Patent Description:
A shell and tube heat exchanger is a typical heat exchanger, and is composed of two tube sheets and multiple tubes connecting the two tube sheets, and the outside thereof is a cylindrical shell having an airtight structure. The shell and tube heat exchanger is used for various types of heat exchange, such as heating, cooling, condensation, vaporization, etc..

As a fluid flows into and out of the tubes and a different fluid flows into and out of the space outside the tubes, heat exchange is made between the fluids. In general, as the fluid flowing into the space outside the tubes, a fluid, for example, water, or seawater, at room temperature is used.

As the fluid flowing into the tubes, gas is used. However, no limitation thereto is imposed.

Outside the tubes, multiple baffle plates may be formed to form a zigzag flow path of the fluid.

The tube sheets have multiple insertion holes formed therein. With the tubes inserted in the respective insertion holes of the tube sheets, the connection parts of the tubes and the tube sheets are jointed by welding, so that the fluid inside the tubes and the fluid outside the tubes are prevented from mixing. That is, the fluids are prevented from permeating (leaking) between the tubes and the tube sheets.

For devices, for example, a shell and tube heat exchanger, in which multiple tubes are joined by welding, it is necessary to inspect seam portions.

In pipes connected by welding welds are formed. When connection parts of the pipes are melted and welded, such welds are melted and cooled and thus the structures are recrystallized. Therefore, the welds are weaker in strength than other parts of the pipes.

In addition, welds vary in welding state according to a worker's skill. For example, if the welding time is too long or short, the weld is not strong. Alternatively, if there are many pores or impurities in the weld, the strength is significantly weak.

If the weld, which itself is weaker in strength than other parts, is made to be weaker by the work of an unskilled person or external influences, such as existence of pores or impurities, a crack may appear in a short time in use and the fluid may leak through the weld. If such crack proceeds for a long time, the weld is finally damaged and the pipe in use loses its function.

Therefore, before being buried and used, the welded pipes are inspected for various safety levels including strength, by using an inspection device.

<CIT> discloses "FLUOROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF PIPE GIRTH WELDS".

<CIT> relates to a heat exchange tube and tube plate weld radiography inspection process and a sample for inspecting the sensitivity of the radiography inspection process. According to the radiography inspection process, the radiography inspection sensitivity sample is adopted for inspection, so that it can be ensured that the radiography process can cover all the areas to be inspected on the weld to be inspected, and missing inspection and missing evaluation areas are avoided.

<CIT> relates to inspection technology. A method for the non destructive testing of circular weld seams on welded tubular members involves X-raying the weld seam on a welded tubular member, detecting the X-ray radiation that passes through the weld seam with a detector, and converting the radiation image of the weld seam into a radiographic image. The source of X-ray radiation is a rod-type anode belonging to an X-ray machine with a target-emitter arrangement, which is introduced into the cavity of the tubular member with the target-emitter arrangement being moved through the circular weld seam region and the target then being fixed at a distance from the circular weld seam so that the circular weld seam region is situated between the target-emitter arrangement and the detector; in the area between the circular weld seam and the target-emitter arrangement, X-ray irradiation is carried out in the direction of the target, and the X-ray radiation reflected by the target-emitter arrangement is detected by the detector via a rotating slotted collimator with radially oriented slots.

Accordingly, the present disclosure has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present disclosure is directed to providing a tube weld X-ray inspection device for inspecting an abnormality, such as a tube welding part crack, of a heat exchanger by using X-rays.

The objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described objective, and other objectives which are not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

The invention is defined in the independent claim.

Further advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tube weld X-ray inspection device including: an X-ray support provided in a length direction so that the X-ray support is capable of being inserted into a tube; an X-ray source provided at a side of the X-ray support in the length direction thereof, for emitting X-rays; and at least one image plate, IP, fixing part for fixing an image plate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the length direction of the X-ray support while being spaced a predetermined distance from the X-ray source, the image plate being configured to absorb the X-rays and store the X-rays in a form of energy, wherein a plurality of the IP fixing parts are provided such that the plurality of the IP fixing parts are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the tube weld X-ray inspection device can easily inspect abnormality of a welding part, such as a tube welding part crack, of a heat exchanger by using X-rays.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional image highlighting a problem portion can be obtained.

