One of the factors affecting the quality of a radiographic image is geometric unsharpness. The degree of geometric unsharpness is dependent upon the size of the source, the distance between the source and the object to be radiographed, and the distance between the object to be radiographed and the film or digital detector. This test method allows the user to determine the size of the source and to use this result to establish source to object and object to film or detector distances appropriate for maintaining the desired degree of geometric unsharpness.

Note 1—The European standard CEN EN 12579 describes a simplified procedure for measurement of source sizes of Ir-192, Co-60 and Se-75. The resulting source size of Ir-192 is comparable to the results obtained by this test method.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the size of an Iridium-192 radiographic source. The determination is based upon measurement of the image of the Iridium metal source in a projection radiograph of the source assembly and comparison to the measurement of the image of a reference sample in the same radiograph.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.