X-ray Tube & Circuit: Image Production

Flashcards covering x-ray tube damage causes, indicators of mechanical failure, and safety procedures for tube longevity.

Vaporization

A condition caused by frequent tube overloading that degrades the filament, causing tungsten to deposit on the glass of the tube and creating pitting.

Pitting

Little depressions and grooves on the anode where the tungsten has been vaporized.

Arcing

The movement of electrical current across vaporized tungsten deposits on the tube glass, which can lead to artifacts and decreased tube output.

Melting (X-ray Tube Damage)

Occurs when the rotor fails to turn a rotating anode, causing electrons to focus on a small area where heat cannot be dissipated properly.

Cracking (X-ray Tube Damage)

The result of applying a large exposure to a cold anode, leading to rapid expansion of the metal from sudden heating.

Indicators of failing bearings

Loud grinding sounds, vibration, and excessive time for the anode to reach speed.

Failed breaking mechanism

An issue indicated if the rotor continues spinning for a long time after the exposure has finished.

Exposure button best practice

The button should be depressed in one motion to avoid long rotoring times.

Tube warm-up procedure

The use of low $mA$ and $kVp$ with a long exposure time of $1-2\,sec$ to properly prepare the tube.

Safe exposure technique

Techniques that utilize high $kVp$ and low $mAs$ with a short exposure time to avoid tube damage.

Tube rating

The maximum safe exposure that an x-ray tube can produce.