Systems and methods for generating high-energy three-dimensional computed tomography images of bulk materials

A method of inspecting an object using a platform positioned between a source of X-ray radiation and a horizontal detector array, the method comprising:

• transporting the object over a conveyor to position the object on the platform;
• triggering the source to fire a horizontally diverging fan beam, wherein a plane of the fan beam is above a top surface of the object;
• acquiring calibration data using the detector array, wherein the array of detectors has channels or pixels ranging from 1 to 20;
• causing the platform to rotate as well as rise vertically upwards in order to move the object in a substantially helical trajectory, wherein a rate or speed of vertical movement of the platform is based on a radiation dose output of the source being below 0.5 uSv per hour;
• acquiring scan data by exposing the moving object to the fan beam;
• and
• generating, using the calibration and scan data, a three dimensional scan image of the object.

A system for inspecting an object, comprising:

• a source of X-ray radiation;
• a horizontal array of detectors, wherein the source and the array of detectors are positioned substantially on a first plane, and wherein the array of detectors includes channels or pixels ranging from 1 to 20;
• a platform configured to rotate as well as translate in a vertical trajectory, wherein the platform is positioned on a second plane between the source and the array of detectors, and wherein the object is disposed on the platform;
• and
• a computing device configured to:
• cause the source to fire a substantially horizontal fan beam of X-rays in a third plane, wherein the third plane is above a top of the object;
• acquire calibration data from the array of detectors while the third plane is above the top of the object;
• cause the platform to simultaneously rotate and raise the object vertically upwards, wherein a rate or speed of vertical movement of the platform is based on a radiation dose output of the source being below 0.5 uSv per hour;
• acquire scan data of the object;
• use the calibration and scan data in order to generate a three dimensional scan image of the object;
• and
• move the platform vertically downwards to the second plane once an entire height of the object has been irradiated with the fan beam.