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In our previous blog we have discussed about x ray machine working principle. Please check out for the link given below to have better understanding
of today’s content.
X ray Machine Working Principle
In today’s blog, we are going to discuss about the components of x ray tube.
The x ray is a important radiography equipment. The invention of x ray machine has created a revolution in the field of diagnostic healthcare. The x ray machine produces the images of inside of our body in black and white. Therefore it is important for every healthcare professional to know in detail about x ray machine.
Let’s get into the topic with a small introduction
about X ray.
WHAT IS X RAY?
X rays are almost similar to visible lights. But the
only difference is that they have different wavelengths. We can see visible
light of higher wavelength, but we cannot see the X ray beams with lower
wavelength and high energy. The frequency of X rays is 1020 Hz and wavelength
ranges from 10 Picometres to 10 Nanometres.
WHAT ARE THE
COMPONENTS OF X
RAY TUBE?
The x ray tube is a
energy converter which converts electrical energy into X ray radiation and heat. The following are the components of the x ray tube.
1. Cathode.
2. Anode.
3. Expansion Bellows.
4. Tube Envelope.
5. Tube Housing.
6. Rotor.
7. Induction Slater.
8. Tube Window.
9. Aluminum Filter.
10. Collimator.
CATHODE
Cathode acts as a
source of electrons. The electric current is used to heat the cathode filament
which in turn accelerates the electrons from the cathode.
ANODE
There are two
types of anode used in the x ray tube. One is Stationary anode and other is
rotating anode. Rotating anode is used mostly. Anode has two main functions,
one is it convert electric energy into X ray radiation and to dissipate the
heat created in the process.
Disadvantages
of using rotating anode:
Decreased output
of X ray beams due to scattering of X ray beams and more absorption of X ray
beams by anode target itself.
EXPANSION
BELLOWS
Expansion bellows
allows oil to expand without increasing pressure on the tube.
TUBE ENVELOPE
The primary
function of tube envelope is to use vacuum in the tube. Tube Envelope is
usually made up of glass. In some cases it is also made up of ceramic or metal
based on the application. In a conventional X ray tube, anode only rotates. In
case of dual energy CT’s entire envelope tube rotates, Rotating Envelop Tubes
are used. And in addition to that anode is in direct contact with the liquid
coolant which results in High heat conduction and increased performance.
Have you ever
wondered why vacuum tube is used in X ray production instead of normal air
filled tube. The following is the answer.
The presence of
gases in the X ray tube would allow electric current to flow through the tube
freely instead of flowing only in the electron beam. Thus, inferring in the X
ray production and damages the electric circuit.
TUBE HOUSING
The x ray tube housing acts
as a shield and absorbs the excess radiation apart from the radiation that pass
through the window as a useful X ray beams. The space between the x ray tube housing and
inside is filled with oil which creates a electrical insulation and transfers
heat from inside to the housing surface.
INDUCTION
SLATER
Slater lies at the
neck of the tube outside the envelope which provide the magnetic field to provide
power to affect the rotation of anode.
ROTOR
The magnetic field
produced by induction slater induces the current in the rotor of induction
motor which in turn provides power to rotate the anode.
TUBE WINDOW
The x ray tube window
is usually made up of beryllium which allows X rays to pass through and has
sufficient strength to hold the vacuum required for x ray tube to operate.
ALUMINUM
FILTER
The X ray beams produced by x ray machine are used in medical field has wide range of frequencies. X ray beams of unwanted
frequencies may cause side effects on the patients if exposed. In order to
filter the unwanted frequencies of X ray beam, aluminum filter is used.
COLLIMATOR
Collimator is used
to direct the X ray beam from x ray tube to a specific region of interest in a
patient’s body. It is used to avoid exposure of radiation to the areas apart
from the region of interest.
Now I hope you have acquired some knowledge about the components of x ray tube. We will discuss in detail about a topic related to Biomedical Engineering in our next blog.
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