1.1 Purpose—Practices to be employed for the radiographic examination of materials and components with thermal neutrons are outlined herein. They are intended as a guide for the production of neutron radiographs that possess consistent quality characteristics, as well as aiding the user to consider the applicability of thermal neutron radiology. Statements concerning preferred practice are provided without a discussion of the technical background for the preference. The necessary technical background can be found in Refs (1-16).2
1.2 Limitations—Acceptance standards have not been established for any material or production process (see Section 5 on Basis of Application). Adherence to the guide will, however, produce reproducible results. 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 photographic or radiographic film in combination with conversion screens for image recording; other imaging systems are available. Emphasis is placed on the use of nuclear reactor neutron sources.
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 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.
1.5 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.)
1.6 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of 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.
ASTM E748-19 Referenced Document
ASTM E1316 Standard Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations*, 2024-02-01 Update
ASTM E543 Standard Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
ASTM E545 Standard Test Method for Determining Image Quality in Direct Thermal Neutron Radiographic Examination
ASTM E803 Standard Test Method for Determining the L/D?Ratio of Neutron Radiography Beams
ASTM E94 Standard Guide for Radiographic Examination*, 2024-04-22 Update
ISO 9712 Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel*, 2021-12-21 Update
ASTM E748-19 history
2019ASTM E748-19 Standard Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
2016ASTM E748-16 Standard Guide for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
2002ASTM E748-02(2008) Standard Practices for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
2002ASTM E748-02 Standard Practices for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials
1995ASTM E748-95 Standard Practices for Thermal Neutron Radiography of Materials