In addition, as the at least one IP fixing part is movable along the X-ray support, it is easy to adjust the depth at which the X-ray source is inserted into the tube.

In addition, because the image plate is attachable and detachable, the image plate can be applied variably depending on a measurement target, so that tube welding parts in various sizes can be inspected.

In addition, the image plate is provided in a shape of a plate with a hollow center, so that it is easy to replace the image plate and move the image plate along the X-ray support.

In addition, by using the image plate in a single integrated piece, image loss or image distortion can be prevented from occurring at the seam portion.

In addition, by providing a reader, there is no need to take the image plate apart to obtain an image, thus reducing a re-photographing time.

In addition, while either the image plate or the reader is rotated and the other is fixed, the reader is configured to obtain information of the image plate, so that there is no need to take apart and insert the image plate, thus reducing an image acquisition time.

In addition, the reader is configured to move to appropriate positions before and after X-ray photography, so that a re-photographing time can be reduced.

In addition, by providing an initialization module, there is no need to take the image plate apart to initialize the image plate, thus reducing a re-photographing time.

In addition, while either the image plate or the initialization module is rotated and the other is fixed, the initialization module is configured to initialize the image plate, so that there is no need to take apart and insert the image plate, thus reducing a re-photographing time.

In addition, the initialization module is configured to move to appropriate positions before and after X-ray photography, so that a re-photographing time can be reduced.

The present disclosure may be modified in various ways and implemented by various embodiments, so that specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the exemplary embodiments can be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes in a technical concept and a technical scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being coupled or connected to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween.

In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the present specification, it is to be understood that terms such as "including", "having", etc. are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, processes, actions, elements, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, processes, actions, elements, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to offering the description, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to typical meanings or dictionary definitions, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts relevant to the technical scope of the present disclosure based on the rule according to which an inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to describe most appropriately the best method he or she knows for carrying out the disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, descriptions of known functions and components that make the gist of the present disclosure unclear will be omitted. The drawings exemplified below are provided as examples so that the idea of the present disclosure can be sufficiently transferred to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the accompanying drawings and may be embodied in other forms. In addition, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification. It is noted that the same elements in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, if possible.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure not falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure not falling under the claimed invention.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to yet still another embodiment of the present disclosure falling under the claimed invention.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure not falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> shows that an X-ray source is inserted into a tube so that the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure inspects a welding part located at an inlet side of the tube.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an X-ray support <NUM>, an X-ray source <NUM>, and an IP (Image Plate) fixing part <NUM>.

The X-ray support <NUM> is formed in a length direction so that the X-ray support <NUM> is inserted into the tube <NUM>.

The X-ray support <NUM> is for inserting the X-ray source <NUM> into the tube, and any shape capable of being inserted into the tube may be applied, for example, the X-ray support <NUM> is formed in a rod shape.

The X-ray source <NUM> is provided at a side of the X-ray support <NUM> in the length direction thereof, and emits X-rays.

The X-ray source <NUM> is for being inserted into the tube and emitting X-rays to the inlet side of the tube (the direction from which the X-ray source <NUM> enters), that is, a welding part <NUM> between the tube <NUM> and a tube sheet <NUM>. As long as X-rays can be emitted to the welding part <NUM> located at the inlet side of the tube <NUM>, various applications, such as omnidirectional radiation and directional radiation, are possible.

The IP fixing part <NUM> is for fixing an image plate <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> while being spaced a predetermined distance apart from the X-ray source <NUM>. The image plate <NUM> absorbs X-rays and stores the X-rays in the form of energy.

The image plate <NUM> is a plate coated with a photo-stimulable fluorescent material. The image plate <NUM> absorbs the X-rays with which the image plate <NUM> is irradiated and stores the X-rays in the form of energy, and then when the image plate <NUM> is irradiated with irradiation light such as red light, signal light, such as blue light, in a particular color diverges.

