Spiral CT imaging system based on integrated open-tube micro-focus radiation source

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of X-ray CT imaging nondestructive testing, in particular to a spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source, which comprises a ray source, a detector system, a mechanical system, a safety protection system and a control system, wherein the radiation source is in an open type, and a lamp filament of the radiation source is a replaceable lamp filament; the detector system comprises an area array detector, a high-precision integrated power supply module and ray and electromagnetic shielding equipment; the mechanical system comprises a mechanical transmission mechanism and is mainly used for adjusting far and near positions and rotary scanning of the radiation source and the detector system; the safety protection system comprises a main cabin body and two auxiliary cabin bodies, a sliding ring is installed at the bottom of the main cabin body, and the ray source is installed on the sliding ring; and the control system is used for controlling the operation of the radiation source and other systems. The method has the advantages that the service life of the spiral CT is prolonged, the detection cost is reduced, and the detection quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of non-destructive testing of X-ray CT imaging, and in particular to a spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source. Background Art

[0002] When the spiral CT scans, the scanning mechanism and the object being measured are in continuous motion, the X-ray source rotates spirally relative to the object, and the detector continuously and uninterruptedly collects projection data to obtain a three-dimensional image of the object being measured. The spiral CT can greatly shorten the scanning time and is a precision instrument. The basic components of the spiral CT mainly include the X-ray source, X-ray detector, mechanical transmission mechanism, and computer image processing system. Due to the slip ring structure of the spiral CT and the movement characteristics of the ray source, the ray source is not only susceptible to voltage fluctuations and mechanical vibrations, but also the difficulty in integrating the related supporting subsystems such as power supply, communication, cooling, and vacuum makes the closed tube the mainstream form of spiral CT (no reports of open tube spiral CT have been found yet).

[0003] The closed tube X-ray source has been evacuated before leaving the factory, and the entire X-ray tube is sealed. Due to the special packaging process, the internal X-ray tube cannot be replaced after long-term use, which is suitable for long-term stable operation. However, due to the power level limitation of the closed micro-focus X-ray source, its operating voltage is low and cannot meet the needs of non-destructive testing of high-density materials and larger-sized fuel elements. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to increase the service life of spiral CT, reduce detection costs, and improve detection quality, the present application provides a spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source.

[0005] The present application provides a spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source, comprising:

[0007] A radiation source, wherein the radiation source is open and the filament of the radiation source is a replaceable filament;

[0008] Detector system, including array detectors, high-precision integrated power modules, and radiation and electromagnetic shielding equipment;

[0009] Mechanical system, including mechanical transmission mechanism, mainly used to adjust the distance and rotation scanning of the radiation source and detector system;

[0010] The safety protection system comprises a main cabin and two auxiliary cabins, wherein a slip ring is installed at the bottom of the main cabin, and the radiation source is installed on the slip ring;

[0011] The control system is used to control the operation of the radiation source and other systems.

[0012] By adopting the above technical scheme, the open radiation source is easy to repair and maintain. When the equipment fails, technicians can more conveniently inspect and repair the inside of the radiation source, and the open radiation source allows researchers to flexibly adjust the parameter settings of the radiation source according to experimental needs, such as the intensity and wavelength of the radiation; the design of replaceable filaments makes it possible to use the equipment again by simply replacing the filaments when the filaments are aged or damaged, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the equipment; the structural design of installing slip rings at the bottom of the main cabin for installing the radiation source can effectively concentrate the radiation source in a relatively closed space, and the two auxiliary cabins can further enhance the protection effect; when in use, the scanning parameters, such as scanning position, scanning layer thickness, scanning speed, etc., can be set through the control system, and then the control system will coordinate the radiation source, detector system, mechanical system, etc. to work according to the preset program, thereby improving work efficiency, reducing human operating errors, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the scanning results.

