Industrial nondestructive testing device

By integrating an X-ray source and a neutron generator into a non-destructive testing device, and combining X-ray imaging and neutron imaging technologies, the problem that existing technologies cannot simultaneously perform composition analysis and internal defect analysis has been solved, enabling high-precision testing of castings and components.

CN223485883UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28INST OF ENERGY HEFEI COMPREHENSIVE NAT SCI CENT (ANHUI ENERGY LAB)
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422820710.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-19
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing nondestructive testing technologies cannot simultaneously perform compositional analysis and internal defect analysis, especially when testing castings and components made of different materials.

Method used

A non-destructive testing device integrating an X-ray source and a neutron generator, combined with X-ray imaging and neutron imaging technologies, is used to achieve high-precision defect detection and composition analysis of castings and components.

Benefits of technology

It enables comprehensive, rapid, and accurate inspection of castings and components made of different materials, possesses high-precision imaging and composition analysis capabilities, and is suitable for non-destructive testing of a variety of materials.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an industrial nondestructive testing device which comprises an X-ray source, a neutron generator, a conveying belt, an X-ray area array detector, a detector, a neutron camera, an X-ray noise shielding piece and a peripheral shielding piece. A to-be-detected object is conveyed to a designated position through the conveying belt and irradiated by the X-ray source and the neutron source at the same time, information is collected through the X-ray area array detector, the detector and the CMOS camera, and three-dimensional imaging and composition detection of the surface and the interior of the to-be-detected object are completed through data processing. X-rays can be effectively used for imaging of a light element material structure, neutrons can realize imaging of an internal structure of a heavy metal part and analysis of all material components, and the X-rays and the neutrons can form effective complementation. The utility model combines the advantages of X-ray and neutron detection, and provides a system capable of simultaneously performing imaging and component analysis on high-density articles and articles containing light element materials.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of non-destructive testing of high-temperature blades of aero-engines / gas turbines, printed circuit boards, nuclear industry components, etc., and particularly to a device for industrial non-destructive testing. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) is a set of methods used to assess the integrity and quality of materials, components, or equipment without impairing or altering their function. This technology is crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of industrial products. In the field of aerospace engines, engine components must withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and mechanical stresses. This places high demands on manufacturing materials, and NDT can be used to assess the integrity and performance of high-temperature alloys, composite materials, and ceramic materials. During high-speed engine operation, the internal blades rotate at high speeds, high-temperature gases flow at high speeds, and gas pressure increases dramatically. This requires aerospace engines to avoid internal defects in castings during manufacturing. NDT can be used to detect defects such as cracks, holes, and inclusions within castings, ensuring they strictly meet quality standards. Furthermore, since aerospace engines are critical components of spacecraft, they require regular inspection and maintenance. Traditional inspection methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also demand highly skilled operators, while NDT can quickly detect internal engine defects. NDT also plays a vital role in the electronics and nuclear industries.

[0003] Currently, the most commonly used detection methods are: infrared thermal imaging detection, which has the advantages of rapid and non-contact detection, but is greatly affected by environmental factors and requires experience for data interpretation; acoustic emission detection, which has the advantages of real-time monitoring and is suitable for the inspection of in-service equipment, but is too costly and requires high skills from operators; and eddy current detection, which has the advantages of fast detection speed and automation, but is only suitable for conductive materials and is limited for the inspection of parts with complex shapes.

[0004] X-ray inspection is a non-destructive testing method that uses X-ray tomography. It can generate three-dimensional images of the internal structure of castings, enabling the assessment of the impact of internal defects such as voids, cracks, and shrinkage cavities on the overall performance of the casting. X-ray inspection features high spatial resolution and fast non-destructive testing speed. However, X-rays have limited penetrating power, making them insufficient for detecting defects smaller than millimeters, and they cannot inspect components containing light elements.

[0005] Neutron imaging is a non-destructive detection technique that uses a neutron beam to penetrate a sample and detect its internal structure. The unique interaction between neutrons and matter allows neutron imaging to provide unique information that is difficult to obtain with other imaging techniques. Compared to traditional X-ray detection techniques, it has advantages such as strong penetration, high sensitivity to non-metallic elements, strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, high imaging accuracy, and fast detection speed. It can also utilize... The detector collects the excitations generated by neutron-irradiated objects. X-ray signals are analyzed for their characteristic energy spectra.

[0006] Existing detection technologies typically utilize X-ray or neutron detection, but these methods often cannot simultaneously perform compositional analysis and internal defect analysis. This new system employs both X-rays and neutrons for detection. This approach effectively avoids the limitation of existing technologies that can only detect specific materials. Simultaneously, it utilizes neutron-activated transient gamma-ray detection technology to analyze the material's composition. This enables comprehensive and all-encompassing analysis of the analyte. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for industrial non-destructive testing, which can perform non-destructive testing on castings and components with high precision requirements for different materials, and realize the integration of high-precision defect detection and composition analysis of castings and components made of various materials.

[0008] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: an industrial non-destructive testing device, comprising an X-ray source, a neutron generator, a conveyor belt, and an X-ray array detector. The system includes a detector, a neutron camera, an X-ray noise shield, and an outer shield. The outer shield is generally rectangular, and its main body is made of stacked boron-containing polyethylene blocks fixed to a structural steel support. The boron-containing polyethylene blocks are secured to each other with screws. The outer shield has drawers at the top and bottom of the conveyor belt, and the drawers house an X-ray source, a neutron generator, and an X-ray array detector. Detector, neutron camera, X-ray noise shield.

[0009] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-destructive testing method for high-value-added industrial applications, such as high-temperature blades of aero-engines / gas turbines, and cladding / fuel rods of nuclear fission reactors. This device integrates the advantages of X-ray imaging, neutron activated element analysis, and neutron imaging, with the two complementing each other to rapidly complete imaging and compositional analysis of the tested components. It boasts advantages such as speed, high accuracy, comprehensive information, and wide applicability. This invention can be widely applied to the imaging and compositional detection of the internal structures of high-temperature blades of aero-engines / gas turbines, printed circuit boards, key components of nuclear fusion reactors, and cladding / fuel rods of nuclear fission reactors. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a non-destructive testing device for industrial applications provided by this utility model.

[0012] In the diagram, 1 - X-ray source, 2 - neutron generator, 3 - conveyor belt, 4 - X-ray array detector, 5 - Detector, 6 - Neutron camera, 7 - X-ray noise shield, 8 - Peripheral shield. Detailed Implementation

[0013] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. To achieve the above objectives, the present utility model adopts the following technical solution.

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, an industrial non-destructive testing device includes: an X-ray source 1, a neutron generator 2, a conveyor belt 3, and an X-ray array detector 4. Detector 5, Neutron camera 6, X-ray noise shield 7, Peripheral shield 8, Power supply system, Control system, Data processing system.

[0015] The outer shielding component 8 has drawers at the top and bottom of the conveyor belt 3 for mounting and fixing the X-ray source 1, neutron generator 2, and X-ray array detector 4. The device comprises a detector (5), a neutron camera (6), and an X-ray noise shield (7). Casters are installed at the bottom of the drawer, which cooperate with the guide rails inside the outer shield (8) for pushing and pulling the drawer during routine maintenance and repair. The outer shield (8) is mainly composed of stacked boron-containing polyethylene blocks, fixed to a structural steel support. The boron-containing polyethylene blocks are secured to each other with screws. The outer shield (8) has good shielding and radiation monitoring capabilities, ensuring that the radiation dose around the device remains within safe thresholds.

[0016] The X-ray source 1 is a cone-beam X-ray source, which, compared with traditional linear X-ray sources, has the advantages of wide coverage, high efficiency, high image quality, and high flexibility. During installation, a mechanical structure is required for its positioning and fixation. A cooling system is needed to ensure the long-term stable operation of the device. The cone-beam X-ray source can simultaneously irradiate a large area, enabling rapid scanning of large objects; it can reduce scanning time and improve imaging efficiency; the resulting images have high quality. The system tube voltage range is 5–320 kV, the tube current range is 0.1–45 mA, and the focal spot size is 0.4 mm / 1.0 mm.

[0017] The neutron generator 2 employs a compact deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron source. This DD neutron source is equipped with a high-voltage power supply with a rated voltage of 1–100 kV, a designed beam current intensity of 1–10 mA, and a stable neutron yield of 5 × 10⁻⁶ kV. 8 n / s. The system can be operated remotely. The neutron generator 2 uses a DD neutron source, which consists of the following parts: a plasma generation section, a vacuum chamber section, a three-electrode extraction system, a titanium target, and a base. Before installing the neutron generator 2 into the drawer of the outer shielding component 8, it must be correctly assembled and a complete system test must be performed.

[0018] The X-ray array detector 4 is an X-ray flat panel detector that can capture images of the entire field of view in a single exposure; it can capture images quickly and can be used for dynamic imaging or rapid inspection; it has high sensitivity to X-rays and can obtain high-quality images at low X-ray doses.

[0019] The X-ray source 1 and neutron generator 2 are fixed inside the lower drawer of the outer shielding component 8 using an aluminum profile bracket. The X-ray array detector 4... Detector 5, neutron camera 6, and X-ray noise shield 7 are fixedly installed inside the upper drawer of the outer shield 8. All components must be installed in their designated positions and secured during assembly to prevent misalignment and sliding.

[0020] The Detector 5 uses a sodium iodide (NaI) detector, which has a high light yield. Radiation exhibits high detection efficiency. NaI detectors, with their rapid scintillation decay time, are suitable for measuring rapidly changing radiation fields. Thallium-doped sodium iodide crystals possess excellent energy resolution, capable of distinguishing very close energy peaks. The signals generated by the detector are connected to existing nuclear electronics systems to amplify, analyze, and process the signals.

