Radiographic Testing (RT) Report Template

An RT report that combines the technique sheet and the radiograph review record: source, geometry, film or detector, IQI and density, then a segment-by-segment interpretation with a decision on each weld.

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What a compliant RT report must contain

ASME Section V Article 2 asks for two documents that most companies combine into one report. The radiographic technique documentation details (T-291) must be prepared and include, as a minimum, the X-ray focal spot size or isotope source size, the base material type and thickness, weld thickness and reinforcement, the minimum source-to-object distance, the distance from the source side of the object to the film, the film manufacturer and designation, the number of films in each holder, and the single- or double-wall exposure arrangement. The radiograph review form (T-292) records the evaluation and disposition of each radiograph, including density and image quality indicator sensitivity, and is kept by the manufacturer on file for the retention period the code sets.

ISO 17636-1 covers X- and gamma-ray techniques with film, and ISO 17636-2 covers digital detectors, for fusion-welded joints in plates and pipes. Neither sets acceptance levels; for welds these normally come from ISO 10675-1 or the application standard. Both expect the report to identify the technique class, the IQI type and position, the achieved image quality and the density or grey value range.

• Source and geometry: isotope and activity or X-ray kV and mA, source or focal spot size, source-to-object and object-to-film distances, exposure arrangement (SWSI, DWSI, DWDI).
• Image quality: IQI type (hole or wire), designation, placement (source side or film side), the essential hole or wire, and the sensitivity achieved on each film.
• Density: measured density (or grey value for digital) in the area of interest, against the procedure range.
• Interpretation: film or segment location marks, discontinuities found by type, and the disposition of each weld, signed by the interpreter.

Example radiographic testing (RT) report layout

The layout below is the template filled with illustrative example values so each field's purpose is clear. The print view gives you the same layout blank, ready to fill in on site.

Download, print or get the editable version

• Open the printable RT template: a clean blank form. Use your browser's Print and choose "Save as PDF" to keep a PDF copy.
• Download the CSV with every field and the example rows, to build your own spreadsheet.
• Want the editable Word or Excel version with your logo? Use the request form on this page or ask for it here.

Keeping RT paperwork clean from darkroom to client

Radiography generates more paper than any other method, and the most expensive mistakes are about identification rather than interpretation. A radiograph without legible location markers, or a report whose segment numbers do not match the markers on the film, can mean a re-shoot. So can a report that shows an IQI sensitivity nobody can verify on the film.

1. Make the segment convention on the report match the lead markers on the film exactly, including the start point and direction.
2. Record the IQI actually visible on each film, not the IQI that was required.
3. Record density or grey value in the area of interest on every film; one figure for the whole job is not enough.
4. Keep repairs traceable: use a repair suffix (R1, R2) on the weld ID and reference the original report.
5. Record the radiation work permit and licence details your jurisdiction requires alongside the technical data.

Technique choice and image quality on the report

For pipe welds, the exposure arrangement drives the rest of the technique sheet. Double-wall techniques are used where the film cannot be placed inside the pipe: double-wall single-image shots view only the weld on the film side, while double-wall double-image (elliptical or superimposed) shots are used on small diameters. Single-wall techniques, with the source or film inside the pipe, give the best sensitivity where access allows. Each arrangement changes the number of exposures needed for full coverage, and the report should show enough shots to cover the circumference.

Geometric unsharpness depends on the source size and the distances recorded in the technique details, which is why those distances must be on the report rather than in someone's notebook. Record where the IQI was placed, since a film-side IQI is interpreted differently from a source-side one, and mark the film accordingly.

The header fields every NDT report shares

Whatever the method, a report is only useful if it can be tied to the job, the drawing and the people. Every template in this library starts with the same header block: report number and revision, date, client, job and work-order references, site, component, drawing and revision, procedure and revision, acceptance standard and extent. ASME Section V Article 1 sets general record requirements that each method article then builds on, and client specifications almost always add their own. Keeping the header identical across methods means a reviewer, or the software that reads your reports later, always finds the same facts in the same place.

Generate these reports automatically in Atlantis NDT Reporting

A template solves the layout. It does not stop the same job, drawing, procedure, instrument and technician details being typed again on every report, or a report going out before anyone checked the technician's certificate was in date. In Atlantis ERP, the NDT Reports app holds RT as its own report type with its own numbering sequence, captured in an offline field app with photos and on-screen signatures, then moved through draft, review, approval and sending with inspector, reviewer and approver signatures.

The RT report type in the NDT Reports app records the source, technique, IQI type and placement, and each weld line carries the defect type and result; a separate Computed Radiography report type covers CR work. The Fleet app records whether a vehicle can carry radioactive sources along with its transport licence number and expiry, and the Employees app holds each technician's radiation safety training and badge number.

Your company format is kept: templates can be versioned in Excel, Word, PDF or HTML with your logo, header and footer, and Excel templates are filled automatically by mapping fields to cells. When the report is approved, Digital Twin Reporting can place its results on a 3D model of the asset, so clients find reports by location rather than by file name.

See RT reports generated in Atlantis, or keep using the template: both are fine starting points.

Frequently asked questions

What goes on an RT technique sheet under ASME Section V?

At minimum: focal spot or source size, base material type and thickness, weld thickness and reinforcement, minimum source-to-object distance, source-side-of-object-to-film distance, film manufacturer and designation, films per holder, and the single- or double-wall exposure arrangement.

What is the radiograph review form?

The record, required by ASME Section V Article 2, of the evaluation and disposition of each radiograph, including density and IQI sensitivity. It is kept on file for the retention period the referencing code sets.

Does ISO 17636 cover digital radiography?

Yes. ISO 17636-1 covers film techniques and ISO 17636-2 covers digital detectors. Acceptance levels for welds are in ISO 10675-1 or the application standard.

Who interprets and signs RT film?

A certified RT interpreter at the level your written practice allows, usually Level II or III, plus any client or third-party review the contract requires.

Should repairs get a new report?

Report the repair radiographs against the same weld with a repair suffix, reference the original report, and keep both on file.

Other NDT report templates

• All NDT report templates
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Weld Inspection Report template
• UT Thickness Survey Report template
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Report template
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Report template
• Visual Testing (VT) Weld Inspection Report template
• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Report template
• Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) Report template

Standards referenced

• ASME Section V Article 2 T-291 technique details and T-292 review form (ndt.net forum)
• ASME Section V Article 23 / SE-797 thickness measurement (ndt.net forum)
• ISO 17636-1:2022
• ISO 17636-2:2022

ASME Section V paragraph numbers change between editions. Always check the edition your contract or the referencing construction code names; the template fields are the same.