That is, the image plate <NUM> stores information obtained by an X-ray photographing device, in the form of energy in the image plate <NUM>.

Herein, when the image plate <NUM> is irradiated with the irradiation light in a particular color, such as red light, the signal light, such as blue light, diffuses and diverges from the irradiated point in all directions. Herein, the diverging particular color may transfer image information, so is called signal light.

The IP fixing part <NUM> may be realized in various ways as long as the IP fixing part <NUM> can fix the image plate <NUM> to a predetermined location.

For example, if the image plate <NUM> itself can be fixed at a user-desiring location on the axis of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM>, the image plate <NUM> itself may be the IP fixing part <NUM>.

The IP fixing part <NUM> may be realized in various ways, for example, the image plate <NUM> of a cartridge type is made to be replaceable in a fixed state, and only the image plate <NUM> is made to be replaceable.

The reason why the IP fixing part <NUM> is replaceable is that the image plate <NUM> is a consumable material, and in order to enable various applications, such as the size of the image plate <NUM> being changed according to the size of the tube.

As shown in <FIG>, the IP fixing part <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is movable in the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> along the X-ray support <NUM>.

This is to adjust the location of the IP fixing part <NUM> when necessary, for example, adjusting the location of the IP fixing part <NUM> depending on the depth of insertion of the X-ray source <NUM> into the tube <NUM>, so that more various measurement targets are measured.

As shown in <FIG>, the IP fixing part <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure enables the image plate <NUM> to be attached and detached.

The IP fixing part <NUM> may be formed in a shape supporting the image plate <NUM> from the rear (see <FIG>).

Alternatively, the IP fixing part <NUM> may be formed in a shape (a casing shape) surrounding the image plate <NUM> (not shown). Herein, it is preferable that the portion surrounding the front of the image plate <NUM> (the X-ray source <NUM> side) is made of a material, for example, a transparent material, which does not seriously interrupt the progress of X-rays.

As shown in <FIG>, the image plate <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is formed in a shape of a plate with a hollow center.

The image plate <NUM> may have a hollow so that the axis portion of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> is inserted through the hollow portion of the image plate <NUM> and the image plate <NUM> is fixed.

This is to facilitate the movement along the X-ray support <NUM> because the image plate <NUM> is a consumable material, and also to store the X-rays that have passed through the welding part <NUM> of the tube <NUM>, in the form of energy in the image plate <NUM> formed in a single integrated piece.

When the image plate <NUM> is not formed as a single integrated piece and several attached plates are used as the image plate <NUM>, it is undesirable because image loss or image distortion may occur at the seam portion.

Therefore, it is preferable that the image plate <NUM> is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the tube and that the hollow in the image plate <NUM> is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the X-ray support <NUM>.

For example, when the outer diameter of the tube is circular and the outer diameter of the X-ray support <NUM> is circular, the image plate <NUM> is formed in a donut shape.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure not falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> shows the embodiment in which a reader, an initialization module, or both a reader and an initialization module are added to the form in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a reader <NUM> that irradiates the image plate <NUM> with irradiation light, and receives signal light diverging from the image plate <NUM> to convert the signal light into information in the form of an image.

The reader <NUM> irradiates the image plate <NUM> with irradiation light required to obtain image information stored in the image plate <NUM>, a light receiving element receives the signal light diverging from the image plate <NUM>, and the light receiving element converts the received signal light into an electrical signal to generate image information.

When the irradiation light and the signal light have different wavelength ranges, a filter that passes only the signal light is provided between the image plate <NUM> and the light receiving element.

For example, as the irradiation light, infrared light or light in a red light wavelength range may be used, and as the signal light, ultraviolet light or light in a blue light wavelength range may be used.

The signal light diverging from the image plate <NUM> laminated with a barium-based mixture and resin is blue light, so when a blue color filter is used, the signal light passes through the filter, and the irradiation light and the ambient light coming from outside are blocked by the filter, thereby reducing image distortion caused by the irradiation light or the ambient light other than the signal light in obtaining an image.

