[sdiy] OT: Today's toxic mess

[Glen]

At 09:29 PM 2/22/01 , Terry Bowman, KA4HJH wrote:

>>P.S. I used to install and repair X-Ray machines in the past, but I've
>>never personally owned an X-Ray tube.
>
>Why do they rotate, anyway? I was hoping someone would tell me.

They rotate because the anode would become pitted too badly if it remained
stationary. Since it rotates, the "impact area" is spread over a larger
area and less damage is done to the anode. There is a lot of of energy
involved here, and anything to make such an expensive component last longer
is worth considering. Hospital X-Ray machines are capable of generating up
to 150kV or more, and perhaps 600mA or more at the X-Ray tube. However, you
won't usually see a machine pressed to its limit in both voltage and
amperage at the same time, and energy levels tend to be lower in typical
use. If a machine *is* operated at maximum power levels, then the exposure
time is always very brief. This helps ensure the longevity of the X-Ray
tube, and also the patient in front of it.  :)


Later,
Glen