjacent page surfaces to minimize the wear on the identification tiles 4.

Kit 29 further includes a series of information and identification tiles 4 as described above. In radiography of pipe welds, typical information markings 26 include a marking to identify the weld number, the welder, the pipe diameter, the pipe wall thickness, or the IQI or penetrameter indicators. Other indicator tiles 4 can be used to identify the customer, the pipeline contractor, the radiography company, or any other information desired.

In a preferred embodiment a variety of tile attachment pads 3 will be made before traveling to the field site to correspond to the most common pipe sizes and number of shots. This may result in 5-15 different pads 3. In a preferred embodiment as there will be one or more pages 39, such as page 42 illustrated in Figure V designed to hold the attachment pads 3. Alternatively, the inside surface 48 and 49 of the front cover 31 or back cover 32, respectively, can be used. This is illustrated in Figure V wherein inside surface 49 of back cover 32 is provided with two parallel, horizontal strips 50 and 51 of loop fastener type material. Strips 50 and 51 are spaced apart so that when the tile securing strips 2 are folded, their loop fastener type segments 22 can mate with strips 50 and 51. In a preferred embodiment one or more securing straps 52 attached to back cover 32 and positioned to extend over tile attachment pads 3 when they are attached to strips 50 and 51. Strap 52 can be one or more elastic cords as illustrated or any other conventional securing device, such as a strap that snaps to surface 49 or a strap that can be attached to surface 49 using a hook and loop fastener or with the pocket information binder illustrated in Figure VII.

In another preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure V, inside surface 48 of the front cover 31 or the inside surface 49 of the back cover 32 could be constructed having pockets 53 to hold pens, pencils, small note pads, a number card, charts, gamma radiation exposure calculator, radiation area warning signs, or other items that are to be carried into the filed during the radiography tests. In still another preferred embodiment front cover 31 and rear cover 32 are constructed to be secured shut when not in use. This can be achieved by any number of well known mechanisms such as zippers or a snap tab 54 as is illustrated in Figure V.

In Figure VII the pocket information binder 62 comprises an elongated strip 63 having a width less than the width of a typical shirt pocket. A series of charts and/or calculation tables 64 will be affixed on one side 65 of strip 63. As illustrated in Figure VnA, it is preferred that the charts and tables 64 be separated from one another a sufficient distance to permit the strip 63 to be folded back on itself without creasing the charts and tables 64. It is desired that these charts and tables provide the necessary information for the radiographer to make the necessary exposure calculations, as well to assist in identifying the correct IQI or penetrameter to be attached to tile-positioning belt 1, and determining the correct position that the tiles 4 will be placed on the belt 1. Opposite end sections 66 and 67 of side 65 are covered with either a hook- or loop-type material. In a preferred embodiment the section 68 of side 65 between two of the charts/tables 64, and which will make contact with the opposite side 69 of strip 63 when the binder 62 is in a folded position as illustrated in Figure VIIB, be covered with the opposite type of hook- or loop-type material that covers the opposite side 65 of strip 63. Those tiles 4 that are most likely to be used on a particular field trip are attached to side 65 and strip 63 is folded along fold lines 70. The opposite ends of strip 63 are pressed to together to maintain binder 62 in a folded position.

To begin the radiographic procedure, the radiographer selects the correct belt 1 and secures it about the pipe 16 adjacent to weld 15 with the markings 26 positioned at the spot to be radiographed as shown in Figures IV and V. The radiographer can then use kit 29 to quickly and easily place the required information tiles 4 and IQI or penetrameter tiles 20 onto pad 3. This is accomplished by opening binder 30 to expose pages 39 containing the desire tiles 4. The tiles 4 and 20 are pulled from the page 39 and their loop fastener segment mated with the hook fastener segment of pad 3 by simply pressing the two segments against one another. This step is repeated until all desired tiles 4 and 20 have been stuck to tile securing pad 3.

Once pad 3 has been fitted with all required tiles 4, it is attached to belt 1 with the IQI or penetrameter tile 20 positioned on positioning line 18. The information markings 26 should be positioned so as not to interfere with the image of the weld 15. The radiographic film 21 is secured over tiles 4 and 20 and weld 15 by tape 55 or other similar conventional means, such as a bungee chord. The radioactive source 17 is then positioned on the opposite side of pipe 16 from where the film strip 21 is attached. The radioactive source 17 is then exposed for a predetermined period of time. The tape 55 is removed and the film 21 recovered for development and analysis.

