X-ray Thickness Gauge Temperature Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray thickness gauges face measurement accuracy issues due to exposure dose drift caused by temperature changes, leading to complex and expensive systems, especially in continuous measurement applications like rolling lines, where calibration requires device retraction and results in system complications.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray thickness gauge with a calculation unit that uses a temperature correction table or expression to adjust detection exposure doses based on temperature differences between calibration and measurement times, allowing for continuous measurement error correction without the need for redundant systems or chillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cooling medium circulation device (chiller) is provided to control temperature of X-ray tube, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cooling system (chiller) with a computational correction approach. The calculation unit uses a temperature correction table or expression to compensate for temperature-induced exposure dose changes, eliminating the need for active temperature control hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from controlling physical temperature parameters to correcting measurement parameters. Instead of maintaining constant temperature through cooling, the system measures temperature changes and applies corresponding corrections to the exposure dose and thickness measurements using pre-established correction relationships.
2Measurement precision
If thickness calibration is performed by retracting device from measurement position, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but productivity decreases due to measurement interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by establishing temperature correction tables or expressions across the full temperature range before actual measurement. This allows the system to handle calibration data for the entire measurement range in advance, enabling continuous measurement without retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static calibration (performed at fixed positions) to dynamic calibration (performed across temperature ranges). The system establishes correction relationships that adapt to temperature changes during continuous operation, allowing calibration to be effectively performed while maintaining measurement position.
3Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray thickness gauges are installed in redundant configuration, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single X-ray thickness gauge to serve itself by implementing self-correction capabilities. The calculation unit automatically applies temperature corrections using pre-established correction tables, eliminating the need for redundant systems while maintaining accuracy through self-compensation.
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
Enables accurate thickness measurement correction during continuous operation with a simple configuration, reducing system complexity and costs by accounting for temperature-induced exposure dose changes using pre-calculated correlation functions.
Implementation Method 1
thermo electrons emitted from a cathode (filament) are accelerated in the direction of an anode (target) by a high voltage applied between the both electrodes
Implementation Method 2
collide with the surface of the target of the anode, to cause X-ray to be generated
Implementation Method 3
the whole inside of the X-ray generator containing the X-ray tube is always cooled by cooling medium such as cooling water
Implementation Method 4
the circumference of the X-ray tube is always cooled by insulating oil
Implementation Method 5
a detector to detect a detection exposure dose after an exposure dose irradiated from the X-ray generator has transmitted through a measured object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In an X-ray thickness gauge 100 provided with an X-ray generator 1 which is provided with a cooling unit 1b to cool an X-ray tube 1a with cooling medium, and a power source unit 1c to supply a power source to be applied to the relevant X-ray tube, a detector 5 to detect a detection exposure dose which has transmitted through a measured object 4, a calibration device 2 provided with a thickness reference piece, and a calculation unit 6 which obtains a thickness of the measured object with reference to a calibration table, the X-ray thickness gauge which is provided with a temperature sensor 7 to measure a temperature of the cooling medium, wherein the calculation unit is previously provided with a temperature correction table which obtains the detection exposure dose corresponding to a temperature difference between a temperature of the cooling medium at the time of calibration and a temperature of the cooling medium during measurement, obtains the detection exposure dose with reference to the temperature correction table, and further obtains the thickness with reference to the calibration table.