ASTM E2737-23 - Standard Practice for Digital Detector Array Performance Evaluation and Long-Term Stability

1.1 This practice covers the baseline and periodic performance evaluation of Digital Detector Array (DDA) systems used for industrial radiography. It is intended to ensure that the evaluation of image quality, as far as this is influenced by the DDA system, meets the needs of users, and their customers, and enables process control to monitor long-term stability of the DDA system.

1.2 This practice specifies the fundamental parameters of DDA systems to be measured to determine baseline performance, and to track the long-term stability of the DDA system.

1.3 The DDA system tests specified in this practice shall be completed upon acceptance of the system from the manufacturer to baseline the performance of the DDA. Periodic performance testing shall then be used to monitor long-term stability of the system in order to identify when an action needs to be taken due to system degradation beyond a certain defined level.

1.4 Two types of phantoms, the duplex plate and the five-groove wedge, are used for testing as specified herein. The use of these two types of phantoms is not intended to exclude the use of other phantom configurations. In the event the tests or phantoms specified herein are not sufficient or appropriate, the user, in coordination with the cognizant engineering organization (CEO) may develop additional or modified tests, test objects, phantoms, or image quality indicators to evaluate the DDA system performance. Acceptance levels for these ALTERNATE test methods shall be determined by agreement between the user and CEO.

1.5 The user of this practice shall consider that higher energies than 450 keV may require different test methods or modifications to the test methods described here. This practice is not intended for usage with isotopes.

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.