Close Proximity

Radiography

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Overview

• What is Close Proximity Radiography?

• Stand-off Technique

• Procedures

• Applications

• Equipment

• People

• Advantages

• Limitations

• Summary

• What Next?
What is Close Proximity
Radiography?

• Close Proximity Radiography allows radiographic inspection

surveys to be carried out adjacent to ongoing work scopes.

• This prevents the historical onsite disruption and the wide barrier
zones associated with scattered radiation.
What is Close Proximity
Radiography?

• The equipment is fitted with a Collimated Head Unit which directs

the primary beam of radiation to a given point of inspection.

• This restricts any secondary radiation affecting the work site

Container Head Unit Primary Beam

What is Close Proximity
Radiography?

• Additional shielding can be added to further reduce exposure to

the site if required

Site example of the equipment being used for weld inspection

Container Collimator Head Unit

Pipe/inspection item Primary Beam Imaging Film

Stand-off Technique

• When the container and pipe are not in direct contact with each
other, this is known as the “stand-off” technique

• This technique is predominantly used on ≤ 3 ½ “ pipework.

• There is more scattered radiation but the container can still be
used to limit and direct the beam of radiation

Stand-off

Stand-off Site example

Procedures

The correct use of procedures and

cooperation with associated
governing bodies are paramount to
safety and project success.

• TRAC Local Rules & Procedures

• HSE Notification

• Nuvia (RPA)

• SEPA
 Applications

Utilising either Digital or Darkroom imaging, close

proximity radiography techniques and equipment offer
the ideal solution for minimal site area restrictions and
are predominately used on ≥ 4” pipework

Weld Corrosion Flexible

Inspection Monitoring Riser
Inspection
Equipment

TRAC use the Gilligan Engineering “VIKING” Close Proximity

System

• Small and compact container

• Uses Selenium 75 or Iridium 192 radioactive sources
• Can also be adapted to use the guide tube for additional
techniques and applications
Personnel

• All lead radiographers are qualified to PCN or ASNT standards and

are subject to TRAC competency and trade tests

• All assistant radiographers receive inductions and awareness

training followed up with on-site training

• All radiography personnel are required to attend an annual

medical, and their exposure to any radiation is monitored and
logged
Advantages

• The main advantage over other techniques is the safe working

distance and fewer restrictions to neighbouring activities
• This can be achieved by combining the correct source for the
work scope and additional shielding or controls

• As above, using this technique could have a maximum working area of only 3 meters
• As below, using other equipment and techniques usually requires a minimum of 10 meters
Limitations

• The container and head assembly are made from solid

tungsten. Whilst this offers excellent shielding properties,
tungsten is heavy and this must be considered when setting
up the unit prior to work starting

• On some applications (tight spaces/access), the Flexible

Guide Tube and Small Collimator has to be used (pictured on
the right)
Summary

Close Proximity Radiography reduces the controlled area of work,

creating a safer environment for the technicians and other personnel
on board, with a range of different applications, this technique offers
the client more options when planning work scopes.

TRAC are proud offer this solution in addition to our Techops

radiography equipment.

This equipment complements our ongoing commitment to the

industry and embraces the latest technologies and best working
practices.

Other equipment solutions are on the market and can be supplied by

TRAC for bespoke applications and requests.
What Next?

• Any Questions?

• Any Upcoming Work Scopes?

• Any Other Issues/Challenges?