The filter is for obtaining light, mainly, excitation light. When the signal light is blue light and a blue color filter is used, excitation light in a wavelength range from ultraviolet light to blue light (about <NUM>) or lower is absorbed and irradiation light in a higher range is blocked.

The light receiving element is at least one selected from the group of a photodiode (PD) or avalanche photodiode (APD), a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC), and a photomultiplier tube (PMD) that convert signal light into electrical signals. Any other light receiving elements having a function of converting light into an electrical signal may be used.

The multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) is also called a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), and Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes are provided in an array.

A process for obtaining an X-ray image by the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows.

An image plate is mounted and X-rays are emitted >> the emited X-rays are stored as energy in the image plate >> the image plate is irradiated with irradiation light (e.g., laser beams) by the reader >> the energy stored in the image plate is emitted as signal light >> the obtained signal light signal is converted into a digital signal by the reader >> through image processing, one digital X-ray image is completed.

After the X-ray image is completed in that order, the X-ray energy remaining in the image plate is removed by irradiating the image plate with light, so that the image plate is used repeatedly.

That is, compared to an analog film that cannot be reused, waste is reduced in terms of environment and cost.

The above-described method is called computed radiography (CR).

According to the CR, an image plate is reusable, and since information is obtained using X-rays with which the image plate is directly irradiated, if an appropriate imaging process is performed, a clearer image can be obtained than when a film is used. In addition, a darkroom required for an existing film-screen detector is not required, so that an inspector is able to conduct inspection more conveniently.

In the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as the image plate <NUM> is rotated and the reader <NUM> is fixed, or as the reader <NUM> is rotated and the image plate <NUM> is fixed, the reader <NUM> obtains information in the form of an image.

In the case in which the image plate <NUM> is rotated and the reader <NUM> is fixed, when the reader <NUM> is fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the reader <NUM> is fixed, and the image plate <NUM> is rotated on the X-ray support <NUM>.

In the case in which the reader <NUM> is rotated and the image plate <NUM> is fixed, when the image plate <NUM> is fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the image plate <NUM> is fixed, and the reader <NUM> is rotated around the X-ray support <NUM>.

The case in which the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed has been described above as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and various applications, such as the X-ray support <NUM> being rotatable, are possible.

As shown in <FIG>, the reader <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure moves to the outside of the region for the image plate <NUM> before X-ray photography, and moves to the position at which image information of the image plate <NUM> is extractable, after X-ray photography.

The region for the image plate <NUM> refers to a region in which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source <NUM> reach the image plate <NUM>. In <FIG>, the region for the image plate <NUM> is an inside region of the dotted line.

That is, the outside of the region for the image plate <NUM> refers to a region (the outside of the dotted line) (which does not intercept the X-rays) in which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source <NUM> are not interrupted until the X-rays reach the image plate <NUM>.

The example in <FIG> shows that the reader <NUM> is movable only in an upward-downward direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the reader <NUM> can move so as not to interrupt photographing during X-ray photography, for example, move in an upward-downward direction and then in a forward-backward direction, and can move to the position at which image information of the image plate <NUM> is extractable so as to obtain an image after X-ray photography.

The example in <FIG> shows that ahead of the image plate <NUM>, the reader <NUM> moves to the position at which image information of the image plate <NUM> is extractable, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the image information can be extracted from the image plate <NUM>, for example, behind the image plate <NUM>, the reader <NUM> moves to the position at which the image information of the image plate <NUM> is extractable.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an initialization module <NUM> that irradiates the image plate <NUM> with light to make the image plate <NUM> be in a re-photographable state.

The initialization module <NUM> is for initializing the energy stored in the image plate <NUM>, and removes the energy remaining in the image plate <NUM> by irradiating the image plate <NUM> with light.

