 Computed Radiography for Non-Destructive Testing Is Introduced by Fuji NDT Systems; Dramatic Cost Cuts Seen, Many Aerospace Applications October 9, 1996 System Provides Enhanced Images; Many Applicatons Are Filmless A new technology for industrial X-ray imaging that provides enhanced images, dramatically cuts operating costs, improves plant safety, and eliminates the need for silver reclamation has been introduced by Fuji NDT Systems. The technology is expected to achieve wide application in aerospace, an industry that relies heavily on non-destructive testing. The technology, known as Computed Radiography (CR), uses a photo-stimulable imaging plate rather than conventional X-ray film. The imaging plate, which is far more sensitive than film, is scanned by a laser, which converts the image into digital form so that it can be stored in a computer. The digital image can be enhanced by computer through sophisticated algorithms, which, for example, make it possible to view thin sections of a part on the same image for the first time. Because CR produces images with consistent image densities, re-takes are virtually eliminated. Image Consistency and Processing Speed "Fuji Computed Radiography provides image consistency, processing speed and operating efficiency that have never before been possible in industrial radiography," Doug Hackradt, national sales manager of Fuji NDT Systems, declared. "In the aerospace industry, where quality assurance is vital, Fuji CR also will improve plant safety and reduce polluting emissions." Fuji introduced Computed Radiography for medical imaging in the early 1980s. The technology is now used in hundreds of major medical centers around the world. Fuji NDT Systems, which has marketed industrial film for 14 years in the United States, has now adapted Computed Radiography for industrial imaging and non-destructive testing. Applications in Aerospace Engineering Structural engine castings Aircraft landing gear components Aluminum wheels Aluminum honeycomb/aluminum skin sandwich structures Wax patterns for investment turbine blade/vane castings Solid propellant rocket motors Jet engine investment turbine blade/vane castings Composite structural components of wings and fuselages The system is comprised of the Fuji ST-V Imaging Plates and the Fuji AC-3S Computed Radiography Reader. The AC-3S can process 70 imaging plates per hour. The compact unit is portable and contains a rugged scanning mechanism that makes it ideal for a factory environment. Computed Radiography (CR) has many advantages over conventional X-ray imaging, including: CR requires up to 20 times less exposure to produce acceptable images, because the imaging plates are far more sensitive than conventional film. In many instances, iridium can be used rather than cobalt as the radiation source. Reduced radiation levels make it possible to use smaller safe areas of the factory floor for a shorter time. There is far less exposure for radiographic technician. The need for disposable film can be eliminated entirely in some applications, because images can be electronically stored and can be reviewed and interpreted on a computer monitor later. CR imaging plates have a wide dynamic range, so that almost all exposures can be enhanced to provide a readable image. New digital image processing algorithms make it possible to view a wide range of part thicknesses on the same image. With conventional industrial radiography, multiple images are needed to view parts of varying thicknesses. Because the images are captured digitally, computers can enhance each image to produce consistent image densities. This allows the operator to concentrate on the positioning of the part. Images are stored on optical disks, so they can be retrieved and reviewed in seconds. By comparison, images stored on film can be lost and retrieval may require considerable time. The imaging plate can be reused hundreds of times, thereby eliminating the cost associated with consumable film. CR eliminates the cost of recapturing silver from film. (Industrial film uses many times the amount of silver used in consumer film.) Reduced cassette handling, film costs, chemical film development, and chemical waste disposal. Assured and rapid access to all images, eliminating lost film. The need for a dedicated darkroom is eliminated. Further information about Fuji Computed Radiography for non-destructive testing may be obtained from: Fuji NDT Systems, 1055 Stevenson Court, Building 105, Roselle, Illinois 60172-2300. Telephone: 800-323-2546. Fax 630-582-2292. |
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