🔩 Film-based radiographic testing (X-rays) of longitudinal or helical weld seams of automated arc-welded steel tubes — image quality class A (standard sensitivity) or B (enhanced) according to ISO 17636-1, film system at least C5 (A) or C4 (B), metal intensifying screens 0,02–0,25 mm, single-wall penetration, source-to-weld distance from the f/d condition, optical density of the weld at least 2,0 (A) or 2,3 (B), film overlap at least 10 mm, image quality indicator on the source side, PN-EN ISO 10893-6

Materials and NDT PN-EN ISO 10893-6

Overview

WHAT THE STANDARD COVERS. Scope from the PKN catalogue card of PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04 (English version; scope in Polish on the card), in full (our translation of the Polish card text): “This document gives requirements for film-based radiographic testing of longitudinal or transverse weld seams of automated arc-welded steel tubes for the detection of imperfections in the welds. It also applies to the testing of circular hollow sections. NOTE Alternatively, see ISO 10893-7 for digital radiographic testing”. (The ISO text speaks of longitudinal or helical seams — “helical”.) We read the text of the standard in the preview of ISO 10893-6:2019 from the cover to clause 6.1 and Figure 3 (page 7); we do not have the rest of the clause on image quality, film processing (Clause 7), viewing (Clause 8), classification of indications, acceptance criteria, the test report or Annex A.

ACCORDING TO THE TEXT OF ISO 10893-6:2019 (foreword, Clauses 1–6.1). The standard was prepared by ISO/TC 17/SC 19. The second edition replaces the first (2011); changes: a) evidence of film overlap in 4.7; b) a safety warning on X and gamma rays at the end of Clause 4; c) Figure 2 aligned with ISO 17636-1 up to 1000 kV; d) film-side position and location of the indicator clarified in Clause 6; e) film processing requirements in Clause 7; f) reference to ISO 5580 in Clause 8; g) revised figures of Annex A. Scope (Clause 1): film-based X-ray radiography of longitudinal or helical weld seams of automated fusion arc-welded steel tubes for the detection of imperfections; also circular hollow sections; note: the alternative is digital radiography according to ISO 10893-7. References: ISO 5576, ISO 5579, ISO 5580, ISO 9712, ISO 10893-7, ISO 11484, ISO 11699-1, ISO 17636-1, ISO 19232-1, ISO 19232-2. Definitions (Clause 3): tube, welded tube, manufacturer, agreement. General requirements (Clause 4): testing after completion of all primary production operations (rolling, heat treatment, cold and hot working, sizing, primary straightening), unless the product standard or an agreement specifies otherwise; operators certified (e.g. ISO 9712) or qualified (e.g. ISO 11484 or ASNT SNT-TC-1A), supervised by competent personnel nominated by the manufacturer; authorization according to a written procedure, operations authorized by a level 3 individual; tubes sufficiently straight and clean; weld and adjacent metal free of foreign matter and irregularities interfering with interpretation (grinding permitted); when the weld reinforcement has been removed — markers (usually lead arrows) on each side of the weld; identification symbols (usually lead letters) on each section; permanent markings on the source side for relocating the radiographs (not needed when the location is ensured e.g. by paint marking or accurate sketches); for a continuous weld adjacent films overlap by at least 10 mm, and the overlap is proved by a mechanical mark on the surface; warning: X and gamma radiation can be highly injurious — protective measures and regulations on ionizing radiation apply. Method (Clause 5): X-ray film technique, digital techniques according to ISO 10893-7; image quality classes according to ISO 17636-1: A — standard sensitivity, B — enhanced (note: most applications are covered by class A; class B for more important and difficult applications, requires film system class C4 or better — fine-grain films and lead screens — and usually a longer exposure; the required class is usually stated in the product standard); film system at least C5 for class A and at least C4 (C3 at voltages below 150 kV) for class B, according to ISO 5579, ISO 11699-1 and ISO 17636-1; front metal intensifying screen 0,02–0,25 mm (other thicknesses permitted for the back screen), with the double-film technique both screens in the upper thickness range; salt intensifying screens are not used; back-scattered radiation is minimized — if in doubt a lead letter (typically “B”, about 10 mm high and 1,5 mm thick) is attached to the back of the cassette: its lighter image against the background means insufficient protection; the beam is directed at the centre of the section of weld examined, perpendicular to the tube surface; diagnostic length such that the increase in penetrated thickness at the ends of the useful length does not exceed the thickness at the centre by more than 10 % (class B) or 20 % (class A); single-wall technique, double-wall — only by agreement when the former is impracticable for dimensional reasons; film as close to the weld as possible; minimum source-to-weld distance f relative to the effective focal spot size d: f/d ≥ 7,5·b^(2/3) (class A) and f/d ≥ 15·b^(2/3) (class B), where b — wall thickness in the beam direction plus the distance of the film from the surface remote from the source (Figure 1 — nomogram); optical density of sound weld metal at least 2,3 (B) or 2,0 (A), fog density (total density of a processed unexposed film) not more than 0,3; the tube voltage should not exceed the values of Figure 2 (equipment up to 1000 kV). Image quality (6.1): image quality indicator (IQI) of mild steel of the type according to ISO 19232-1 (wire) or ISO 19232-2 (step/hole), agreed by the parties, is placed on the source side on the parent metal next to the weld (Figures 3 and 4); on the film side only when the source side is inaccessible — then the letter “F” is placed next to the indicator and the change is recorded in the test report; on the film side usually 1–2 more wires or holes are visible than on the source side; the customer may request a trial exposure with indicators on both sides; wires perpendicular to the weld; a wire image is acceptable when at least 10 mm of continuous length is clearly visible in an area of uniform density; if necessary an additional or longer indicator across the weld; Figure 3 — the thinnest wire or step away from the centre of the beam; this is where the part we read ends.