[0013] Preferably, the radiation source comprises a radiation tube assembly and a vacuum system, and the radiation tube assembly comprises a cathode, an anode, and a vacuum radiation tube;

[0014] The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump for extracting gas from the vacuum ray tube, a vacuum valve for controlling the on and off of the vacuum system, and a vacuum gauge for real-time monitoring the vacuum degree in the vacuum ray tube.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the cathode emits electrons and the anode serves as the target of electron impact. In the vacuum environment provided by the vacuum ray tube, the electrons can be efficiently accelerated and impact the anode to generate X-rays. In the absence of a vacuum environment, the electrons may collide with gas molecules during transmission, resulting in energy loss and scattering, affecting the quality of the rays and accelerating the damage of equipment components. The vacuum ray tube provides a stable environment for the generation of electrons and rays, reduces the interference of gas molecules on the movement of electrons and the absorption of rays, and extends the service life of the ray tube assembly. The function of the vacuum pump is to extract the gas in the vacuum ray tube to achieve and maintain a high vacuum state. When the ray tube assembly needs to be inspected or parts need to be replaced, the vacuum valve can be closed to keep other parts of the system in a vacuum state, reducing the possibility of air entering the system and reducing the time and difficulty of exhausting air when the equipment is restarted.

[0016] Preferably, the cathode is replaceable when damaged or at the end of its life.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the cathode is a key component for generating electrons, and its main function is to emit electrons through the filament. These electrons are accelerated by the electric field to hit the anode to generate X-rays. When the cathode is damaged or its life ends, the electron emission capacity will decrease, resulting in reduced efficiency and weakened intensity of X-rays. The cathode can be replaced in time to ensure that the ray source always maintains a stable electron emission capacity, thereby maintaining the output intensity and quality of the X-rays and ensuring the smooth progress of detection or imaging. Compared with replacing the entire ray source system, replacing the cathode alone can reduce the maintenance cost of the equipment and improve the economic efficiency of the equipment.

[0018] Preferably, the mechanical transmission mechanism includes a detection disc, a slip ring assembly, and a motor drive assembly.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the detection disc provides a stable placement platform for the detection object. For irregularly shaped objects, different parts and angles of the object can be fully exposed to the radiation through the rotation of the disc, so as to obtain all-round image information. When the detection disc rotates under the drive of the motor, the slip ring can ensure that the signal between the radiation source system and the detection equipment (such as the detector) can be transmitted stably and continuously in the rotating state.

[0020] Preferably, the slip ring assembly comprises a slip ring fixing part, a slip ring stator mounted on the slip ring fixing part, a slip ring rotor used in conjunction with the slip ring stator, and a slip ring fixing part connected to the slip ring rotor.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the structural design of the slip ring assembly enables the various components to fit closely together. The slip ring fixture provides a stable installation base for the entire slip ring assembly, ensuring that the slip ring stator can be firmly installed thereon. The cooperation between the slip ring stator and the slip ring rotor is the key to achieving signal transmission. The slip ring fixture is connected to the slip ring rotor, so that the rotation of the detection disk can be organically combined with the signal transmission function of the slip ring assembly. In the case of frequent operation of the mechanical rotating mechanism, the slip ring fixture can stabilize the slip ring stator to prevent it from shifting due to vibration. The precise cooperation between the slip ring rotor and the slip ring stator and the connection with the slip ring fixture can also prevent the components from loosening during the rotation process, thereby ensuring the stability of signal transmission and the reliability of the mechanical structure.

[0022] Preferably, the installation positions of the ray source and the detector system are both provided with precision electric slides.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, a precision electric slide is installed at the position of the radiation source and the detector system, so that they can be accurately adjusted in three-dimensional space (usually including the X, Y, and Z axis directions); using the electric slide, the radiation source and the detector can easily change their positions to achieve multi-angle scanning of the detection object.

[0024] Preferably, the main cabin body is made of lead plates, and the thickness of the lead plates of the main cabin body is 10 mm.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, most of the X-rays will be absorbed or reflected by the lead plate during the operation of the radiation source, thereby reducing the radiation dose received by the operator and the surrounding environment. Lead is a material with good shielding effect on X-rays. The cabin is made of 10mm thick lead plate, which can effectively block the leakage of X-rays generated by the radiation source, making the distribution of rays in the detection area more controllable, improving the accuracy of detection, and reducing the radiation hazard to the surrounding environment.

