Patent ID: 6925145
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A system for high-speed radiographic inspection of a fluid transport vessel, said system comprising: (a) an X-ray source and a radiation detector, said source being aligned with said detector longitudinally along an outside surface of said vessel, said source and said detector being positioned on opposite sides of said outside surface; (b) first positioning means for moving said source and said detector longitudinally with respect to said vessel; (c) second positioning means for moving said source and said detector circumferentially with respect to said vessel; (d) a controller for controlling said first and said second positioning means said controller causing said source and said detector to move with respect to said vessel in a coordinated manner so that one complete circumferential revolution of said source and said detector is completed in the time required for said detector to travel longitudinally a distance equal to the scanning width of said detector while said source is illuminating an adjacent region of said vessel with X-rays; and (e) a real-time imaging unit wherein said imaging unit receives image data signals from said detector.