The radiograph must depict all portions of the welded joint including the HAZ and be free from interference by penetrameters or ID markers. Which statement best describes this requirement?

• A. Depict all portions of the welded joint including the HAZ and be free from interference by penetrameters or ID markers
• B. Depict only the surface features of the weld
• C. Need not include HAZ
• D. Penetrameters may interfere with the image

Answer: (A)

In radiographic weld inspection, you must image the entire cross-section of the weld, including the heat-affected zone, because defects can exist anywhere in the weld metal, the surrounding HAZ, or at the joint interface. The radiograph also must be free from interference by penetrameters or ID markers so nothing in the image obscures or distorts the area being evaluated. If the HAZ isn’t shown, or if markers obscure the weld, defects can be missed or misinterpreted.

Choosing a statement that requires depicting all portions of the welded joint including the HAZ and ensuring no interference best captures the goal of a clear, complete, and interpretable radiograph. The other options either limit what’s viewed, omit the HAZ, or imply interference is acceptable, which would hinder accurate assessment.