System for radiography imaging and method of operating such system

A radiography imaging system for generating images of a pipe assembly includes a radiation source for emitting rays. The pipe assembly includes at least one of a pipe, tubing, and a weld. The radiation source includes a radioactive isotope having an activity level within a range between about 1 Curie and about 40 Curies. The radiation source is positioned adjacent a portion of the pipe assembly, A detector is positioned opposite the radiation source. The portion of the pipe assembly is positioned between the radiation source and the detector such that the rays interact with the portion of the pipe assembly and strike the detector. The detector includes an imaging plate that is activated by illumination with the rays with an exposure within a range between about 0.5 Curie-minute and about 5 Curie-minutes of radiation. The imaging plate has a thickness within a range between about 5 mm and about 15 mm. The detector further includes an imaging unit for generating images based on information from the imaging plate. The imaging unit has a pixel pitch that is within a range between about 25 microns and about 100 microns.