JP2006023187A - Industrial x-ray ct system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an industrial X-ray CT system having high resolving power and capable of observing a sample changing with the elapse of time. <P>SOLUTION: The industrial X-ray CT system 1 is constituted of a scanning table 6 and a scanning mechanism part 7. The scanning table 6 has a rotary center shaft 17 provided in a vertical direction and also has a hollow part 16 for arranging the sample 3 provided around the rotary center shaft 17 and a mounting surface 15 for placing an X-ray tube device 4 and an X-ray detector 5 provided in parallel to a horizontal direction. The scanning mechanism part 7 has a drive motor for rotating the scanning table 6, a driving force transmitting member for transmitting the driving force of the drive motor and a composite roll bearing 19 connected to the driving force transmitting member. The operation of the scanning mechanism part 7 is controlled by a measurement control device 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an industrial X-ray CT apparatus that obtains a tomographic image of a sample by irradiating X-rays while moving in the rotation direction around the sample.

As an industrial X-ray CT apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of a sample by irradiating X-rays while moving in the rotation direction around the sample, an apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus is an apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of an immovable sample (inspection object), and includes an X-ray tube apparatus, an X-ray detector, the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray. A ring-shaped rotating body for mounting the detector, an arc-shaped rail that supports the ring-shaped rotating body, a drive motor that is mounted on the arc-shaped rail to rotate the ring-shaped rotating body, and a ring-shaped rotation Comprising a gear interposed between the body and the drive motor, a CT measurement control device, an image processing device for reconstructing a tomographic image of the sample, and a display device for displaying the reconstructed tomographic image. . The ring-shaped rotating body is formed with a separation portion for arranging a non-movable sample inside. The separation part is detachably attached to the rotating body.
JP-A-9-304303 (page 4-5, Fig. 1-3)

  In the above-mentioned conventional industrial X-ray CT apparatus, since the ring-shaped rotating body to which the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray detector are attached is separated, the rotating accuracy of the rotating body is poor, that is, the surface There is a problem that blurring tends to increase and the resolution is low. Further, since the ring-shaped rotating body is simply supported by being inserted into the arc-shaped rail, there is also a problem in that the surface blur tends to increase and the resolution is low. Furthermore, since the ring-shaped rotating body transmits the driving force by the gear, it has the effect of backlash and the like, and this also has the problem that the surface blur tends to increase and the resolution is low. .

  The above-mentioned conventional industrial X-ray CT apparatus is intended to inspect pipes for destructive inspection, and surface blur has not been a problem. For example, a sample that changes over time, such as methane hydrate. In order to observe the distribution state of the internal change with high accuracy, it is necessary to observe with high resolution. Therefore, the influence of surface blurring greatly affects the result. The above-mentioned conventional industrial X-ray CT apparatus is found to be unsuitable for observing a sample that requires high resolution because surface blurring occurs.

  Methane hydrate has been found to exist under permafrost and in the seabed, and its reserves are extremely large, and it has great expectations as a next-generation energy resource that can replace conventional fossil fuels. It is sent. Needless to say, making such methane hydrate observable as a sample contributes to future industrial development.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an industrial X-ray CT apparatus capable of observing a sample with high resolution and changing over time.

  The industrial X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, irradiates a sample with X-rays and moves in the rotation direction around the sample. An X-ray detector positioned on an extension of a line connecting the X-ray tube apparatus and the sample, and a measurement control apparatus for performing CT measurement by controlling operations of the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray detector And an image processing device that reconstructs a tomographic image of the sample from X-ray transmission image data detected by the X-ray detector, and a display device that displays the tomographic image reconstructed by the image processing device. In an industrial X-ray CT apparatus, the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray detector have a rotation center axis in a vertical direction, a hollow part for arranging the sample around the rotation center axis, Has a mounting surface for mounting parallel to the horizontal direction. A scanning table, a driving motor for rotating the scanning table, a driving force transmission member for transmitting a driving force of the driving motor, and a scanning mechanism unit having a compound roller bearing coupled to the driving force transmission member; Further, the operation of the scanning mechanism unit is controlled by the measurement control device.

