Patent ID: 7570058
Filing Date: 2009-08-04
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising: a cooling system thermally coupled to a component of a MRI system, the cooling system comprising a cooling circuit and configured to circulate a coolant through the cooling circuit and extract heat from the coolant; a sensor configured to measure an electrical resistivity value of the coolant; a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the electrical resistivity value of the coolant; and a deionization kit selectively connectable to the cooling system to receive coolant from the cooling system and to deionize the coolant, the deionization kit forming a closed-loop system with the cooling system when connected thereto to allow unimpeded circulation of the coolant through the deionization kit and the cooling system and to allow operation of the MRI system; wherein the controller is configured to generate an alert when the electrical resistivity of the coolant drops below a pre-determined level, the alert being indicative of a desired connection of the deionization kit to the cooling system to deionize the coolant.