ROTATING ANODES VS.

FIXED ANODES
Before we make any suggestions about which anode you might want to choose for your
facility's next C-arm, we'll break down what the difference is, and why it's important.

What Is an Anode?
The anode is a small metal disc (usually tungsten or copper) that receives the electron beam
from the cathode and emits it as X-ray. The anode is positioned at an angle that will direct the
X-ray beam into the arc of the C, where the subject of your scan will be positioned.

I Heard There Are Two Anode Types

You heard right, my friend. The two categories of X-ray anodes are stationary and rotating.
As you might guess from the names, the main difference here is that one anode stays still
(stationary) while the other spins around a fixed point (rotating).

The reason behind the introduction of rotating anodes is related to the dispersal of heat. All
that energy coming to the anode from the cathode produces a huge amount of heat. If that
heat keeps hitting the same spot over and over again, as in a stationary anode tube, eventually
the surface of the anode can deform and the angle of the X-ray beam will shift, reducing dose
efficiency and the overall image quality the tube is capable of producing.

In the case of a rotating anode tube, the heat of the incoming cathode beam is dispersed
evenly across the entire surface of the anode as it rotates. This enables rotating anode users to
perform longer scans and at higher doses.

So, Which Anode Type Is Better?

Either anode style could work well for your facility. It depends on what type of work you
plan to do.

Rotating anode systems can shoot longer and at a higher dose. If you intend to perform longer
scans like run-offs or cross laterals, or scans requiring higher dose for larger patients, you’ll
be sending a lot more electricity into your cathode and a lot more heat to your anode. In this
scenario, the superior heat dispersal of the rotating anode will serve you well. Popular
rotating anode models include the OEC 9600 and 9800.
On the other hand, if you intend to perform mainly short, lower-dose studies, as in pain
management needle placement or hand and foot specialties, a stationary anode tube can
suffice. Stationary tubes are also frequently found in more compact, space-saving (and less
expensive) models like the Siemens Compact L and the Ziehm Solo.

Regardless of your specialty, we’re ready to help you select the best C-arm system with the
best tube style for your facility’s needs. If you need parts for an existing C-arm system, use
the button below to browse and order parts online.

An X-Ray machine consists of two main components – X-Ray generator and an

image detection system. An X-Ray tube essentially is a high-vacuum diode
consisting of a Cathode and Anode. X-ray tube operates by generating a stream of
electrons by heating up a cathode (tungsten) filament. This stream of electrons is
directed at high speed at a high voltage Anode disc (usually tungsten). X-radiation is
produced due to the electrons’ interaction with the atomic particles of the Anode. The
X-Rays are focused by a collimator on to a photographic plate, where the image is
captured. The body-part being investigated is placed in the path of the X-Rays
between the tube and the photographic plate.

The main parts of an X-ray generator

1. the tube,
2. the high voltage generator,
3. the control console, and
4. the cooling system.

Functioning of an X-Ray generator

X-Ray tube

The X-Ray Tube

The tube cathode (filament) is heated with a low-voltage current of a few amps. The
filament heats up and the electrons in the wire start breaking free. To kick off the flow
of electrons, a strong electrical potential is created between the cathode and the
anode by the generator. Electrons that break free of the cathode are strongly
attracted to the anode disc. The electron flow between the cathode and the anode is
called the tube current. The tube current is measured in milliamps (mA) and is
controlled by regulating the low-voltage, heating current applied to the cathode.
Higher the temperature of the filament, the larger the number of electrons that leave
the cathode and travel to the anode. The mA or current setting on the control
console regulates the filament temperature and hence the intensity of the X-ray
output.

GE HF advantage X-Ray machine

High Voltage generator

The high-voltage between the cathode and the anode affects the speed at which the
electrons travel and strike the anode. The higher the voltage (kV), the higher the
speed and, therefore, energy the electrons have when they strike the anode. Higher
the energy of the electrons striking the anode, better the X-rays penetration. The
high-voltage potential is measured in kilovolts (kV) which is controlled using the kV
control on the console.

Used GE HF advantage X-Ray machine

Cooling System

A focusing cup is used to concentrate the stream of electrons to a small area on the
anode, called the focal spot. The focal spot size is an important factor in the system’s
ability to produce a sharp image. Most of the energy (nearly 98%) applied to the tube
is transformed into heat at the focal spot of the anode. Therefore, it is necessary to
cool the anode. Tubes are cooled using a water or oil recirculating system.Vacuum is
maintained inside the tube, in order to prevent the cathode from burning up and to
prevent arcing between the anode and the cathode.

Control Console

The other important component of an X-ray generating system is the control console.
There are three main adjustable controls that regulate the 1) tube voltage in kilovolts,
2) the tube amperage in milliamps, and the 3) exposure time in minutes and
seconds. Some systems also have a switch to change the focal spot size of the tube.

HF X-Ray machines today have digital console with settings for procedure being
done (e.g AP Lumbar) and the patient thickness, rather than the Voltage, Current
and Exposure time, making it easier for the technician.