T.O. 33B-1-16-36Table 6-11. Sample Result.Source PowerRelative Exposure Times for EquivalentDensity Under Standard ConditionsWithout Screens With Lead Screens120 kVp150 kVp200 kVpIridium 192Cobalt 601.01.01.01.01.01.00.70.50.250.50NOTE: The results were obtained with a 0.004-inch front screen and a 0.006-inch back screen.6.4.3.2.1.1Lead screens should be used whenever they improve radiographic quality. Because of the resulting improvement inradiographic quality, lead screens are generally preferred to calcium tungstate screens. Whenever there is a need toperform a radiographic inspection using a combination of screens and film, they SHALL be of the same planedimensions and in close contact with each other during exposure.6.4.3.2.2 Effects. Lead screens in direct contact with film have two effects:a. They intensify incident radiation. Incident radiation with energies above 88 keV eject photoelectronsfrom the atoms of the lead. These photoelectrons act on the emulsion in the same way as the primaryradiation beam.b. They improve clarity by absorbing scattered radiation of longer wavelengths.6.4.3.2.3 SelectionofScreenRelativetoRadiationEnergy.Lead screens are available in various thicknesses and should be chosen according to the radiation energy being used.At energies less than 125 keV, very thin front lead screens are used to filter scattered radiation. With X-ray energiesranging from 125 to about 250 keV, it is common to use a front lead screen of 0.005-inch thickness and a back leadscreen of 0.010-inch thickness. In some instances where scattered radiation is very high, such as in the radiography ofthick sections of graphite, a 0.010 lead front screen is used to increase the absorption of the scatter. When the X-rayenergies exceed 250 keV, thicker lead screens are appropriate. Usually 0.010 front and back screens are used at 250 to400 keV for energies in the MeV ranges lead screens on the order of 0.050 are often used. There is no fixed rule for thelead screen thickness appropriate for a particular energy level, but generally speaking, the lead thickness of the screenis increased as the radiation energy increases.6.4.3.2.4 Care.CAUTIONHydrogen peroxide or other common cleaning agents should never be used for thispurpose because their chemical composition will cause fogging of the sensitive filmemulsions.Do not touch sensitive surfaces of the screens because fingerprints and dust particles may show in the radiograph andinterfere with accurate interpretation. X-ray screens are given a special waterproof protection coating to both sides. Ifthe surfaces accidentally acquire markings, wash with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Sincethe intensifying action of a lead foil screen is caused by the electrons emitted under X-ray or gamma ray excitation, and
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