* If more than one picture is to be taken of weld 15 from different angles, then as illustrated in Figure III then pad 3 is moved to the next position. A new film strip is positioned and secured as before over the tiles 4 and 20 and weld 15 at the spot to be radiographed. The radioactive source 17 is moved to be opposite the film on the other side of the pipe 16 as before and then exposed to the film for the desired period of time. The new filmstrip is then removed. This procedure is repeated for each radiographic shot to be taken.

There are of course other alternate embodiments which are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What I claim is:

1. A kit for use in on-site radiographing of an object comprising:

(a) a binder having a front cover and a back cover connected to and separated from one another by a spine, a page securing member affixed to the spine between the front cover and the back cover, the page securing member constructed to permit one or more pages to be fixedly positioned between the front cover and the back cover,

(b) at least one of the pages having a surface at least partially being of hook and loop construction, and configured to be securable to the page securing member, and

(c) a series of flat tiles having a hook and loop covered surface and an opposing surface having an identification marking, each of the flat tiles constructed to be secured to the at least one of the pages.

2. A kit according to claim 1 further comprising an elongated flexible strip having a hook and loop covered surface making up at least a portion of one side.

3. A kit according to claim 2 wherein the strip has one end section having hook and loop covered opposing surfaces.

4. A kit according to claim 3 further comprising identification tiles affϊxable to the hook and loop covered opposing surfaces.

5. A kit according to claim 2 wherein a clear plastic sheet is affixed to one of the front cover or the back cover to form a pocket, and further comprising a radiation warning sign sized to be slidable into the pocket.

6. A kit according to claim 2 wherein a clear plastic sheet is affixed to one of the front cover or the back cover to form a pocket, and further comprising an information card sized to be slidable into the pocket.

7. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the binder further comprises a fastening means when activated to restrict the degree of separation between the front cover and the back cover.

8. A kit according to claim 7 wherein the fastening means is a zipper assembly.

9. A kit according to claim 7 wherein the fastening means is a snap assembly.

10. A kit according to claim 2 wherein the front cover is constructed to form a pocket sized and shaped to hold the strip.

11. A kit according to claim 2 wherein the back cover is constructed to form a pocket sized and shaped to hold the strip.

12. A method to radiograph one or more sections of a weld of adjoining pipes comprising:

(a) constructing a tile positioning member comprising an elongated flexible strip having sufficient length to wrap and be secured around one of the pipes at a position adjacent to the weld, to be radiographed, the strip having at least two vertical section markings wherein the distance between the vertical section markings corresponds to the length of the section of the weld to be radiographed, the strip having at least one vertical tile positioning marking corresponding to the position that information tiles are to positioned,

(b) securing the strip about the pipe weld positioning the tiles adjacent the pipe weld area to be radiographed, (c) attaching film to the strip at a position over the information tiles and the section of weld to be radiographed,

(d) positioning a radioactive source in a direction perpendicular to a center area of the section of the weld to be radiographed, and

(e) exposing the radioactive source for a predetermined period of time.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein

(a) the strip having one vertical section markings and one vertical tile positioning marking for each section of the weld to be radiographed, each vertical tile positioning marking being positioned equally distance from a pair of adjacent vertical markings, and

(b) positioning the radioactive source along a line perpendicular to the pipeline at the vertical tile positioning marking corresponding to the section to be radiographed.

14. A method according to claim 12 wherein the tile positioning member comprises:

(a) an elongated, flexible strip of material having a length greater than the outside diameter of the pipeline at the weld; the strip having a first end section and a second end section defining a middle section between the first and second end section; the strip having a hook-type fastener affixed on one side of the strip at the first end section of the strip; the strip having a loop-type fastener affixed to an opposite side of the strip at the second end section of the strip; the strip having a series of separated hook-type fasteners affixed to the one side of the strip or having a series of separated loop-type fasteners affixed to the opposite side of the strip;

(b) an attachment pad having a hook-type fastener affixed to one side of the pad and having a loop-type fastener affixed to an opposite side of the pad; the pad having a length sufficient to extend over and attach to adjacent hook-type fasteners or adjacent loop-type fasteners; and

(c) an information tile comprising a thin metal plate having a hook-type fastener or loop-type fastener affixed to one side of the plate for attaching to the pad; the plate having markings on an opposite side of the plate.

