Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) is a non-destructive testing equipment that uses X-rays or gamma rays to perform tomography scans on workpieces, and is widely used in fields such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Its complex hardware and software systems may malfunction due to long-term operation, environmental factors, or improper operation. The following are common malfunctions and their solutions:
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X-ray source malfunction
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performanceUnstable radiation output, insufficient dose, or inability to output the beam, resulting in blurry images or no data.
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reasonHigh voltage generator malfunction, filament aging, abnormal cooling system (such as high temperature of cooling oil).
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handle:
- Check if the high-voltage cable connection is loose and replace the aging filament;
- Detect the circulating flow rate of the cooling system, replenish heat dissipation oil or clean blocked pipelines;
- If the high-voltage generator breaks down, professional personnel need to replace the components.
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Detector malfunction
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performanceFixed stripes, noise, or locally unresponsive areas appear in the image.
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reasonDamaged detector unit, poor contact of signal transmission line, and dust accumulation affecting sensitivity.
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handle:
- Use calibration software to locate the damaged unit and replace the detector module;
- Clean the surface and internal circuit board of the detector, and re plug and unplug the signal cable;
- Regularly perform detector calibration (such as gain correction, offset correction).
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Mechanical motion system malfunction
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performanceScanning platform lag and rotation axis positioning deviation result in image misalignment or artifacts.
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reasonInsufficient lubrication of the guide rail, servo motor driver malfunction, encoder signal abnormality.
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handle:
- Apply specialized lubricant to the guide rail and screw, and clean up debris;
- Use an oscilloscope to detect encoder pulse signals and replace damaged motors or drivers;
- Re calibrate the origin of the motion axis and calibrate the rotation accuracy (error should be ≤ 0.01mm).
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Image reconstruction failed
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performanceThe reconstructed image exhibits severe artifacts, missing data, or system errors.
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reasonIncomplete projection data acquisition (such as trigger delay), incorrect reconstruction algorithm parameters, and insufficient computer memory.
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handle:
- Check the synchronization trigger signal between X-ray and detector, and adjust the acquisition delay time;
- Reset reconstruction parameters (such as filtering function, iteration count), restart the software;
- Clean up the computer cache, increase memory, or replace the solid-state drive.
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System communication interruption
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performanceThe control panel is unable to control the hardware, or the software prompts' Device connection failed '.
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reasonLoose USB/Ethernet interface, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) program error, IP address conflict.
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handle:
- Re plug and unplug communication cables, replace interfaces or switches;
- Check the I/O signal through PLC programming software and restart the controller;
- Manually set a unique IP address to avoid conflicts with other devices on the local area network.
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Abnormal cooling system
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performanceWater chiller alarm, X-ray source temperature exceeds threshold.
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reasonWater pump malfunction, heat exchanger scaling, insufficient coolant.
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handle:
- Replace the water pump and clean the heat exchanger with descaling agent;
- Add deionized water or specialized coolant to remove air from the pipeline.
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Radiation safety interlock failure
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performanceAfter the safety door is closed, the scan cannot be initiated and the alarm light remains on.
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reasonInterlock switch damaged, radiation dose monitor false alarm, emergency stop button not reset.
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handle:
- Use a multimeter to check the on/off status of the switch and replace damaged parts;
- Calibrate the dose monitor, reset the emergency stop button, and check the circuit connection.
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regular maintenanceClean detectors and X-ray sources quarterly, calibrate mechanical accuracy and dose parameters annually;
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environmental controlMaintain stable temperature (20 ± 5 ℃) and humidity (40%~60%) in the computer room to avoid dust accumulation;
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Operating SpecificationsOperators need to receive training and are prohibited from forcibly interrupting scanning while the equipment is running.
Through targeted troubleshooting and maintenance, the detection accuracy and equipment lifespan of industrial CT can be effectively improved, reducing production interruption losses.