[0026] Preferably, the auxiliary cabin body is channel-shaped, and is made of lead plates, and the thickness of the lead plates on four sides of the auxiliary cabin body is 6 mm.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the channel-shaped design of the auxiliary cabin provides a relatively safe path for personnel and equipment to enter and exit the main equipment area. When the radiation source is working, the lead plate can prevent the radiation from leaking from the channel direction, reduce the impact of radiation on the surrounding environment, and ensure the safety of personnel.

[0028] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0029] 1. The open radiation source is easy to repair and maintain. When the equipment fails, technicians can more conveniently inspect and repair the inside of the radiation source. The open radiation source allows researchers to flexibly adjust the parameter settings of the radiation source according to experimental needs, such as the intensity and wavelength of the radiation. The design of replaceable filaments allows the filaments to be replaced when they are aged or damaged, which reduces the maintenance cost of the equipment. The structural design of installing slip rings at the bottom of the main cabin for installing the radiation source can effectively concentrate the radiation source in a relatively closed space, and the two auxiliary cabins can further enhance the protection effect. When in use, the scanning parameters such as scanning position, scanning layer thickness, scanning speed, etc. can be set through the control system, and then the control system will coordinate the radiation source, detector system, mechanical system, etc. to work according to the preset program, improve work efficiency, reduce human operating errors, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the scanning results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the system structure of the spiral CT imaging system based on the integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source in the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the slip ring;

[0032] Figure 3It is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of the switch spiral CT.

[0033] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. Radiation source; 2. Detector system; 3. Mechanical system; 4. Safety protection system; 5. Industrial parts; 6. Scanning control system; 7. Data acquisition system; 8. Image reconstruction system; 9. Slip ring assembly; 91. Slip ring fixture; 92. Slip ring fixture; 93. Slip ring rotor; 94. Slip ring stator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following is combined with Figure 1-3 This application is described in further detail.

[0035] The embodiment of the present application discloses a spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source 1. The spiral CT imaging system based on the integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source 1 includes a ray source 1, a detector system 2, a mechanical system 3, a safety protection system 4, and a control system; wherein the ray source 1 is open, and the filament of the ray source 1 is a replaceable filament; the detector system 2 includes a planar array detector, a high-precision integrated power module, and ray and electromagnetic shielding equipment; the mechanical system 3 includes a mechanical transmission mechanism, which is mainly used to adjust the far and near position and rotation scanning of the ray source 1 and the detector system 2; the safety protection system 4 includes a main cabin and two auxiliary cabins, a slip ring is installed at the bottom of the main cabin, and the ray source 1 is installed on the slip ring; the control system is used to control the operation of the ray source 1 and other systems.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the radiation source 1 includes a ray tube assembly and a vacuum system, the ray tube assembly includes a cathode, an anode, and a vacuum ray tube; the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump for extracting gas in the vacuum ray tube, a vacuum valve for controlling the on and off of the vacuum system, and a vacuum gauge for real-time monitoring the vacuum degree in the vacuum ray tube. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation angle of the X-ray of the open tube can reach a maximum of 170°, which has a larger adjustment range of the magnification ratio than the closed tube.

