X-RAY TUBE AND TUBE FAULTS

CONSTRUCTION:

.Source of electrons-negative cathode connected to high tension transformer(provides voltage to put

electrons in fast motion),and step down transformer(heats the xray tube filament).

.Means of rapid movement of electrons-high voltage applied across the xray tube.

.Means of slowing down the electrons-positive anode for electron bombardment and xray
production(focal spot).

.Glass envelope(vacuum)-encloses the cathode structure and anode.

TYPES OF XRAY TUBE

.Fixed and Rotating anode xray tube

DIFFERENCES

FIXED ANODE XRT ROTATING ANODE XRT

.Electron moving from the cathode hit the anode
almost at the centre of the anode
.Anode doesn’t rotate,source of xray and region of
heat spread ARE THE same
.Anode disc is made only of tungsten
.Anode disc is a flat disc
.Electrons focus towards the edge of the anode
disc
.anode rotates during exposure,source of xray and
region of heat spread ARE NOT THE same
.Anode disc is made of molybdenum faced with
tungsten or rhenium(increased dissipation and
absorption of heat due to high electrical load)
.Anode disc is beveled

XRAY TUBE AND TUBE FAULT

LOCATION CAUSE APPEARANCE/OUTCOM

E
Glass envelope Prolonged xray tube Change in color of glass
use envelope
Heavy exposure Vaporisation of metal
part of the tube and
formation of mirror
surface
Mechanical stress Stress fracture
from the weight of
the anode
Anode XRT overload above Anode surface crazing/
safe rating value roughening
Rotor Presence of wear on Rotor will be unable to
the rotor run freely resulting in the
production of a loud
noise
Stator windings Faults in stator Absence of power supply
windings for anode rotation
Filament Loading of tube at Failure of filament to
 high mA heat when energized
Vacuum Gassy XRT Ionization and
production of x-radiation
which is of low intensity