Back again. I did some checking to make sure my terminology was proper.
This fellow is taking an RI class where terminology is an important element of the body of knowledge he is expected to know. I understand his concern with the use of the right terminology.
As for the words "radiograph versus X-ray,” the ASNT handbook on radiography uses the word "radiograph" and defines it as: "A radiograph is a photographic record produced by the passage of X-rays or gamma rays through an object onto a film.”
In the same reference the following materials are listed as materials of construction for collimators: depleted uranium (some radioactivity), lead (too soft and easily damaged), tungsten alloy (difficult to machine), and tantalum (high cost). They are materials that will shield unwanted radiation and absorb scattered radiation.
I checked a couple of resources; one was a book on the subject of NDT by Chuck Hellier who is respected by many in the world of NDT as an expert on the subject. He uses the word "absorption" and describes four means of absorption. In the same paragraph he uses the word attenuate.
In the same reference the following materials are listed as materials of construction for collimators: depleted uranium, lead (too soft and easily damaged), tungsten alloy, and tantalum. They are materials that will absorb scattered radiation.
Section 5 of the handbook has a chapter on "Radiation Absorption". Attenuation is used to describe the rate at which absorption occurs. Interesting play on words. The bottom line is I believe the process is absorption, but attenuation can be used to describe the amount or rate of absorption for a specific material or process. Just to quote one paragraph: A is the atomic weight of the absorption material, and p is the density of the material. Then they go on to define the variables of an equation using terms such as "atomic attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, and linear attenuation coefficient.” They go on to say the total attenuation coefficient is the sum of three listed. (Taken from "Absorption of Photons,” Section 5, Radiation Absorption)
The questions we were asked to respond to were not precise; they may have been summaries of the original questions. I think the nature of the subject and the question was presented.
Best regards - Al
"The go on to say the total attenuation coefficient is the sum of three listed."
Maybe I am getting into the bug dust a bit much, but that sentence tells me it would be more proper to use attenuation.
I have the same book, and several others, but if the persons writing the RI examination are going from the absorbtion definition, then that's what he needs to use, even if it's not technically correct.
As for xray vs radiograph, again, I was trying to tie them together. I've had numerous pipe hands want to argue that I didn't know what I was doing because I used the word "radiograph". To this day, the use of the term "xray welder" is prevalent albiet totally wrong.
Did you get a hold of some really good Cuban rum now??? :) :) :)
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