  According to the present invention having such characteristics, when the industrial X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention is operated, the driving force of the drive motor of the scan mechanism is transmitted to the compound roller bearing. As a result, the scan table on which the X-ray tube device and the X-ray detector are mounted rotates. Since there is a hollow portion for arranging the sample around the rotation axis of the scan table, the X-ray tube device and the X-ray detector rotate around the sample as a rotation center. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus that can perform CT measurement and X-ray transmission image observation without moving a sample. Also, the rotational accuracy of a scan table is increased by using a composite roller bearing, and changes with time. It is an apparatus that enables observation of a sample to be performed.

  The industrial X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is the industrial X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the measurement control device is provided with storage means for storing CT measurement data. Yes.

  According to the present invention having such characteristics, X-ray transmission image data detected by the X-ray detector is transferred to the image processing apparatus by the measurement control apparatus. Alternatively, the X-ray transmission image data is stored in the measurement control device without being transferred to the image processing device. When X-ray transmission image data is stored in the measurement control device, it is possible to perform continuous CT measurement in a short cycle only in the time necessary for CT measurement and storage of measurement data. This is useful for observing samples that change over time. Measurement data stored in the measurement control device can be arbitrarily transferred to the image processing device and subjected to image reconstruction calculation. If a data management device having a function of the display device and a function of saving the tomographic image data reconstructed by the image processing device is provided instead of the display device for displaying the tomographic image, the reconstruction calculation is in progress. In this case, it becomes possible to display and analyze tomographic image data.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an industrial X-ray CT apparatus having high resolution can be provided. In addition, it is possible to observe a sample that changes over time.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that continuous CT measurement can be performed in a short cycle. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to observe a sample that changes over time.

Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an industrial X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a CT measurement method, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing after continuous CT measurement.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates an industrial X-ray CT apparatus of the present invention. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for performing CT measurement and X-ray transmission image observation of a sample 3 that is detachably attached to the middle of a high-pressure pipe 2 extending in the vertical direction. It is configured. That is, the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention is an apparatus that can perform CT measurement and X-ray transmission image observation without moving the sample 3, and can observe even when the sample 3 changes over time. It is configured to be able to. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention is configured to have a higher resolution than a conventional apparatus. First, the configuration of the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described, and then the operation (CT measurement method) will be described.

  The industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes an X-ray tube apparatus 4 and an X-ray detector 5 that rotate around a sample 3 as a rotation center. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a scan table 6 on which the X-ray tube apparatus 4 and the X-ray detector 5 are placed, and a scan mechanism unit 7 that drives the scan table 6. Further, the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes an X-ray control device 8, a control circuit 9, a measurement control device 10, an image processing device 11, a data management device 12, a command processor 13, and a HUB 14. ing.

  The X-ray tube device 4 is provided for irradiating the sample 3 with X-rays. A high-pressure generator 4 a is connected to the X-ray tube device 4. The tube voltage and tube current supplied to the X-ray tube (not shown) of the X-ray tube device 4 are configured to be adjustable over a wide range. The X-ray tube device 4 and the high-pressure generator 4 a are controlled by the X-ray control device 8. The X-ray control device 8 is controlled by the measurement control device 10. A control circuit 9 is provided between the X-ray control device 8 and the measurement control device 10. The measurement control device 10 is configured to control the scan mechanism unit 7 via the control circuit 9. X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube device 4 toward the sample 3 form a cone-shaped X-ray beam.

  X-rays transmitted through the sample 3 are detected by an X-ray detector 5 positioned on the extension of the line connecting the X-ray tube device 4 and the sample 3. The X-ray detector 5 is provided for detecting X-ray transmission image data of the sample 3. The X-ray detector 5 has a plurality of detectors (not shown) arranged in a matrix. The X-ray detector 5 is disposed so as to face the X-ray tube device 4. In the present embodiment, a high pressure generator 4 a is disposed behind the X-ray detector 5.

  The scan table 6 is formed in a substantially disk shape. The scan table 6 is provided with a mounting surface 15 on which the X-ray tube device 4, the X-ray detector 5, and the high pressure generator 4a are mounted. Further, the scan table 6 is formed with a hollow portion 16 for arranging the sample 3. The mounting surface 15 is a flat surface and is formed to be parallel to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. On such a mounting surface 15, the X-ray tube device 4, the X-ray detector 5, and the high pressure generator 4a are mounted. Specifically, the X-ray tube device 4 is placed on the outer peripheral edge side of the placement surface 15. The high pressure generator 4 a is placed on the outer peripheral edge side opposite to the X-ray tube device 4. The X-ray detector 5 is placed between the rotation center axis 17 of the scan table 6 and the outer peripheral edge of the placement surface 15.