[0037] The cathode emits electrons, and the anode serves as the target for the electrons to collide with. In the vacuum environment provided by the vacuum ray tube, electrons can be efficiently accelerated and collide with the anode to produce X-rays. In the absence of a vacuum environment, electrons may collide with gas molecules during transmission, resulting in energy loss and scattering, affecting the quality of the rays, and also accelerating the damage of equipment components. The vacuum ray tube provides a stable environment for the generation of electrons and rays, reduces the interference of gas molecules on electron movement and the absorption of rays, and extends the service life of the ray tube assembly; the function of the vacuum pump is to extract the gas in the vacuum ray tube to achieve and maintain a high vacuum state. When the ray tube assembly needs to be inspected or parts replaced, the vacuum valve can be closed to keep the rest of the system in a vacuum state, reducing the possibility of air entering the system and reducing the time and difficulty of pumping air when the equipment is restarted.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the cathode can be replaced when it is damaged or at the end of its life. The cathode is a key component for generating electrons, and its main function is to emit electrons through the filament. These electrons are accelerated to collide with the anode under the action of the electric field to generate X-rays. When the cathode is damaged or at the end of its life, the electron emission capacity will decrease, resulting in reduced efficiency and weakened intensity of X-ray generation. By replacing the cathode in time, it can be ensured that the ray source 1 always maintains a stable electron emission capacity, thereby maintaining the output intensity and quality of the X-rays and ensuring the smooth progress of the detection or imaging work. Compared with replacing the entire ray source 1 system, replacing the cathode alone can reduce the maintenance cost of the equipment and improve the economic efficiency of the equipment.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the ray source 1 also includes a cooler and a high-voltage generator. The ray source 1 adopts an integrated design, and the vacuum pump, cooler, and high-voltage generator are all integrated on the ray source 1. The ray source 1 has a power box signal line for external wiring. In an optional embodiment, the mechanical transmission mechanism includes a detection disc, a slip ring assembly 9, and a motor drive assembly. The detection disc provides a stable placement platform for the detection object. For irregularly shaped objects, the rotation of the disc can make different parts and angles of the object fully exposed to the radiation, and obtain all-round image information. When the detection disc rotates under the drive of the motor, the slip ring can ensure that the signal between the ray source 1 system and the detection equipment (such as a detector) can be stably and continuously transmitted in the rotating state. Optionally, the power supply and signal lines are both connected to the slip ring assembly 9.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the slip ring assembly 9 includes a slip ring fixing member 92, a slip ring stator 94 mounted on the slip ring fixing member 92, a slip ring rotor 93 used in conjunction with the slip ring stator 94, and a slip ring fixing member 91 connected to the slip ring rotor 93. This structural design of the slip ring assembly 9 allows each component to fit closely together. The slip ring fixing member 92 provides a stable installation base for the entire slip ring assembly 9, ensuring that the slip ring stator 94 can be securely mounted thereon. The cooperation between the slip ring stator 94 and the slip ring rotor 93 is the key to achieving signal transmission. The slip ring fixing member 91 is connected to the slip ring rotor 93, so that the rotation of the detection disk can be organically combined with the signal transmission function of the slip ring assembly 9. In the case of frequent operation of the mechanical rotating mechanism, the slip ring fixing member 92 can stabilize the slip ring stator 94 to prevent it from shifting due to vibration. The precise cooperation between the slip ring rotor 93 and the slip ring stator 94 and the connection with the slip ring fixing member 91 can also prevent the components from loosening during the rotation process, thereby ensuring the stability of signal transmission and the reliability of the mechanical structure.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of components are integrated on the slip ring fixture 92, including but not limited to: a disc, an open-tube microfocus radiation source 1, an open-tube radiation source 1 controller, a flat-panel detector, a controller lead shield, a detector power adapter (including lead shielding), a radiation source 1 power terminal block, and counterweights of different masses. The slip ring rotor 93 and the stator are used to realize the spiral motion of the radiation source 1 and the detector relative to the workpiece under inspection. Preferably, the high-precision slip ring can connect the power cable and some signal lines with the fixed frame, and the sliding brushes of the moving X-ray tube and the flat-panel detector are connected to the metal ring lead with different metal rings. The X-ray tube and the flat-panel detector are not limited by the cable length and can rotate 360° around the workpiece. The slip ring is mainly composed of a CT frame fixed end assembly and a CT frame rotating end assembly. The fixed end of the CT frame is composed of a fixed end frame, a rotating motor and an encoder, a bearing, a frame electromechanical module assembly, a temperature control system, and wiring. In order to ensure the stability and accuracy of the equipment, the deformation error of the fixed end assembly of the CT frame must be strictly controlled and the impact of vibration must be reduced. Finite element analysis, precision machining, aging treatment, and precision testing must be carried out during the design and manufacturing process.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the installation positions of the ray source 1 and the detector system 2 are both provided with precision electric slides. The precision electric slide is installed at the positions of the ray source 1 and the detector system 2 so that they can be precisely adjusted in three-dimensional space (usually including the X, Y, and Z axis directions); using the electric slide, the ray source 1 and the detector can easily change their positions to achieve multi-angle scanning of the detection object. Preferably, the slide is equipped with an interface high-precision ball screw drive and precision linear guide rails. The anti-loosening and anti-axial movement mechanisms effectively prevent the screw from loosening and axial movement. The precision-ground electric moving stage base and the reasonable guide rail fixing method prevent pitch and yaw displacements, ensure straightness and parallelism, and have good repeat positioning accuracy and absolute positioning accuracy.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the main cabin is made of lead plates, and the thickness of the lead plates of the main cabin is 10 mm. During the operation of the radiation source 1, most of the X-rays will be absorbed or reflected by the lead plates, thereby reducing the radiation dose received by the operator and the surrounding environment. Lead is a material with a good shielding effect on X-rays. The cabin is made of 10 mm thick lead plates, which can effectively block the leakage of X-rays generated by the radiation source 1, make the distribution of rays in the detection area more controllable, improve the accuracy of detection, and reduce the radiation hazard to the surrounding environment. In an optional embodiment, the auxiliary cabin is channel-shaped, and the auxiliary cabin is made of lead plates, and the thickness of the lead plates on the four sides of the auxiliary cabin is 6 mm. The channel-shaped design of the auxiliary cabin provides a relatively safe path for personnel and equipment to enter and exit the main equipment area. When the radiation source 1 is working, the lead plate can prevent the radiation from leaking from the channel direction, reduce the impact of radiation on the surrounding environment, and ensure personnel safety.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, it also includes a computer image processing system, which includes a data acquisition system 7 and an image reconstruction system 8.