In the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as the image plate <NUM> is rotated and the initialization module <NUM> is fixed, or as the initialization module <NUM> is rotated and the image plate <NUM> is fixed, the initialization module <NUM> makes the image plate <NUM> be in the re-photographable state.

In the case in which the image plate <NUM> is rotated and the initialization module <NUM> is fixed, when the initialization module <NUM> is fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the initialization module <NUM> is fixed, and the image plate <NUM> is rotated on the X-ray support <NUM>.

In the case in which the initialization module <NUM> is rotated and the image plate <NUM> is fixed, when the image plate <NUM> is fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the image plate <NUM> is fixed, and the initialization module <NUM> is rotated around the X-ray support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the initialization module <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure moves to the outside of the region for the image plate <NUM> before X-ray photography, and moves to the position at which the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state after X-ray photography.

The example in <FIG> shows that the initialization module <NUM> is movable only in an upward-downward direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the initialization module <NUM> can move so as not to interrupt photographing during X-ray photography, for example, move in an upward-downward direction and then in a forward-backward direction, and can move to the position at which the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state so as to initialize the image plate <NUM>.

The example in <FIG> shows that ahead of the image plate <NUM>, the initialization module <NUM> moves to the position at which the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state, for example, behind the image plate <NUM>, the initialization module <NUM> moves to the position at which the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> shows that an X-ray source is inserted into a tube so that the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure inspects a welding part located at an inlet side of the tube.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an X-ray support <NUM>, an X-ray source <NUM>, and IP fixing parts <NUM>.

The IP fixing parts <NUM> are for fixing respective image plates <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> while being spaced respective predetermined distances apart from the X-ray source <NUM>. The image plates <NUM> absorb X-rays and store the X-rays in the form of energy. A plurality of the IP fixing parts <NUM> are provided such that the plurality of the IP fixing parts <NUM> are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

Each of the image plates <NUM> is a plate coated with a photo-stimulable fluorescent material. The image plates <NUM> absorb the X-rays with which the image plates <NUM> are irradiated and store the X-rays in the form of energy, and then when the image plates <NUM> are irradiated with irradiation light such as red light, signal light, such as blue light, in a particular color diverges.

That is, the image plates <NUM> store information obtained by an X-ray photographing device, in the form of energy in the image plates <NUM>.

Herein, when the image plates <NUM> are irradiated with the irradiation light in a particular color, such as red light, the signal light, such as blue light, diffuses and diverges from the irradiated points in all directions. Herein, the diverging particular color may transfer image information, so is called signal light.

The IP fixing parts <NUM> may be realized in various ways as long as the IP fixing parts <NUM> can fix the image plates <NUM> to predetermined locations.

For example, if the image plates <NUM> themselves can be fixed at user-desiring locations on the axis of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM>, the image plates <NUM> themselves may be the IP fixing parts <NUM>.

The IP fixing parts <NUM> may be realized in various ways, for example, the image plates <NUM> of a cartridge type are made to be replaceable in a fixed state, and only the image plates <NUM> are made to be replaceable.

The reason why the IP fixing parts <NUM> are replaceable is that the image plates <NUM> are a consumable material, and in order to enable various applications, such as the sizes of the image plates <NUM> being changed according to the size of the tube.

Providing the plurality of the IP fixing parts <NUM> is for more accurate measurement. Herein, it is preferable that the IP fixing parts <NUM> are made of a material through which some of the X-rays can pass.

The tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can take n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than <NUM>) images simultaneously by performing one X-ray photography, and combines the n images obtained from the n image plates <NUM> photographed in that way, so that a three-dimensional image highlighting a problem portion can be obtained.

As shown in <FIG>, the IP fixing parts <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are movable in the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> along the X-ray support <NUM>.

This is to adjust the locations of the IP fixing parts <NUM> when necessary, for example, adjusting the locations of the IP fixing parts <NUM> depending on the depth of insertion of the X-ray source <NUM> into the tube <NUM>, so that more various measurement targets are measured.

As shown in <FIG>, the IP fixing parts <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure enable the image plates <NUM> to be attached and detached.

