Tips and guidelines for purchasing an X-ray generator
X-ray tube power generators that provide the necessary voltage and current to produce different characteristics of X-rays. Power is user controlled and settings are set by a technician. For some models, the X-ray tube may be an integral part of the generator unit.
Tips for buying an X-ray generator
1. Facilities should select the rated power and timing capabilities based on the types of examinations to be performed and the operational factors required for the selected X-ray generator type.
2. The power setting is the major factor in handling these X-ray generator units.
3. Low power x-ray generators are suitable for the entire range of x-ray exposures.
4. Shorter exposure times can be used with higher power. With shorter exposure times, the likelihood of motion artifacts is lower.
5. A 50 kW generator is sufficient if the generator is used predominantly for limb and breast imaging.
6. When large patients are expected, especially in radiographic / fluoroscopic system applications, higher power generators are required.
7. If a high load on the abdominal imaging is expected, an 80 kW generator should be considered.
8. When selecting a radiographic-tomographic system unit, devices should consider the secondary signal type, timing functions, and compatibility with other system components.
9. The type of secondary waveform determines the efficiency of x-ray generation, including the size of the ripple and the ratio of the average to peak voltage of the x-ray tube.
10. Secondary waveforms, which are single-phase and full-wave rectified, provide the least efficient generation of X-rays, resulting in longer radiographic exposure times and higher patient radiation exposure.
11. Single-phase x-ray generators cause increased heating of the x-ray tube anode and therefore limit the investigation of small focal spots and shorten the life of the tube.
12. Three-phase x-ray generators enable higher mA exposures at shorter exposure times, reduce motion blur, and produce higher quality x-ray images for many examinations.
13. Facilities should add the cost of the power installation to the project budget if there is no three-phase power available at the planned location.
14. A method using a three-phase or high-frequency x-ray generator requires lower kVp and / or mAs than the same using a single-phase x-ray generator. 15. Routine radiographic, angiographic, fluoroscopic, and tomographic procedures differ in their kVp and mAs requirements, so all features of radiographic-tomographic systems and radiographic / fluoroscopic systems must be considered.
16. Removing the x-ray generator too far from the x-ray tube may result in distortion of the voltage waveforms and timing caused by the capacitance of too long high voltage cables.
17. The facilities must select X-ray generator components as an integrated system for compatibility. It is especially important to choose compatible X-ray tubes and generators to fully exploit all functions of both components.
Questions to the seller
Before you buy your X-ray generator, we recommend that you ask the seller the following questions:
How many high voltage outputs are in the generator?