Radiographic inspection technology plays a crucial role in modern industrial testing. It is a non-destructive testing method that uses radiation (such as X-rays, Y-rays, etc.) to penetrate materials and detect the presence of defects inside objects based on the attenuation of radiation intensity. Below, we will discuss in detail the commonly used equipment and their characteristics in radiographic testing.
1、 X-ray machine
X-ray machine, also known as X-ray flaw detector, is the most widely used equipment in radiographic testing. According to their structural form, X-ray machines can be divided into three types: portable, mobile, and fixed.
Classification and Usage
Portable X-ray machine: small in size and light in weight, especially suitable for construction sites and field operations.
It often uses a combination X-ray generator, which is convenient to carry and operate.
Mobile X-ray machine: suitable for workshop or laboratory environments, capable of detecting medium and thick welded parts. Although it has a large volume, it has high flexibility and adaptability.
Fixed X-ray machine: usually installed in a designated working environment, it completes the inspection work by moving the welded parts. It has good stability and is suitable for testing large and heavy workpieces.
X-RAY TUBE
The X-ray tube is the core component of an X-ray machine, consisting of a cathode, anode, and tube sleeve. The cathode emits electrons, while the anode receives electron bombardment and emits X-rays. The main cooling methods for anodes include radiation cooling, oil cooling, and water cooling to ensure the stability of X-ray tubes during long-term operation.
Composition and selection
X-ray machines are usually composed of X-ray tubes, high-voltage generators, control devices, coolers, mechanical devices, and high-voltage cables. When choosing an X-ray machine, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as working conditions, the structure and thickness of the object being transmitted. For example, for scenarios where the parts are small and can be concentrated on the ground, a mobile X-ray machine may be more suitable; For scenarios where the parts are large and need to work at high altitude or underground, portable X-ray machines have more advantages.
2、 Y-ray machine
The Y-ray machine is another commonly used radiographic testing equipment that uses X-rays for testing. Compared with X-ray machines, X-ray machines have the advantages of strong penetration and no need for external power supply, but they also have disadvantages such as short half-life and strict requirements for radiation protection measures.
Classification and Usage
Portable Y-ray machine: It often uses radioactive isotopes such as Co-60 as the radiation source and is suitable for testing thicker workpieces.
Crawling Y-ray machine: mainly used for non-destructive testing of welded pipelines in the field, capable of flexible movement and operation in narrow and complex environments
advantages and disadvantages
The Y-ray machine has the advantages of strong penetration and no need for external power supply, and can work in various situations such as the field, charged high-voltage electrical equipment, high altitude, high temperature, and underwater. But its main disadvantage is that the half-life of the Y source is short and requires frequent replacement; Meanwhile, due to the significant radiation hazards of Y-rays, strict radiation protection measures are required.
.3、 Accelerator
Accelerator is a device that can generate high-energy rays, which uses electromagnetic fields to give charged particles (such as electrons, protons, etc.) energy and accelerate them to speeds close to the speed of light. The high-energy radiation generated by accelerators has the advantages of strong penetration and high detection sensitivity, and has been widely used in the field of radiographic testing.
Electron linear accelerator is currently one of the most widely used types of accelerators, producing X-rays with high energy, small focal size, and high detection sensitivity. By precisely controlling the energy, intensity, and direction of the radiation beam, high-precision and high-efficiency flaw detection can be achieved. With the continuous advancement of technology, the application prospects of accelerators in the field of radiographic testing will become even broader.
Post time: Jun-06-2025