Continuous conditioning of dielectric fluid in an x-ray tube

In a radiographic apparatus having an x-ray tube, a method for extending the service life of the x-ray tube, comprising the steps of:

• mounting a filter inside a filter housing, the filter having an outside diameter;
• mounting a replaceable gas reduction cartridge around said filter;
• filling said replaceable gas cartridge with a material having a high affinity for hydrogen gas in the dielectric fluid;
• entering the dielectric fluid at the filter outside diameter and moving said dielectric fluid radially inward so that the dielectric fluid flows over the high affinity material surfaces, whereby the hydrogen gas in the dielectric fluid alloys with the high affinity material to create an alloyed gas.

In a radiographic apparatus having an x-ray tube, a device for continuously conditioning dielectric fluid in the x-ray tube during operation, comprising:

• a filter mounted inside a filter housing;
• a filter outside diameter associated with the filter for receiving dielectric fluid to be filtered;
• and
• a radial inward path for moving the dielectric fluid radially inward as it is filtered.