Mobile X-Ray Computed Tomography for Nuclear and Aviation Industry

Abstract

Abstract Digital detectors such as phosphor imaging plates (IP) and digital detector arrays (DDA) enable radiographic inspection with higher efficiency and improved image quality in comparison to the classic film technique. The mobile mechanised tomographic system TomoCAR (tomographic computer aided radiology) was developed first for inspection of circumferential welded seams of pipes. It consists of the manipulator based position control of an X-ray tube in front of the region to inspect and a digital detector array behind it. The high contrast sensitivity technique was combined with planar tomography. The tomographic reconstruction allows the three-dimensional (3D) representation of the material structure and included defects, equivalent to a metallographic cross sectioning. The hardware design is based on a specially developed flat X-ray tube and a direct converting CMOS detector array on CdTe basis. TomoCAR is applied for sizing of volumetric and planar defects. It allows the reliable detection of planar defects with openings larger than 25μm by subpixel resolution due to the achieved high signal-to-noise ratio. TomoCAR was successfully qualified as the result of a German pilot study on the basis of the European Network of Inspection and Qualification (ENIQ) guidelines for application in the nuclear power industry. Application examples are presented. The TomoCAR design was modified for in situ inspection of large aircraft components under production conditions. A gantry gate based planar tomograph was constructed and tested for inspection of the integrity of large flat CFRP panel components of up to 3 m × 9 m size. The integrity of imbedded stringers has been successfully observed. Different trials were performed to prove the finding rate of cracks in embedded stringers, which will be presented and discussed.