Type of operation.
Static - development may be mechanized.

Equipment.
Radioactive isotope in storage container. Remote handling gear. Lightproof cassette. Photographic development facilities. Darkroom and illuminator for assessment.

Mode of operation.
Gamma rays, similar to X-rays but of shorter wavelength, are emitted continuously from the isotope. It cannot be ‘switched off’ so when not in use, it is kept in a heavy storage container that absorbs radiation. They pass through the work to be inspected. Parts of the work presenting less obstruction to gamma rays, such as cavities or inclusions, allow increased exposure of the film. The film is developed to form a radiograph with cavities or inclusions indicated by darker images. Section thickness increases (such as weld) appear as less dense images.

Operating parameters.
Wavelength of radiation : 0.001 - 0.015 nm
0.01 - 1 nm (1.25MeV - 80KeV)
Portability : good (except for container)
Access : good
Exposure time : 1 second - 24 hours
Thickness range : up to 250 mm
Minimum defect size : 1% of thickness

Materials.
Most weldable materials can be inspected.


Typical welding applications.
Site inspection.
Panoramic exposure for small work.

Advantages, limitations, consumables and safety as for X-ray radiograph


X-ray Radiography.

Type of operation.
Static or transportable.


Equipment.
X-ray tube. Stand and control gear. Lightproof cassette. Photographic development facilities. Dark room and illumination for assessment.


Mode of operation.
X-rays are emitted from the tube and pass through the work to be inspected. Parts of the work presenting less obstruction to X-rays, such as cavities or inclusions, allow increased exposure of the film. The film is developed to form a radiograph with cavities or inclusions indicated by darker images. Section thickness increases (such as weld under-bead) appear as less dense images.

Operating parameters.
Tube voltage : 10 - 500 kV
Tube current : 10 - 250 mA
Power consumption : 1 - 10 kW
Portability : fair
Access : fair
Exposure time : 1 sec - 10 min
Thickness range : up to 100 mm
Minimum defect size : 0.1% of thickness X 0.05 mm

Materials.
Most weldable materials may be inspected.

Typical welding applications.
Pipelines
Pressure vessels.

Overall advantages.
Accurate pictorial presentation of results.
Radiographs may be kept as a permanent record.
Not confined to welds.

Overall limitations.
Personnel must be clear of area during exposure.
Cracks parallel to film may not show up.
Film expensive.

Consumables.
Film.
Processing chemicals.
Water.
Isotope replacements - for gamma radiograph

Safety
Cumulative radiation risk to personnel requires stringent precautions.

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It is actually not very hard to bleed (renew) your own motorcycle brake fluid. This should be done at least every 2 years. Or when the brake fluid turns from clear to a brown to black colour (darker it is, the worse it is).

Brake fluid will eat away at plastic and paint, be sure to cover any paint or plastic that may get splashed with brake fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid with the rag and lots of water.

Step 1: Make sure you have the tools to bleed your brake fluid. The tools you require will vary, but generally this is what you will need:

A. Wrench/Spanner (average 10mm)
B. Brake bleeding kit (rubber fitting, clear hose, small container)
C. Brake fluid overflow container (to put the brake bleeding kit small container in)
D. Rags
E. Brake Fluid (check what type of brake fluid you need for your bike. e.g. DOT 3). Make sure to buy enough brake fluid in the DOT type you require. (500ml should be more than enough).

Step 2: Attach the brake bleeding kit to the brake fluid nipple located on the brake caliper.

Step 3: Loosen the nipple so the fluid is free to flow down the brake bleeding kit tube and into the small container

Step 4: Remove the master cylinder cap (top) so you can monitor and refill more brake fluid into the master cylinder as you bleed the brakes.

Step 5. Pump the brake lever so the old/new brake fluid is forced through the tube into the brake bleeding kit fluid container

Step 6: Keep the volume of the master cylinder constant (near full) as to not have it empty. Keep pumping on the brake lever until the fluid coming out is clear (rather than the old brown/black colour).