[0045] The implementation principle of the embodiment of the present application is as follows: the open radiation source 1 is easy to repair and maintain. When the equipment fails, technicians can more conveniently inspect and repair the inside of the radiation source 1, and the open radiation source 1 allows researchers to flexibly adjust the parameter settings of the radiation source 1 according to experimental requirements, such as the intensity and wavelength of the radiation; the design of the replaceable filament makes it possible to use the equipment again by simply replacing the filament when the filament is aged or damaged, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the equipment; the structural design of installing a slip ring at the bottom of the main cabin for installing the radiation source 1 can effectively concentrate the radiation source 1 in a relatively closed space, and the two auxiliary cabins can further enhance the protection effect; when in use, the scanning parameters, such as the scanning position, scanning layer thickness, scanning speed, etc., can be set through the control system, and then the control system will coordinate the radiation source 1, the detector system 2, the mechanical system 3, etc. to work according to the preset program, thereby improving work efficiency, reducing human operating errors, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the scanning results.

[0046] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Therefore, any equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source, characterized in that: include: A radiation source (1), wherein the radiation source (1) is open, and the filament of the radiation source (1) is a replaceable filament; A detector system (2), including an array detector, a high-precision integrated power module, and radiation and electromagnetic shielding equipment; The mechanical system (3) includes a mechanical transmission mechanism, which is mainly used to adjust the distance and rotation scanning of the radiation source (1) and the detector system (2); The safety protection system (4) comprises a main cabin and two auxiliary cabins, wherein a slip ring is installed at the bottom of the main cabin, and the radiation source (1) is installed on the slip ring; A control system is used to control the operation of the radiation source (1) and other systems.

2. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation source (1) comprises a radiation tube assembly and a vacuum system, wherein the radiation tube assembly comprises a cathode, an anode, and a vacuum radiation tube; The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump for extracting gas from the vacuum ray tube, a vacuum valve for controlling the on and off of the vacuum system, and a vacuum gauge for real-time monitoring the vacuum degree in the vacuum ray tube.

3. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cathode may be replaced upon damage or end of life.

4. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical transmission mechanism comprises a detection disc, a slip ring assembly (9), and a motor drive assembly.

5. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 4, characterized in that: The slip ring assembly (9) comprises a slip ring fixing member (92), a slip ring stator (94) mounted on the slip ring fixing member (92), a slip ring rotor (93) used in conjunction with the slip ring stator (94), and a slip ring fixing member (91) connected to the slip ring rotor (93).

6. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The installation positions of the ray source (1) and the detector system (2) are both provided with precision electric slides.

7. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main cabin body is made of lead plates, and the thickness of the lead plates of the main cabin body is 10 mm.

8. The spiral CT imaging system based on an integrated open-tube micro-focus ray source according to claim 7, characterized in that: The auxiliary cabin body is channel-shaped and is made of lead plates, and the lead plates on four sides of the auxiliary cabin body are 6 mm thick.

Images