Backscatter imaging system for inspection of equipment through insulation

Abstract

Embodiments are provided to facilitate X-ray backscatter imaging of equipment that is covered by insulation or other materials that it is undesirable to remove and/or that is difficult to access (e.g., due to distance from the ground and/or catwalks or other support structures). These embodiments include improved collimators or other elements to facilitate scanning of the X-ray beam in at least one direction while also maintaining a low size, weight, and power (SWaP). These embodiments also include improved detectors to more readily allow improved X-ray backscatter images and material composition (including detection of the presence of oxides or other evidence or corrosion or degradation) to be detected, even in SWaP-limited applications like remote vessel inspection.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.