X-Ray Inspection Systems

X-ray inspection of baggage can be divided into a number of technologies, depending on the physical principles employed and whether computer automation used for detection. A number of publications have discussed the variety of options available to do this task [52—60]. Many of these technological systems are in common use at airports, government buildings, and other security checkpoints. 

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In general, radioscopic X-ray inspection systems are used in the serial examination of industrial workpieces since they enable a flexible adjustment of the beam direction and of the inspection perspective as well as on-line viewing of the radioscopic image. In the past few years this economic and reliable method has become prevalent in weld inspection during the manufacturing process of pipes. The configuration of such radioscopic systems is schematically represented in fig. 1. 

A Real Time X-Ray Inspection System is introduced to replace Film X-Ray. The main objective is to reduce the consumption of film and to reduce the environmental pollution due to lead intensifying screens and chemicals. Other benefits are the reduction of space to storage X-ray data and the shorter inspection time, which gives a faster feed back to production. 

W. Nuding, Ch. Sauerwein, S. Schekira, H. Wiacker Multifunctional X-ray Inspection System... 

W.K. Stefanski, R. Beland, N.E. Watt, N. Neelakantan and C. Stefanski, An x-ray inspection system for security screening application, in Proc. 1977 Int. Carnahan Conf. on Crime Countermeasures - Science and Engineering, ].S. Jackson (ed.), 25-29 July 1977, Oxford, UK, 77CH1230-2 AES, UKY BU113, University of Kentucky (1977) 57-64. 

R.F. Eilbert and S. Shi, Recent advances in imaging for x-ray inspection systems, in Proc. 38th Int. Carnahan Coif, on Security Technology, L.D. Sanson (ed.), 11—14 October 2004, Albuquerque, NM, IEEE 0CH37572 (1994), 252-257. 

Real time x-ray systems are categorized as 2D and 3D systems. Only 2D x-ray test results for various packages/assemblies ter thermal cycling are presented here. Figure 25 shows features of 2D x-ray systems. The first example (Case 1, shown on the left side of the figure) is an x-ray inspection system with a microfocus source and an image intensifier as the detector, capable of producing offset pseudo 3D features... 

The advent of a portable source of very high energy x-rays has opened up x-ray inspection possibilities in a wide range of environments. Applications include such fields as nuclear waste containers, bridges, nuclear and fossil power plants, surface and airborne transportation systems, space launch systems and other thick section NDT and other inspection problems that cannot be solved imaged using other NDT methods. 

In this paper the technical specifications of a Real Time X-Ray system are given. The procedure for inspection is explained briefly. The resolution of film and of Real Time X-Ray inspection are compared. The basic equipment needed to inspect Real Time X-Ray data is defined. 

The resolution of images of the Real Time X-Ray system depend on the material thickness and on the settings of the system. While setting up the Real Time X-Ray inspection of parts the resolution is compared with the resolution aehieved in film bases X-Ray as used over the last years. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity of Real Time X-Ray meets the specification of DIN 54109 Bildgtitteklasse II. 

The availability of integrated circuits paved the way for the next generation ofX-ray inspection system. These units featured a side-shooting fan beam of X-rays incident on an extended array of scintillators optically coupled to photodiodes or phototransistors. The resulting low-level electric currents were then amphfied, integrated, and electronically sampled and digitized. Such systems were under development by ScanRay and Picker in 1977. By 1979, Picker was marketing... 

W. Xie, N. Chen, A.L. Abbott and R.W. Conners, Simulation of x-ray imaging systems for lugjage inspection in Proc. 2nd Explosives Detection Technology Symposium Aviation Security Technology Conference, 12—15 November 1996, Atlantic City, NJ, FAA (1997) 248—253. 

G.GaiUard, A.P. Lilot, A. Mangeville, D. Sedaries and D. Sundermann, Performance evaluation of x-ray scanning systems for containers and trucks, in Contraband and Cargo Inspection Technology International Symposium, 28-30 October 1992, Washington, DC, ONDCP and NIJ (1992) 243-250. 

The main tests that are required for the sealed tubes containing the fuel elements are mechanical and physical like the quality of pellet insertion and spring insertion, inspection of the welding system for the fuel rods, x-ray inspection, and rod inspection. 

X-ray inspection also is used to determine movement of each individual layer. In this case, a locating pad with a corresponding layer pad is on each individual layer. The system can measure the distance from the locating to layer pad and determine movement of each layer due to the location of the layer pads. PCBs can be inspected after tooling holes are drilled to verify that they are in the proper locations. In addition, x-ray inspection can be performed after final driUiag to verify that the holes are centered within the pads. 

There may be defects that do not show up as faults. Examples are insufficient solder, a misaligned component, a missing bypass capacitor, and an open power pin. Inspection systems such as automated optical inspection (AOI) and automated x-ray inspection (AXI) detect many of the defects and also some of the same faults as electrical test. The definition includes the phrase at the end of the manufacturing process, which is important when compared with potential defect. ... 

Automatic X-ray inspection using linear diode array imaging systems is discussed as a quality control method for tyres. 

Figure 6.5, left, shows a typical X-ray image of an MID by way of example. Suitable control and systems technology can extend X-ray processing to automated X-ray inspection (AXI), which can also be combined with automated optical inspection (AOI). 

Systems, based on a method of inspection of slice by slice, in a number of cases allow to solve put problems. But for obtaining of higher resolution it is necessary to have an opportunity to increase number of inspected slices. It results in significant increasing of collection data time that is inadmissible in some applications. Besides this, the maximum allowable number of researched slices is rigidly limited by hardware opportunities of tomographs, and also by level of emission of x-ray sources. 

The layout of the system is given in figure 1. The system has two X-Ray sources to accommodate for the variation in wall thickness of the products to be inspected. The 160 kV tube is placed in top of the 320 kV tube (Figure 2). 

Our company is dedicated solely to metal-ceramic X-ray tubes since 25 years over this time, we have made lots of different tube models especially for tyre inspection systems. The major reasons for the use of metal-ceramic tubes in this inspection technology are robustness, their small and individual shapes, and the frequent need for modifications of their design due to custom designed systems. 

As the safety and quality of industrial components, equipments and constructions is correlated with the inspection sensitivity and this is influenced in radiography by the film system class, a continuous supervision of the film systems on the market seems to be urgently necessary. To support the confidence of the film users in the film properties specified by the film manufacturers such a system for quality assurance for industrial x-ray films is proposed by some manufacturers and BAM. This system will be open to all manufacturers, distributers and users of x-ray films. It will deal with all film systems inclusive those which are not specified by a manufacturer as for instance mixed systems. The system for quality assurance will be based... 

Once the feasibility of using real time X-ray as an inspection method was established, it was decided to proceed with the design of a system equally suited for control of incoming frozen fish blocks and for developing inspection procedures. These inspection procedures are, when completed, to be the basis of the inspection standards for the complete concern. 

The diagnostic system DK-ID comrising the X-ray densitometer and special equipment for speciments prepare is designed in MSIA Spectrum . This system is actively used by several Russian companies dealing with forestry. The fact of efficient radiographic tomography use, when inspecting the conditions of trees in the forests is also known. 

BE-3S81 Past film replacement system for high resolution X>ray weld inspection with ultrasonic data fusion Mr M. Erikaen ROBITAS... 

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