The IP fixing parts <NUM> may be formed in a shape supporting the respective image plates <NUM> from the rear (see <FIG>).

Alternatively, the IP fixing parts <NUM> may be formed in a shape (a casing shape) surrounding the respective image plates <NUM> (not shown). Herein, it is preferable that the portion surrounding the front of each of the image plates <NUM> (the X-ray source <NUM> side) is made of a material, for example, a transparent material, which does not seriously interrupt the progress of X-rays.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the image plates <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is formed in a shape of a plate with a hollow center.

Each image plate <NUM> may have a hollow so that the axis portion of the length direction of the X-ray support <NUM> is inserted through the hollow portion of each image plate <NUM> and each image plate <NUM> is fixed.

This is to facilitate the movement along the X-ray support <NUM> because the image plates <NUM> are a consumable material, and also to store the X-rays that have passed through the welding part <NUM> of the tube <NUM>, in the form of energy in the image plates <NUM> each formed in a single integrated piece.

When each image plate <NUM> is not formed as a single integrated piece and several attached plates are used as each image plate <NUM>, it is undesirable because image loss or image distortion may occur at the seam portion.

Therefore, it is preferable that each image plate <NUM> is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the tube and that the hollow in each image plate <NUM> is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer diameter of the X-ray support <NUM>.

For example, when the outer diameter of the tube is circular and the outer diameter of the X-ray support <NUM> is circular, the image plates <NUM> are formed in a donut shape.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tube weld X-ray inspection device according to yet still another embodiment of the present disclosure falling under the claimed invention. <FIG> shows the embodiment in which readers, initialization modules, or readers and initialization modules are added to the form in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include readers <NUM> that irradiate the respective image plates <NUM> with irradiation light, and receive signal light diverging from the image plates <NUM> to convert the signal light into information in the form of an image.

The readers <NUM> irradiate the image plates <NUM> with irradiation light required to obtain image information stored in the image plates <NUM>, light receiving elements receive the signal light diverging from the image plates <NUM>, and the light receiving elements convert the received signal light into electrical signals to generate image information.

When the irradiation light and the signal light have different wavelength ranges, filters that pass only the signal light are provided between the image plates <NUM> and the light receiving elements.

The signal light diverging from the image plates <NUM> laminated with a barium-based mixture and resin is blue light, so when blue color filters are used, the signal light passes through the filters, and the irradiation light and the ambient light coming from outside are blocked by the filters, thereby reducing image distortion caused by the irradiation light or the ambient light other than the signal light in obtaining an image.

Each of the filters is for obtaining light, mainly, excitation light. When the signal light is blue light and blue color filters are used, excitation light in a wavelength range from ultraviolet light to blue light (about <NUM>) or lower is absorbed and irradiation light in a higher range is blocked.

The light receiving elements are at least one selected from the group of a photodiode (PD) or avalanche photodiode (APD), a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC), and a photomultiplier tube (PMD) that convert signal light into electrical signals. Any other light receiving elements having a function of converting light into an electrical signal may be used.

Image plates are mounted and X-rays are emitted >> the emited X-rays are stored as energy in the image plates >> the image plates are irradiated with irradiation light (e.g., laser beams) by the readers >> the energy stored in the image plates is emitted as signal light >> the obtained signal light signals are converted into digital signals by the readers >> through image processing, one digital X-ray image is completed.

After the X-ray image is completed in that order, the X-ray energy remaining in the image plates is removed by irradiating the image plates with light, so that the image plates are used repeatedly.

In the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as the image plates <NUM> are rotated and the readers <NUM> are fixed, or as the readers <NUM> are rotated and the image plates <NUM> are fixed, the readers <NUM> obtain information in the form of an image.

In the case in which the image plates <NUM> are rotated and the readers <NUM> are fixed, when the readers <NUM> are fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the readers <NUM> are fixed, and the image plates <NUM> are rotated on the X-ray support <NUM>.

