Texas Industrial Radiography Gamma Practice Test

Ir192 sources used for industrial radiography typically have activities in which range?

1. 1 to 10 Cis

2. 25 to 100 Cis

3. 5 to 20 Cis

4. 100 to 150 Cis

The correct answer is: 25 to 100 Cis

Iridium-192 (Ir-192) is a commonly used radioactive source in industrial radiography due to its suitable gamma-ray emission properties, which allow for effective imaging of welds, castings, and other structural components. The activity of a radioactive source is measured in curies (Ci), which indicates the rate at which the source is decaying and emitting radiation. In the context of industrial radiography, the activity of Ir-192 sources typically falls within the range of 25 to 100 curies. This range provides a balance between sufficient radiation output for high-quality imaging and manageable safety considerations for operators and the environment. Higher activities would increase the radiation exposure risks, while lower activities might not provide the required sensitivity for imaging thick materials or defects. Thus, the specified range ensures that operators can achieve quality results while adhering to safety regulations and maintaining control over radiation exposure. Understanding the appropriate activity range of Ir-192 sources is crucial for planning radiographic inspections, as it directly influences the choice of source and the safety measures that must be implemented during radiography operations.