ASTM E1390-21

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Designation: E1390 − 12 (Reapproved 2016) E1390 − 21
Standard Specification for
Illuminators Used for Viewing Industrial Radiographs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1390; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 The function of the illuminator is to provide sufficient illumination and viewing capabilities for the purpose of identification
and interpretation of radiographic images. This specification provides the recommended minimum requirements for Industrial
Radiographic Illuminatorsindustrial radiographic illuminators used for viewing industrial radiographic films using transmitted light
sources.
1.2 The illuminator has to ensure the same safety for personnel, or users of any electric apparatus, as specified by electrical
standards applicable in the country in which the illuminator is used.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided
for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 Values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 diffusing screen—screen, n—the screen that scatters the light such that the light appears the same brightness from any
viewing angle.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology
(X and Gamma) Method.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2016November 2021. Originally approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 20122016
as E1390 - 12.E1390 – 12(2016). DOI: 10.1520/E1390-12R16.10.1520/E1390-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1390 − 21
3.1.2 viewing screen—screen, n—the port through which the light is projected.
3.2 For additional definitions of terms used in this specification, see Terminology E1316.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 This specification is intended to be used by the manufacturers and purchasers of radiographic illuminators. Requirements, if
imposed on manufacturers, should be established by contractual agreement or appropriate purchase document.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 General—The illuminator shall consist of a housing with one or more of the sides containing a viewing screen illuminated
from the inside of the housing. The viewing screen may also be the diffusing screen. There shall be thermal protection to prevent
overheating, and subsequent damage to the radiographs placed on the viewing screen. The housing or system may or may not
require ventilation. A rheostat or suitable electrical circuit shall be provided to vary the light intensity.
6. Physical Properties
6.1 General—The illuminator shall be manufactured of materials deemed suitable to withstand the environmental conditions
encountered under normal operating conditions.
6.2 Viewing Screen—The viewing screen shall be easy to clean and made of material which is resistant to scratches. The size of
the screen shall allow the user to view the radiograph without excessive glare. If the illuminator is to be used for viewing
radiographs of various sizes, masks of various sizes and configurations should be provided. Alternately, an adjustable aperture may
be used.
6.3 Color of Light—The color of the light used to illuminate the radiograph shall be white, that is, color temperature between 5000
and 6250°K.6250 °K. However, illuminators using non-white or “colored” light may be used if they have been recommended by
the film manufacturers.
6.4 Diffusing Screen—If the illuminator has a diffusing screen, the light shall be sufficiently divergent in accordance with 7.2.
6.5 Housing—The external housing shall be constructed in such a manner that no disturbing light hinders the viewing of the
radiographs.
6.6 Anti-Glare Device—The illuminator shall be fitted with an anti-glare switch or device that minimizes the probability of the
operator being subjected to excessive glare when the radiograph is removed. This switch or device may be manual or automatic.
6.7 Illuminators Used for Viewing “Wet” Radiographs—Illuminators manufactured for use in viewing “wet” radiographs shall be
manufactured to prevent the penetration of liquid into internal electrical components in such a manner that safe operation of the
unit would be compromised.
7. Performance Requirements
7.1 Maximum Luminance output—Output—The luminance of the transmitted light shall not be less than 30 candelas per square
metre for film radiographs with optical densities equal to or less than 2.5 optical density and not less than 10 candelas per square
metre for film radiographs with optical densities greater than 2.5 optical density.2.5.
7.2 Divergence and Diffusion of Light—If the illuminator has a dif
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