  The hollow portion 16 is formed around the rotation center axis 17 in the scan table 6. The hollow portion 16 is formed so as to penetrate the scan table 6 in a circular shape. Such a hollow portion 16 is formed in consideration of the size of the sample 3 and the high-pressure pipe 2. The scan table 6 is formed with a hollow portion 16 but has no separation portion from the hollow portion 16 to the outer peripheral edge portion. In other words, the scan table 6 is not separably formed in order to place the sample 3 on the rotation center shaft 17.

  The scan mechanism unit 7 is installed below the scan table 6. The scan mechanism unit 7 includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the scan table 6 around the sample 3 and a hollow portion 18 that avoids the high-pressure pipe 2. The rotation mechanism includes a drive motor (not shown), a drive force transmission member (not shown) that transmits the drive force of the drive motor, and a compound roller bearing 19 that is coupled to the drive force transmission member. . The compound roller bearing 19 is attached so as to act on the scan table 6. When the scan table 6 rotates, the X-ray tube device 4 moves in the rotation direction around the sample 3. In the scan table 6, occurrence of surface runout is suppressed as much as possible by the compound roller bearing 19 (accuracy of surface runout of 50 μm or less can be realized).

  The hollow portion 18 of the scan mechanism portion 7 is formed so as to be positioned below the hollow portion 16 of the scan table 6. When installing the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention, the lower side of the high-pressure pipe 2 is inserted into the hollow part 18 of the scanning mechanism part 7. The lower side of the high-pressure pipe 2 is piped so as to pass through between the legs 20 of the scan mechanism section 7 after being bent in the vertical direction and then bent by 90 °. The upper side of the high-pressure pipe 2 is also piped so as to be bent by 90 ° after passing in the vertical direction and to pass over the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sample 3 attached in the middle of the high-pressure pipe 2 changes with time, such as methane hydrate.

  A command processor 13 is connected to the measurement control device 10. The measurement control device 10 is configured to control the X-ray detector 5 via the command processor 13. Further, the measurement control device 10 is configured to be able to take in a detection signal from the X-ray detector 5 via the command processor 13. The measurement control device 10 is provided with a large-capacity storage device (storage means) 21 and an operation screen (not shown). The mass storage device 21 and the operation screen will be described later. The measurement control device 10 is configured to be able to create, save, and transfer measurement data.

  A HUB 14 capable of high-speed data transfer is connected between the measurement control device 10, the image processing device 11, and the data management device 12. The measurement control device 10, the image processing device 11, and the data management device 12 are connected to the HUB 14 and can perform data communication. Here, reference numeral 22 in FIG. 1 indicates a communication line. Reference numeral 23 denotes a connector.

  The image processing device 11 is provided as a device for reconstructing X-ray transmission image data projected on the X-ray detector 5. When the measurement data is transferred from the measurement control device 10, the image processing device 11 is configured to create image data for three-dimensional image processing of the measurement data.

  The data management device 12 is provided as a device for observing and analyzing data reconstructed by the image processing device 11. The data management device 12 has a function as a display device and can display a tomographic image.

  Next, a CT measurement method using the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described based on the above configuration. The description will refer to FIGS.

  First, the sample 3 is fixed at a predetermined position of the high-pressure pipe 2. Next, measurement conditions such as an X-ray condition and a measurement range are set on the operation screen of the measurement control device 10. After the setting is completed, CT measurement is started based on the operation screen of the measurement control device 10. Thereby, X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube device 4 toward the sample 3 is started. After the start of X-ray irradiation, the scan table 6 rotates around the sample 3. At this time, the scan table 6 rotates without surface blurring.

  Regarding the rotation of the scan table 6, the driving force of the drive motor of the scan mechanism unit 7 is transmitted to the compound roller bearing 19, and thereby the scan table 6 on which the X-ray tube device 4 and the X-ray detector 5 are mounted. Rotates without running out. Since the hollow portion 16 for arranging the sample 3 exists around the rotation center axis 17 of the scan table 6, the X-ray tube device 4 and the X-ray detector 5 rotate around the sample 3 as the rotation center. To do.