STATUS (cards as of 02.10.2026). The card of PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04 (English version, published 26-04-2019, 26 pages, price group M) has no “Withdrawn” header: Metallurgy Sector, KT 123 Testing of Metal Properties, ICS 25.160.40, 23.040.10, 77.040.20, “Introduces: EN ISO 10893-6:2019 [IDT], ISO 10893-6:2019 [IDT]”, “Replaces: PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2011 – English version, PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2011 – German version”. PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2011 (English version, published 28-06-2011, 17 pages; introduced EN ISO 10893-6:2011 and ISO 10893-6:2011, replaced PN-EN 10246-10:2004) — “Withdrawal date: 26-04-2019”, replaced by PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04.

HOW MANY LABORATORIES AND IN WHAT FORM (copy of the accreditation scope database, data up to 17.09.2026, read on 02.10.2026). The number 10893-6 appears in 9 records at 7 laboratories: AB 001, AB 313, AB 608, AB 1425, AB 1623, AB 1898, AB 1928. In the current scopes on the PCA website (read on 02.10.2026, issues from 18.03.2025 to 25.08.2026) the number appears at all 7: “PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04” at AB 313, AB 1425, AB 1898 and AB 1928; the withdrawn “PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2011” at AB 001 (three places in the scope, with an asterisk — tests on whose results the laboratory issues opinions and interpretations — together with PN-EN 444:1998 and PN-EN ISO 5579:2014-02); AB 1623 lists both editions (“2011” and “2019”, joints up to 40 mm Fe); without the year AB 608 (with the mark “E”). No row is set in bold italics. The “Laboratories” tab searches for entries BEGINNING WITH “PN-EN ISO 10893-6” and shows all 7 laboratories — checked with a query of the tab on the production server labcoda.pl on 02.10.2026.

WHAT THE LABORATORIES TEST (items in the PCA scopes). Welded steel tubes (at AB 001 with an equivalent thickness up to 30 mm Fe), welded joints of steel tubes (AB 1623 up to 40 mm Fe, AB 1898), welded joints of metallic materials (AB 1928) — “discontinuities”, “welding discontinuities”, “internal discontinuities”, radiographic method; usually in one item with PN-EN ISO 5579 (general principles) and PN-EN ISO 17636-1 (radiography of welded joints with film).

WHERE A SEEMINGLY CORRECT RESULT IS EASY TO GET. Quality class: class B requires a film system of at least C4, a higher density (2,3) and a greater distance (f/d ≥ 15·b^(2/3)) — a radiograph made to class A does not meet class B. Indicator: on the film side usually 1–2 more wires are visible than on the source side — therefore this position is permitted only when the source side is inaccessible, with the letter “F” and a note in the report; wire numbers from the two positions are not comparable. Overlap: adjacent films must overlap by at least 10 mm, confirmed by a mechanical mark — otherwise part of the weld may remain unexamined. Diagnostic length: increase in thickness at the ends up to 10 % (B) or 20 % (A). Scatter: a lighter image of the letter “B” at the back of the cassette means insufficient protection against back-scattered radiation. Density: fog density of the film not more than 0,3. Edition: the 2019 edition changed, among other things, the overlap evidence, the voltage figure (up to 1000 kV) and the film processing requirements — AB 001 and AB 1623 list the withdrawn 2011 edition.

WHAT WE DO NOT GIVE. We do not have the rest of Clause 6 (required image quality values), Clauses 7 and 8, classification of indications, acceptance criteria, the test report or Annex A — so we do not give the required wire numbers, viewing conditions or permissible indications.

Method principle

The tube weld is radiographed with X-rays through a single wall onto radiographic film under the geometric and exposure conditions of class A or B; imperfections appear as changes in optical density, and sensitivity is checked with an image quality indicator on the source side.

Applications

• Longitudinal and helical weld seams of arc-welded steel tubes — 7 laboratories in the PCA scopes
• Welded joints of steel tubes in acceptance according to product standards (class A or B)
• Circular hollow sections

Key parameters

Standard

Standard number

PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04 (wersja angielska; EN ISO 10893-6:2019 IDT, ISO 10893-6:2019 IDT)

Title (PL)

Badania nieniszczące rur stalowych — Część 6: Badanie radiograficzne spoin rur stalowych spawanych w celu wykrycia nieciągłości

Title (EN)

Non-destructive testing of steel tubes — Part 6: Radiographic testing of the weld seam of welded steel tubes for the detection of imperfections

Step-by-step procedure

1. Preparation

   Tube after primary operations, straight and clean; location markings, identification letters, arrows when reinforcement removed. PN-EN ISO 10893-6:2019-04 current (cards as of 02.10.2026).

2. Class and equipment

   Class A or B according to the product standard; film system C5 / C4, screens 0,02–0,25 mm; voltage according to Figure 2.

3. Geometry

   Single wall, beam perpendicular to the centre of the section; f/d according to formula (1) or (2); film close to the weld; film overlap ≥ 10 mm.

4. Indicator and exposure

   IQI on the source side (on the film side — letter “F”); exposure to a weld density ≥ 2,0 (A) or ≥ 2,3 (B); scatter check with the letter “B”.

5. Evaluation

   Check of wire visibility (≥ 10 mm) and density, processing and viewing of films according to Clauses 7 and 8, evaluation according to the criteria of the standard.

Required equipment and apparatus

Reagents, media and consumables

Health and safety (OHS)

• The standard (Clause 4) warns: exposure to X or gamma radiation can be highly injurious to health — radiation protection measures and local, national and international regulations apply
• TECHNICAL NOTE: class B requires a better film system, higher density and greater distance than class A; an indicator on the film side usually shows 1–2 more wires than on the source side

Frequently asked questions