X-Ray Tube Assembly and Testing Procedures
Download PDF Version
1
Sources for X-Ray Tube Housing
Housings are obtained from a variety of sources. Clients that purchase a new Ray-Pac housing are required to return the used housing that is being replaced for the core charge. OEMs with return housings they will not use. Independent medical supply resellers. When return core housings are received they are inspected for any exterior damage and electrical stator readings are taken to verify the model.
2
Sources for Inserts
Ray-Pac uses two international X-Ray Tube manufactures. These manufactures can supply any X-Ray tube insert for any manufacture in the past forty years. We primarily use Varian Medical Systems and Kailong Medical instruments.
3
Insert Deliveries
The glass X-Ray tube Inserts are thoroughly inspected once received at the Ray-Pac facility. Ensuring serial numbers match the inventory sheets. Inspect for damage during shipping, cracks, deterioration of target, loose wires, burnt filaments, or foreign materials that would be considered unusable.
4
Housing Disassembly
Opening optic window to empty all mineral oil. Remove all other ends or openings to access internal parts. Discard all used rubber parts such as O-rings, diaphragms, plastic screws, and Lexan windows. Clean all remaining internal parts and housing with mineral oil and alcohol.
5
X-Ray Tube Housing and Insert Selection
Each X-Ray tube manufacture has a number of housing models designed for different needs. The main high-volt cables may be located on different sides of the housings. Different stators are used depending on the anode rotation speed required and the generator output used. Different filtration, target design, and total kilowatts the insert is capable of creating during x-ray tube exposures.
6
Preassembly
The desired housing is selected and prepared for assembly with the proper horn angle and stator type. The appropriate X-Ray Tube insert has been selected for the design specifications needed. The stator and insert are installed into the housing and prepared for alignment.
7
X-Ray Tube Alignment
The x-ray tube and housing are moved to the lead-lined alignment booth. The alignment scope is mounted to the X-Ray tube housing window. All wires are connected to the insert from the high-voltage generator to create test exposures. The lead-lined cover is lowered over the housing to protect it from x-ray exposure during testing. A high voltage exposure is generated to create light in the x-ray tube. The light is emitted threw the alignment scope. The alignment scope window is marked with cross hairs centered in a circle. It is very seldom that the emitted X-Ray is centered perfectly the first time. Realignment of the insert in the housing is readjusted and another test exposure is made until alignment is accurate. Once proper alignment is achieved and stabilizing of the alignment ring is secure a second technician verifies alignment is correct and signs off on the worksheet. Before touching the X-Ray housing for removal, it is needed to ground the housing to release all static electricity by using a grounding rod.
8
Final Assembly
Remove the x-ray Tube from the alignment booth. Connect all internal wires from insert to wires from high voltage cathode and anode wells. Connect interior stator wires to the exterior. Test exterior connections and have a second technician verify insert functions are working properly. Inspect for any debris and finish the assembly with all new O-rings and windows. Technician signs the assembly section on the worksheet before moving to the pump station.
9
Pump Station
The X-Ray housing is filled with mineral oil to remove all air from the housing. This eliminates any internal high-voltage arching. The oil is preheated to between 145 and 160 degrees and should not exceed 170 degrees. A clear inspection reservoir bottle is connected to the viewing window to fill the mineral oil and visually check for any air in the housing. The housing is put under a vacuum before filling it with oil. Once filled the housing is rotated to release any captured air. Once satisfied there is no remaining air the clear inspection reservoir bottle is removed and the viewing window is installed and sealed. Further inspection through the window for air is done. Clean excess oil from the exterior with alcohol and sign the cap off section on the worksheet. Lastly, move housing to the electrical testing area.
10
Radiation Leakage Test
Mount the x-ray tube on the rotation stand. Connect stator wires and test for anode rotation. Connect high-voltage cables. Mount lead plate over viewing port window to stop radiation leakage during testing exposures. Adjust exposures to the highest rated KV & MaS level. Start the radiation leakage test by rotating the x-ray tube while applying radiation. A leakage test is recorded (on a strip chart printer). Transfer test numbers to a worksheet. Remove housing from leakage rotation stand and mount on filtration stand.
11
Filtration Leakage Test
The x-ray tube housing is mounted on a filtration stand and aligned. The appropriate KV and MaS are adjusted for the filtration test. Two-second exposures are made and recorded on 4 different filters. Final readings are calculated and recorded on the worksheet. The housing is removed from the filtration stand and moved to the appropriate OEMs computerized generator.
12
Calibration and Exposure Testing
Once all stator wires and high voltage cables are connected to the generator computer, calibration and exposure testing can be done and recorded. In calibration mode, the KV & MA numbers are created during test exposures. The final settings are recorded for client use during the new installation. Once the generator’s computer is calibrated we move into normal operating mode as will be used in the field. Test exposures are made on the small and large focal areas from the lowest KV and MaS settings to the highest KV and MaS exposures. Assuring that the new X-Ray tube will work properly once Installed on the client operating system. All test readings and calibration numbers are recorded and kept on file as a permanent record with the worksheet.
13
Painting Completed Housings
All housings are sanded, cleaned, and taped for painting. Ray-Pac uses the highest quality PPG industrial urethane paints. Appropriate colors are used to match OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) colors. After being painted, units are un-taped and moved to the finishing area.
14
Final Inspection and Packaging
Final detailed cleaning is done and end caps are installed. Insulating compound removed from high voltage cable wells. Appropriate window filters are added as required for the specific housing. Appropriate labels are added and making sure all screws and connectors are in place.
15
Boxing and Shipping
Ray-Pac shipping containers are designed for specific X-Ray housings. Boxes are pre-made and lined with appropriate shipping materials. Make sure proper literature and calibration papers are with each housing. High voltage insulating compound is added for use on high-voltage cable connections. Ensure shipping documents are correct before shipping. Seal boxes with staples and straps for shipping
Contact Us
Have a question, or need a quote? Give us a call
at 843-767-8090, or fill out the form below: