Industrial CT Detector Array for Fast Scanning of Large Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CT inspection methods for large targets face challenges due to the need for detector movement, which increases inspection time, or the high cost of large detectors, making them impractical for efficient scanning.

Innovation Solution

Employing multiple detectors simultaneously to extend the measurement area without requiring movement, allowing for a single rotation to capture the entire target volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the detector and/or target are moved to enlarge the effective measurement area, then the measurement area is extended, but the inspection time is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement areaVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detectors (at least two, preferably three or more) to form a detector array that simultaneously covers a larger measurement area. This merging approach eliminates the need to move detectors or targets to extend coverage, as the combined detector array captures the entire target projection in a single rotation, thus extending measurement area without increasing inspection time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If detectors with larger dimensions are employed, then the measurement area is extended, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement areaVSAvoiddetector cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large measurement area requirement into multiple smaller detector units arranged in an array. Instead of using one expensive large detector, the system uses several smaller, more affordable detectors working together. Each detector in the array contributes a portion of the total measurement area, achieving the same effective coverage at lower cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single detector is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector configurationVSAvoidmeasurement area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-detector configuration to a multi-detector array configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the detection system. By arranging detectors in an array across multiple positions, the system expands the measurement area in the spatial domain without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the detectors work in parallel during a single rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces inspection time and avoids the need for costly large detectors, enabling faster and more efficient CT scanning of large targets.

Implementation Method 1

a portion the radiant intensity (energy per unit time and per unit solid angle) can lost due to absorption and/or scattering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a portion the radiant intensity (energy per unit time and per unit solid angle) can lost due to absorption and/or scattering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4014030B1Fast industrial computed tomography for large objects
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
  • EP4014030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4014030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for non-destructive testing by computed tomography are provided. The system can include a stationary radiation source, a stage, and a plurality of stationary radiation detectors. The source can be configured to emit, from a focal point, a beam of penetrating radiation having a three-dimensional geometry and to direct the beam in a path incident upon a target. The stationary radiation source can be positioned with respect to the plurality of stationary radiation detectors and the stage such that, a first plurality of beam segment paths is defined between the focal point and respective sensing faces of the plurality of radiation detectors and at least one second beam segment path is defined between the focal point and a predetermined gap.