Digital radiography using rigid flat panel digital detector arrays (DDAs) and flexible imaging plates (IPs) have been in widespread use for many years. DDAs have advantages over IPs in terms of sensitivity and lack of fixed pattern (structure) noise. However, until recently they have been rigid making them inapplicable for applications that require a flexible curved detector, such as double-wall single image radiography of pipes.
Flexible digital X-ray detectors have now become commercially available (e.g. the DXR Flex from Waygate and the D-DR 1025B / 1043B ND from Duerr). For filmless radiography needing curved detectors (e.g. double-wall single image), these flexible arrays provide an alternative to imaging plates (IPs) and potentially provide significant advantages in terms of image quality (signal to noise ratio) and sensitivity (exposure time reduction).
However, the characteristics of these new detectors have not been independently assessed to establish how effective they are compared with IPs, and whether or not they are compliant with international standards for radiography such as ISO 20769 (in-service) and ISO 17636-2 (manufacturing weld inspection).
The scope of this project covers evaluation of the newly developed flexible digital X-ray detectors by both market review and an experimental trial.
The desktop study is complete and available to HOIS members. The experimental trials were kindly hosted by Oceaneering in November 2025 where three vendors of flexible detectors participated.
Analysis of the trial results is complete. The trial report is scheduled to be issued in Q2 2026.