Tube Conservation

Question 1

X-ray tube rating chart

Answer 1

3 types of charts

• radiographic rating chart
• anode cooling chart
• housing cooling chart

Question 2

Radiographic rating chart

Answer 2

• considered the most important
• provides information about which radiographic techniques are safe for the x-ray tube
• all x-ray tubes come with their own series of charts
• for a given mA, any combination of kVp and time that lies below the curve is safe (most equipment will not allow you to take an unsafe exposure)

Question 3

Anode cooling chart

Answer 3

• anode has a limit for how much heat can be stored
• this chart shows thermal capacity and heat dissipation characteristics of the anode
• does not depend on filament size or speed of rotation

Question 4

Anode cooling chart

Answer 4

Chart used to determine:

• how much time is required for the anode to be completely cooled
• max heat capacity of anode
• rate of cooling is rapid at first, and slows as the anode cools
• more heat is generated with 3 phase and high frequency units