Method and apparatus for extending the life of an x-ray tube
OwnerMaurice D. Dilickinventor
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Abstract
The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for extending the life of an x-ray tube. An x-ray tube typically contains an insert for generating x-rays. The insert is housed in a housing wherein an insulating fluid circulates around the insert in the housing to provide thermal and electrical insulation. The present invention includes methods and apparatus for removing water from insulating oil. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor containing a coalescing element for removing water as a vapor from the oil. Other embodiments include methods and devices for drying the interior of the housing.
Claims18
A maintenance method for an x-ray tube having a housing, an insert located herein for producing x-rays, and insulating oil in the housing, the method comprising:
- circulating the oil through a processing chamber excluding the insert;
- and
- in the processing camber, removing gas in solution with the oil from the oil.
A maintenance method for an x-ray tube having a housing, an insert located therein for producing x-rays, and insulating oil in the housing, the method comprising:
- removing oil from the housing to a processing chamber;
- returning oil from the processing chamber to the housing;
- and, in the processing chamber, removing gas in solution with the oil from the oil.
An x-ray machine comprising a gantry and an x-ray tube mounted on the gantry, wherein the x-ray tube comprises a housing, an insert located therein for producing x-rays, and insulating oil in the housing, and wherein the improvement comprises:
- a processing chamber positioned to allow the oil to circulate through the chamber;
- and
- a vacuum connected to the processing chamber to reduce pressure in the processing chamber such that gas in solution in the oil is removed from the oil, whereby the life of the x-ray tube is extended through processing the oil.
An x-ray machine comprising an x-ray tube mounted for operation, wherein the x-ray tube comprises a housing, an inserted located therein for producing x-rays, and insulating oil in the housing, and wherein the improvement comprises a coalescing element in fluid communication with the insert, whereby the coalescing element removes gas in solution with the oil from the oil.
An x-ray machine comprising:
- an x-ray tube mounted for operation, wherein the x-ray tube comprises a housing and an insert located therein for producing x-rays;
- insulating oil in the housing;
- and
- means for removing water in solution with the oil from the oil, whereby the life of the x-ray tube may be extended.
A maintenance method for an x-ray tube having a housing and an insert located therein for producing x-rays, the method comprising:
- circulating insulating oil in the housing;
- and
- removing water dissolved in the oil from the oil, whereby the oil is dryer and has a reduced amount of water available for disassociation caused by operation of the insert.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.