15. A tile positioning belt for on-site radiography of a pipeline weld comprising:

(a) an elongated, flexible strip of material having a length greater than the outside diameter of the pipeline at the weld; the strip having a first end section and a second end section defining a middle section between the first and second end section; the strip having a hook- type fastener affixed on one side of the strip at the first end section of the strip; the strip having a loop-type fastener affixed to an opposite side of the strip at the second end section of the strip; the strip having a series of separated hook-type fasteners affixed to the one side of the strip or having a series of separated loop-type fasteners affixed to the opposite side of the strip;

(b) an attachment pad having a hook-type fastener affixed to one side of the pad and having a loop-type fastener affixed to an opposite side of the pad; the pad having a length sufficient to extend over and attach to adjacent hook- type fasteners or adjacent loop-type fasteners; and

16. A tile positioning belt according to claim 15 wherein a magnetic strip is affixed to one side of the strip opposite the pad.

17. A tile positioning belt according to claim 15 wherein the strip having markings indicating the sections of the weld to be radiographed.

18. A tile positioning belt according to claim 3 wherein the markings are positioned to be visible when the belt is secured about the pipeline.

19. A tile positioning belt according to claim 15 wherein the strip having tile positioning lines indicating the position where the tiles are to be positioned when the belt is secured about the pipeline.

20. A tile positioning belt according to claim 15 wherein the strip having section markings indicating the sections of the weld to be radiographed and having tile positioning lines indicating the position where the tiles are to be positioned when the belt is secured about the pipeline.

21. A tile positioning belt according to claim 15 wherein the separate fasteners are equally distant from one another and wherein tile positioning lines are centered between adjacent separate fasteners.

22. An adjustable tile positioning belt for on-site radiography of objects comprising an elongated, flexible strip of material having a length sufficient to wrap around the object at a position to be radiographed; wherein the strip having a tile positioning side and an opposite . side; wherein at least a portion of the surface of the tile positioning side comprises a hook-type fastener or a loop-type fastener; wherein at least a portion of the surface of the opposite side comprises a hook-type fastener or a loop-type fastener capable of securing to the tile positioning side surface fastener; and wherein the portion of the surface of the tile positioning side comprises a section opposite the portion of the surface of the opposite side where the surfaces overlap one another when the strip is secured to the object at the position to be radiographed.

23. An adjustable tile positioning belt according to claim 22 further comprising one or more tiles having a fastener surface that is affixable to the tile positioning side surface fastener; each tile having a different identification markings that connotes one of the areas of the object to be radiographed.

24. An adjustable tile positioning belt according to claim 23 wherein the tiles affixed to the tile positioning side surface are equally distant from one another when secured to the object to be radiographed.

25. An adjustable tile positioning belt according to claim 22 wherein the identification markings are numerals.

26. An information binder to be used by a radiographer wearing a shirt with a front pocket comprising an elongated strip having a width less than the width of the front pocket and a depth when folded one or more times on itself to be positioned in the front pocket; a first side of the elongated strip having a surface at least partially covered with a hook-type or loop-type fastener to permit identification tiles having a hook-type or loop-type fastener surface on one of its sides to be affixed to the elongated strip surface; an opposite second side of the elongated strip having two or more information charts affixed to the opposite side in a position separated from one another to permit the strip to be folded without creasing the information charts.

27. An information binder according to claim 26 wherein the information charts include an exposure calculation chart, a IQI or penetrameter selection chart, and a tile positioning indicator chart.

28. An information binder according to claim 26 wherein the first side has opposite end sections whose surfaces are covered with loop-type or hook- type fastener; and wherein the opposite second side has opposite end sections whose surfaces are covered with a fastener affixable to the fasteners on the first side of the strip.

29. An information binder according to claim 28 wherein at least a portion of the area between adjacent charts is covered with a fastener affixable to the first side fasteners.

30. An information binder according to claim 29 further comprising a series of information tiles having identification markings indicating information relating to a radiographic test to be made and which are affixable to the first side fasteners.