Step 7: Once all the tiny air bubbles are gone hold pressure on the brake level and re-tighten the brake fluid nipple to close it off.

Step 8: Replace the master cylinder top cover.

Step 9: Remove the brake bleeding kit from the cliper and use the rag with water to clean up any spillage.

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No matter what make of pickup truck you own, chances are you want to change it from the way the factory supplied it. Whether you use your vehicle for work, off-road play or some of both, you can find performance parts, accessories and customization products to make your pickup truck unique. When you want your pickup truck to look and perform better, accessories will help you customize it.

While it's possible to get some accessories from the Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan or Toyota dealer where you bought your truck, you will find a much bigger selection of items online. You may also get better bargains shopping this way. Some popular makers of pickup truck accessories include Lund, Westin, Dee Zee, Outland, Auto Ventshade, Warn, Saddleman, Thule, PIAA, Vector, Wolo, Deflecta Shield, Pilot, Hoppy, Grizzly and Protecta.

Exterior accessories

There are many types of exterior pickup truck accessories to enhance the appearance of the outside of your truck. They include air dams, bras and masks, bug shields, bumpers, fender flares, graphics and emblems, grille guards, hood ornaments, hoods and scoops, mirrors, racks and cargo accessories, roll pans, running boards, splash guards, tool boxes, truck steps, tire covers, visors, wings and spoilers and wiper cowls. Select items that will complement your truck's basic lines and that will work well together instead of looking cluttered.

Interior accessories

Installing interior accessories is all about improving the comfort level when riding in your truck. Some examples are 12 volt accessories, cargo trays and liners, consoles and racks, dash covers and trim, door accessories, floor mats, horns, instrument panel covers, pet accessories, seat covers, seats and steering wheel covers.

How about adding some electronics to enhance your ride? Choices include CBs and scanners, cruise controls, GMRS radio, GPS and navigation systems, power inverters, radar and laser detectors, remote starters, security systems and antennas. You might also want to upgrade the standard radio that came with your truck to a stereo CD or satellite radio system.

Accessories cushion the load and improve the ride

Trucks are all about hauling things, so why not do it in style? Pickup truck accessories for your truck bed include cargo control, bed mats, bed liners, bed protection, bed rails, tailgate accessories and tonneau covers. You might also want towing accessories like hitch balls, hitch mounts, hitch covers, hitch steps, hitch wiring, hitches, tow hooks and straps, towing mirrors, winch accessories, winches and winch mounting systems.

By improving your pickup's suspension and brakes you make the ride both smoother and safer. To do this, you might need anti-sway bars, bars and arms, bushings and shackles, hubs, lift kits, lowering kits, shocks and struts, skit plates and trusses and springs. Adding more lighting not only improves the truck's appearance, it also improves safety. Some typical lighting pickup truck accessories are accent lighting, auxiliary lighting, back-up lights, bulbs and lamps, driving and fog lights, headlights, interior lights, light bars, light covers, light guards, marker lights, neon lighting, spotlights, taillights, tow lighting and wiring, turn signal lights and warning lights.

Electrical and exhaust systems are essential

If your pickup won't start, it doesn't matter how good it looks. If you've got this problem or fear it might happen, try buying alternator accessories, battery accessories, battery chargers, chassis wiring or jump start systems. If the problem is on the exhaust end, you might need catalytic converters, exhaust systems, exhaust tips and extensions, headers or mufflers.

To do all this work yourself, you'll need some tools and equipment. Useful items include tire pressure gauges, car care products, computer software, creepers and seats, diagnostic equipment, engine hoists and stands, garage and parking accessories, jacks, stands, ramps, paint, sanding materials and abrasives.

And once your truck is tricked out to your heart's desire, get out your camera. You're going to want to showoff your new, improved truck to all of your friends.

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