MAJOR COMPONENTS OF X-RAY

GENERATING UNITS
Prepared by:-
EN KAMARUL AMIN BIN ABDULLAH
XRAY HISTORY
 Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen - First X-ray
 On 8 Nov, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (accidentally) discovered
an image cast from his cathode ray generator, projected far beyond
the possible range of the cathode rays (now known as an electron
beam). Further investigation showed that the rays were generated at
the point of contact of the cathode ray beam on the interior of the
vacuum tube, that they were not deflected by magnetic fields, and
they penetrated many kinds of matter.
 A week after his discovery, Rontgen took an X-ray photograph of
his wife's hand which clearly revealed her wedding ring and her
bones. The photograph electrified the general public and aroused
great scientific interest in the new form of radiation. Röntgen named
the new form of radiation X-radiation (X standing for "Unknown").
Hence the term X-rays (also referred as Röntgen rays, though this
term is unusual outside of Germany).
CONTENTS
1.0 X-RAY TUBE
2.0 CONTROL PANEL (OPERATION CONSOLE)
3.0 X-RAY COUCH
4.0 TUBE STAND
5.0 BUCKY
OBJECTIVES
 Describe what x-ray tube is.
 Identify the parameter selectors on control panel and
their functions.
 Discuss the characteristics of x-ray couch.
 Describe the types of tube stand.
 Describe briefly the principle of Bucky.
METHODOLOGY OF PRODUCING A
RADIOGRAPH
 Patient positioned in relation to exam
being undertaken.
 Radiographic equipment (i.e. X-ray
tube) positioned.
 Exposure set on control panel.
 Instructions given to patient.
 Radiographer stands behind lead glass
screen.
 Exposure undertaken.
 Cassette processed.
 Radiograph reviewed.
Figure A: The X-ray Room
1.0 X-RAY TUBE
 Attached to a tube support.
 Produces X-rays (& Heat).
 Operated at high voltage (40 - 150 kVp).
 Insulation required.
 Oil used to cool X-ray tube during
exposures.
 Oil also acts as an insulator.
 X-ray tube lead lined.
 Incorporate safety interlocks.
 Light Beam Diaphragm.
 Integrated Collimation. Figure 1.1: The x-ray tube.
 Equipment Earthed (Shockproof).
 X-ray tube encased
within LEAD lined
case.

Figure 1.2: The x-ray tube with diagram.

2.0 CONTROL PANEL (OPERATION
CONSOLE)
 THREE primary control
a) kVp – quality
b) mA
quantity
c) Time
 Auxiliary control (anatomical programs @ AEC control)
 kVp
Selector

mA
Main
selector
Power
Timer
AEC Selector
Exposure
Bucky Switch
Selector

Anatomical
Focal Spot
Part
Selector
Selector

Figure 2.1: The picture shows the control panel used at UiTM
PJ.
Figure 2.2: Control Panel Figure 2.3: Control Panel
(Somasundaram, 2009) (Medilux, 2010)
2.1 kV, mA and Timer(s) selectors
kVp(KiloVoltagePeak)
 The energy (the penetrating power) of the x-ray beam is
controlled by the voltage adjustment.
 It is labelled in keV (thousand electron volts) and
sometimes the level is referred to as kVp (kilovoltage
potential).
 The higher the voltage setting, the more energetic will be
the beam of x-ray.
 It plays major part in affecting contrast of image.
mA (MiliAmperage)
 The second control of the output of the x-ray tube is
called the mA (milliamperage) control.
 This control determines how much current is allowed to
flow through the filament which is the cathode side of the
tube.
 The effect of the mA circuit is quite linear.
 It is more concerned in density aspect of the image.
Timer (s)
 Control length of time machine produces x rays
 This is usually denoted as an "S" (exposure time in
seconds) and is combined with the mA control.
 e.g using 10 milliampere seconds you could use a 10 mA
current with a 1.0 second exposure or a 20 mA current
for a 0.5 second exposure or any combination of the two
which would result in the number 10.
 Both of these factors and their combination affect the
film in a linear way.
2.2 AEC (Automatic Exposure Chamber)

 Variable densities exist within

subjects.
 AEC’s monitor the beam
of X-rays transmitted from the
patient.
 Production of X-ray radiation can
be measured.
 Located under patient but above
cassette. Figure 2.4: Automatic Exposure
Chamber – Ionization Chamber.
 Minimizes inaccurate exposures.
 Exposure terminates once a
sufficient quantity of radiation has
been received to produce a
radiographic image of required
density.
 Permit accurate exposures
 Usually three AED’s incorporated
in table tops and vertical chest
stands.
 Markings usually on surface of
table/chest stand.
 Individual chambers may be
selected – depending on the Figure 2.5: The position of the chambers.
exam being performed.
3.0 X-ray Couch

Figure 3.1: The picture shows the x-ray

table/couch available at UiTM PJ.
3.1 Characteristics of X-ray Couch

 Strong enough to support large

patients.
 Low attenuation materials
(Carbon Fibre).
 Rise and fall facilities.
 “Kick” buttons.
 Integrated “Bucky” tray
 Insulated. Figure 3.2: X-ray Couch
 Easy to clean – Cross infection
 Pressure switches.
4.0 TUBE STAND

Figure 4.1: Ceiling Mounted X-ray Figure 4.2: Floor Mounted X-

Tube ray Tube
4.1 Ceiling Mounted
Advantages
 Flexibility
 Ease of use and Durable
 Safety features/interlocks
 Specifications of modern X-
ray tube
 Integral features
 Wide range of movements

Disadvantages
 Expensive
 Interlock – too sensitive
4.2 Floor Mounted
Advantages
 Inexpensive.
 Can be used with
upright Bucky.
 Require less space.

Disadvantages
 Less flexible.
 Not user friendly
for complicated
cases.
5.0 BUCKY

Figure 5.1: Table Bucky Figure 5.2: Erect Bucky

• It actually acts as cassette holder.

Characteristics of Bucky
 Integrated within table top.
 Lock mechanism ensures
cassette is secure.
 Grid mechanism incorporated
within cassette tray.
 Grid reduces scatter radiation
from certain examinations
– Abdomen
– Pelvis
– Hips
 Important that X-ray
tube and cassette tray
are aligned
 Set distance between X-
ray tube and Cassette
tray
 Oscillating movement
ensures scatter is
absorbed before reaching
film
Figure 5.3: The x-ray tube and bucky.
Continue to Next Lesson…..
 Accessory Equipment….