[0021] The neutron camera 6 employs a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera, capable of providing high-resolution imaging ranging from millions to tens of millions of pixels. CMOS cameras can obtain clearer images under low-light conditions. The neutron camera can be equipped with different lenses and filters to adapt to various imaging needs. The neutron camera places the circuitry behind the photosensitive element, increasing light collection efficiency.

[0022] The X-ray noise shield 7 uses lead as the shielding material. Lead has an atomic number of 82 and can effectively absorb X-rays and... X-rays can effectively shield against external noise. The influence of detector 5. The X-ray noise shield 7 has a cylindrical structure. The detector 5 is installed inside the X-ray noise shield 7.

[0023] The conveyor belt 3 is a sectional conveyor belt, installed on the outer shielding component 8. The conveyor belt 3 has speed adjustment and positioning functions, so that the object to be tested can stay at a designated position to receive irradiation from the X-ray source 1 and the neutron generator 2.

[0024] The power supply system is divided into two parts: one part provides high-voltage power to X-ray source 1 and neutron generator 2, and is strictly grounded; the other part is for X-ray array detector 4. Power supply for detector 5 and neutron camera 6. An isolation transformer is required between the two parts to prevent high-voltage current from affecting X-ray array detector 4. Detector 5 and neutron camera 6 were damaged. Furthermore, since the data processing system collects electrical signals, the power supply voltage needs to be stable. In special circumstances, a UPS (Unified Power Supply) can be used for X-ray array detector 4. Detector 5 and neutron camera 6 are powered.

[0025] The control system uses remote control to operate the device, ensuring the safety of the operators.

[0026] The data processing system includes a preamplifier, data acquisition equipment, and data analysis programs. The preamplifier is connected to the X-ray array detector 4. Detector 5 and neutron camera 6 are connected; the data acquisition device is connected to the preamplifier.

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: After the object to be tested is transported to the designated position by the conveyor belt 3, it is irradiated by X-ray source 1 and neutron generator 2 respectively emitting X-rays and neutrons. X-ray array detector 4 records the intensity of X-rays at different angles for imaging; neutron camera 6 captures the neutron beam after penetrating the object to be tested for imaging. Detector 5 captures the emitted during the decay process. X-rays determine the composition of an object by identifying characteristic peaks. After the detector completes the acquisition of the characteristic peaks, the object under test continues to move forward with the conveyor belt 3, moves out of the measurement area, and the next object under test enters the measurement area.

[0028] The parts of this utility model not described in detail are common knowledge to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the utility model to the specific implementations described. Various modifications and improvements to the technical solutions of this utility model made by those skilled in the art without departing from its design spirit should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An industrial non-destructive testing device, characterized in that: It includes an X-ray source (1), a neutron generator (2), a conveyor belt (3), and an X-ray array detector (4). The detector (5), neutron camera (6), X-ray noise shield (7), and outer shield (8) are all included. The outer shield (8) is a rectangular parallelepiped. The main body of the outer shield (8) is made of stacked boron-containing polyethylene blocks and fixed to the structural steel support. The boron-containing polyethylene blocks are fixed to each other with screws. The outer shield (8) has drawers at the top and bottom of the conveyor belt (3). The drawers are equipped with an X-ray source (1), a neutron generator (2), and an X-ray array detector (4). Detector (5), neutron camera (6), X-ray noise shield (7).

2. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray source (1) adopts a cone-beam X-ray source with a tube voltage range of 5 to 320 kV, a tube current range of 0.1 to 45 mA, and a focal spot size of 0.4 mm / 1.0 mm.

3. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The neutron generator (2) adopts a compact deuterium-deuterium neutron source, namely the DD neutron source. This DD neutron source is equipped with a high-voltage power supply with a rated voltage of 1-100 kV, a beam current intensity of 1-10 mA, and a stable neutron yield of 5 × 10⁻⁶ kV. 8 n / s.

4. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray array detector (4) adopts an X-ray flat panel detector.

5. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detector (5) is a NaI detector, and the X-ray noise shield (7) is a cylindrical structure. The detector (5) is installed inside the X-ray noise shield (7).

6. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The neutron camera (6) uses a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor CMOS camera.

7. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The X-ray source (1) and neutron generator (2) are fixed in the lower drawer of the outer shield (8) by a bracket, and the X-ray array detector (4) The detector (5), neutron camera (6), and X-ray noise shield (7) are fixedly installed in the upper drawer of the outer shield (8).

8. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The DD neutron source consists of the following parts: plasma generation section, vacuum chamber section, three-electrode extraction system, titanium target and base.

9. The industrial non-destructive testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt (3) is a truss type and is installed on the outer shield (8).