COMPUTED RADIOGRAPHY (CR)

Computed radiography (CR) has transformed the way industrial inspections are performed, offering faster results, greater flexibility, and superior image clarity than traditional film radiography in real time. For years, conventional film was the industry standard for inspecting welds, piping, and critical infrastructure. Today, facilities need quicker turnaround times, smaller jobsite footprints, and more accurate data. At National Inspection Services (NIS), CR is a core service we use to elevate quality and efficiency in the field. We pair decades of hands-on inspection expertise with state-of-the-art digital technology to deliver precise, actionable intelligence on the industry’s most demanding projects.

Computed radiography replaces traditional film with reusable phosphor imaging plates

When X-rays or gamma radiation pass through an asset, the imaging plate captures and stores the exposure data. A laser scanner then reads the plate to generate a high-resolution digital image for immediate evaluation by our ASNT-certified Level II and Level III technicians. Once scanned, the plate is instantly erased and ready for the next exposure. This creates an agile, highly repeatable workflow that keeps your production moving while maintaining strict regulatory compliance.

It is a faster, smarter approach that redefines standard production rates on midstream and cross-country projects.

The result is a step-change in field operations: significantly more welds inspected per shift, minimal crew moves, reduced exclusion zones, and razor-sharp digital images on every single weld. Replacing conventional film with computed radiography means helping operators improve productivity and reduce downtime with several key advantages.

Key Advantages:

Zero Hazardous Waste & Faster Setup: Eliminating chemical developers and darkroom infrastructure removes environmental liabilities, simplifies regulatory compliance, streamlines site setup, and accelerates total mobilization time.
Superior Geometry & Flexibility: Unlike rigid flat-panel detectors, CR imaging plates conform effortlessly to curved surfaces, pipe elbows, weld caps, and tight-access areas where traditional NDE tools fall short.
Advanced Digital Diagnostics: Specialized software allows our technicians to enhance, measure, and analyze images in real time — revealing micro-cracking, porosity, wall loss, and inclusions with unmatched precision. Every image is instantly shareable and permanently archived for long-term asset integrity management.

National Inspection Services uses CR across a wide range of industries and applications, including:

Land-Laid Pipelines & Midstream Operations: Fast, repeatable weld integrity inspections and volumetric defect detection across cross-country construction and integrity programs — keeping your builds on schedule and fully compliant.
Refining & Petrochemical Facilities: Rapid, non-destructive wall-thickness measurements and Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) monitoring performed without stripping insulation, preserving active facility operations and reducing turnaround times.
Facilities & Fabrication: Comprehensive structural weld inspections, pressure vessel evaluations, and code compliance for shop and field environments, complete with digital archiving that meets ASME, API, and AWS standards.

The NIS Advantage

With strategically located field offices, a mobile fleet of fully equipped radiography units, and seasoned Level II and Level III NDE specialists, National Inspection Services delivers advanced diagnostic capabilities directly to your jobsite. We go beyond basic flaw detection; we translate raw radiographic data into actionable asset intelligence that empowers better maintenance planning, eliminates unplanned downtime, and safeguards critical infrastructure.

At NIS, we’re turning traditional inspections into actionable digital data, helping clients improve maintenance planning, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect their most critical assets. Contact our team to discover the right approach for yours today!