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Chapter 1:Introduction & General Information
LPX-200
Industrial Ima
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The Control Unit
The radiographer uses the Control Unit to set the radiographic
exposure parameters, and to activate/deactivate x-ray
emissions from the Tubehead. One hundred feet of cable is
supplied with the system, which enables the Control Unit an
operator to maintain a safe distance from the x-ray Tubehead
during use.
The digital-based, microprocessor-regulated Control Unit
houses all the system pushbutton operating controls, an
exposure factor LCD Screen (for display of exposure factors),
a Message LCD Screen (for display of operating mode and
system messages), and the circuitry required to provide power
to the Tubehead and Cooling Unit.
The Control Unit is enclosed in a metal container with a
removable cover. A collapsible handle is attached to the cover
to provide a means of transporting the Control Unit.
TheTubehead
The Tubehead is a cylindrical aluminum shell assembly
housing the x-ray tube, the high voltage power supply, and the
filament supply. It is insulated with sulfur hexafluoride gas,
pressurized to 50 psi @70°F. Power to operate the x-ray tube
is supplied through a shielded cable that connects the
Tubehead to the Control Unit. The x-ray tube is end
grounded, with an exposed anode which contains a beryllium
window approximately 2 inches from the anode end. Built in
carrying handles are at each end of the Tubehead.
There are two Tubehead models available:
◆Liquid-cooled
◆Air-cooled
The liquid-cooled Tubehead uses a separate Cooling Unit to
dissipate anode heat. These models have a length of twin hose
attaching the Tubehead to the Cooling Unit. Air-cooled
models have an electric cooling fan mounted at the anode end
of the Tubehead. The fan is powered by an interconnecting
cable from the Control Unit.
The Cooling Unit
(liquid-cooled units only)
The Cooling Unit dissipates heat generated at the anode of the
x-ray tube. Liquid coolant from a self-contained reservoir is
pumped through one side of a twin hose assembly, into the
Tubehead. In the Tubehead, coolant flows through a cooling
manifold, into the anode, and then back to the Cooling Unit
through the second half of the twin hose assembly.
Once in the Cooling Unit, coolant passes through a flow
switch that is electrically interlocked with the Control Unit,
and then through a filter to screen out contaminants. From the
filter, coolant flows through a forced air radiator, where
conducted heat is dissipated, and then back into the reservoir.
An electric motor-driven fan and pump assembly circulates
coolant and creates airflow through the radiator. Power is
supplied via an interconnecting cable from the Control Unit.
When properly connected to the system, the Cooling Unit is
automatically activated by a switching circuit within the
Control Unit.