In the case in which the readers <NUM> are rotated and the image plates <NUM> are fixed, when the image plates <NUM> are fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the image plates <NUM> are fixed, and the readers <NUM> are rotated around the X-ray support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the readers <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure move to the outside of the region for the image plates <NUM> before X-ray photography, and move to the positions at which image information of the image plates <NUM> is extractable, after X-ray photography.

The region for the image plates <NUM> refers to a region in which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source <NUM> reach the image plates <NUM>. In <FIG>, the region for the image plates <NUM> is an inside region of the dotted line.

That is, the outside of the region for the image plates <NUM> refers to a region (the outside of the dotted line) (which does not intercept the X-rays) in which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source <NUM> are not interrupted until the X-rays reach the image plates <NUM>.

The example in <FIG> shows that each reader <NUM> is movable only in an upward-downward direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as each reader <NUM> can move so as not to interrupt photographing during X-ray photography, for example, move in an upward-downward direction and then in a forward-backward direction, and can move to the position at which image information of the matched image plate <NUM> is extractable so as to obtain an image after X-ray photography.

The example in <FIG> shows that ahead of the matched image plate <NUM>, each reader <NUM> moves to the position at which image information of the matched image plate <NUM> is extractable, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the image information can be extracted from the matched image plate <NUM>, for example, behind the matched image plate <NUM>, each reader <NUM> moves to the position at which the image information of the matched image plate <NUM> is extractable.

As shown in <FIG>, the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include initialization modules <NUM> that irradiate the respective image plates <NUM> with light to make the image plates <NUM> be in a re-photographable state.

The initialization modules <NUM> are for initializing the energy stored in the image plates <NUM>, and remove the energy remaining in the image plates <NUM> by irradiating the image plates <NUM> with light.

In the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as the image plates <NUM> are rotated and the initialization modules <NUM> are fixed, or as the initialization modules <NUM> are rotated and the image plates <NUM> are fixed, the initialization modules <NUM> make the image plates <NUM> be in the re-photographable state.

In the case in which the image plates <NUM> are rotated and the initialization modules <NUM> are fixed, when the initialization modules <NUM> are fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the initialization modules <NUM> are fixed, and the image plates <NUM> are rotated on the X-ray support <NUM>.

In the case in which the initialization modules <NUM> are rotated and the image plates <NUM> are fixed, when the image plates <NUM> are fixed at the X-ray support <NUM>, the X-ray support <NUM> is fixed and thus the image plates <NUM> are fixed, and the initialization modules <NUM> are rotated around the X-ray support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the initialization modules <NUM> of the tube weld X-ray inspection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure move to the outside of the region for the image plates <NUM> before X-ray photography, and move to the positions at which the image plates <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state after X-ray photography.

The example in <FIG> shows that each initialization module <NUM> is movable only in an upward-downward direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as each initialization module <NUM> can move so as not to interrupt photographing during X-ray photography, for example, move in an upward-downward direction and then in a forward-backward direction, and can move to the position at which the matched image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state so as to initialize the matched image plate <NUM>.

The example in <FIG> shows that ahead of the matched image plate <NUM>, each initialization module <NUM> moves to the position at which the image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various applications are possible as long as the matched image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state, for example, behind the matched image plate <NUM>, each initialization module <NUM> moves to the position at which the matched image plate <NUM> can be made to be in the re-photographable state.

Claim 1:
A tube weld X-ray inspection device, comprising:
an X-ray support (<NUM>) provided in a length direction so that the X-ray support (<NUM>) is capable of being inserted into a tube (<NUM>);
an X-ray source (<NUM>) provided at a side of the X-ray support (<NUM>) in the length direction thereof, for emitting X-rays; and
at least one image plate, IP, fixing part (<NUM>) for fixing an image plate (<NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the length direction of the X-ray support (<NUM>) while being spaced a predetermined distance from the X-ray source (<NUM>), the image plate (<NUM>) being configured to absorb the X-rays and store the X-rays in a form of energy, characterized in that a plurality of the IP fixing parts (<NUM>) are provided such that the plurality of the IP fixing parts (<NUM>) are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.