  After the rotational speed of the scan table 6 is stabilized, X-ray transmission image data at a set angle is collected by the X-ray detector 5 and temporarily stored in a RAM (not shown) of the measurement control device 10. When the collection of data necessary for creating the tomographic image is completed, the storage of the measurement data or the transfer of the measurement data to the image processing device 11 is started. When saving the measurement data, the measurement data is saved from the RAM in the measurement control device 10 to the mass storage device 21 of the measurement control device 10. The stored data can be reconfigured again by changing the filter function or the like when offline.

  After the saving operation to the mass storage device 21 is completed, or when saving to the mass storage device 21 is not performed, transfer of measurement data to the image processing device 11 is started. The image processing apparatus 11 performs a reconstruction operation on the transferred measurement data, transfers it as a tomographic image to the data management apparatus 12, and stores it in the data management apparatus 12. The data management device 12 arbitrarily performs observation and analysis based on the stored image.

  When performing continuous CT measurement, X-ray transmission image data collected by the X-ray detector 5 is stored in the large-capacity storage device 21 of the measurement control device 10 and the measurement data is transferred to the image processing device 11. Do not. Thereby, continuous CT measurement can be performed at intervals of only CT measurement and storage time of measurement data. The measurement data stored in the mass storage device 21 is manually transferred to the image processing device 11 after the end of continuous CT measurement. The measurement data is stored in the data management device 12 after image reconstruction calculation is performed by the image processing device 11 as in normal CT measurement.

  Next, a more specific structure of the industrial X-ray CT apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a specific structural explanatory view, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG.

  4 and 5, reference numeral 1 is an industrial X-ray CT apparatus, 2 is a high-pressure pipe, 3 is a sample, 4 is an X-ray tube apparatus, 5 is an X-ray detector, 6 is a scan table, and 7 is a scan mechanism. , 15 is a mounting surface, 16 is a hollow portion, 17 is a rotation center shaft, 19 is a compound roller bearing, 20 is a leg portion, 24 is a drive motor, and 25 is a drive gear (drive force transmission member). . The industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a structure as shown in the figure. Further, the bearing is not limited to the composite roller bearing 19, and any bearing may be used as long as the precision can be maintained.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the industrial X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present invention is an apparatus that can perform CT measurement and X-ray transmission image observation without moving the sample 3. In this apparatus, the rotation accuracy of the scan table 6 is increased by using the compound roller bearing 19, and the specimen 3 changing with time can be observed.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the industrial X-ray CT apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows CT measurement method. It is a flowchart which shows the process after continuous CT measurement. FIG. 2 is a specific structural explanatory diagram of the industrial X-ray CT apparatus of FIG. 1. It is the A section enlarged view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Industrial X-ray CT apparatus 2 High pressure piping 3 Sample 4 X-ray tube apparatus 4a High pressure generator 5 X-ray detector 6 Scan table 7 Scan mechanism part 8 X-ray control apparatus 9 Control circuit 10 Measurement control apparatus 11 Image processing apparatus 12 Data management device 13 Command processor 14 HUB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Mounting surface 16 Hollow part 17 Rotation center shaft 18 Hollow part 19 Compound roller bearing 20 Leg part 21 Mass storage device (storage means)
22 Communication line 23 Connector 24 Drive motor 25 Drive gear (drive force transmission member)

Claims (2)

An X-ray tube device that irradiates the sample with X-rays and moves in the rotational direction about the sample; and an X-ray detector positioned on an extension of a line connecting the X-ray tube device and the sample; A tomographic image of the sample is reconstructed from a measurement control device that performs CT measurement by controlling operations of the X-ray tube device and the X-ray detector, and X-ray transmission image data detected by the X-ray detector In an industrial X-ray CT apparatus comprising: an image processing device; and a display device that displays the tomographic image reconstructed by the image processing device.
A mounting surface for mounting the X-ray tube device and the X-ray detector, having a rotation center axis in the vertical direction, having a hollow portion around the rotation center axis for placing the sample A scan table having a horizontal direction parallel thereto, a drive motor for rotating the scan table, a drive force transmission member for transmitting the drive force of the drive motor, and a composite roller bearing coupled to the drive force transmission member An industrial X-ray CT apparatus, further comprising: a scan mechanism unit having an operation, and controlling the operation of the scan mechanism unit by the measurement control device. The industrial X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1,
An industrial X-ray CT apparatus, wherein the measurement control apparatus is provided with storage means for storing CT measurement data.

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