In this issue, we will continue to share the second part of Strahlkraft’s views on the present status and future trends of CT tubes.
The traditional double ended tube can be considered as an enlarged version of ordinary medical rotary anode X-ray tubes (used in DR, digital gastrointestinal machines, and other equipment), with representative examples such as Siemens Dura 202 tube, Varex GS-3070, GS-4570, etc.
In the late 1990s, Varex Company pioneered the development of the MCS series for Toshiba Medical at that time, namely the anode single ended grounding tube. This design was extremely dedicated to improving heat dissipation efficiency. Overall, the following technologies were used: 1. Liquid cooled electron collection hood, 2. Large size anode target disk (diameter 200mm), 3. Graphite heat dissipation fins and corresponding rotor fixed fins. In 2003, Siemens proposed the idea of installing two sets of CT tubes and detector combinations in the same rack to achieve CT "free heartbeat" scanning and usher in the era of "dual source dual energy CT". Among them, reducing the size of X-ray tubes became a key proposition.
In the late 1990s, Varex Company pioneered the development of the MCS series for Toshiba Medical at that time, namely the anode single ended grounding tube. This design was extremely dedicated to improving heat dissipation efficiency. Overall, the following technologies were used: 1. Liquid cooled electron collection hood, 2. Large size anode target disk (diameter 200mm), 3. Graphite heat dissipation fins and corresponding rotor fixed fins. In 2003, Siemens proposed the idea of installing two sets of CT tubes and detector combinations in the same rack to achieve CT "free heartbeat" scanning and usher in the era of "dual source dual energy CT". Among them, reducing the size of X-ray tubes became a key proposition.
Siemens dug out the concept of "rotating tube and shell" from the pile of patent papers (GE, 1945) and developed the amazing "Straton" tube. Through two sets of conjugate deflection coils, the focused electron beam flight path is controlled to impact the anode target surface track at an angle of about 52°.The entire shell rotates directly in the cooling insulation oil, and the back of the anode target plate (embedded with copper sheets) dissipates heat directly through the cooling insulation oil, greatly improving heat dissipation efficiency. It is known as the "zero omen" anode heat capacity CT tube.
In the 2010s, Philips launched iQon Spectral CT to use "multi parameter functional imaging" on CT, making CT provide more functional information like MRI. There are 12 functional maps, including "virtual single energy", "virtual flat scan", and "iodine density map", which provide powerful means for identifying substance components. Among them, Philips uses iMRC tubes that have been fully validated on Brilliance iCT, integrating almost all currently recognized and validated technological means, greatly improving anode heat dissipation efficiency, enhancing cathode filament current, and achieving the highest anode focal power density in industry.
In addition, APEX CT, which was launched from GE nearly two years ago, uses a Quantix 160 tube with a similar technology, and the maximum tube current can reach an astonishing 1300 milliampere, becoming a major highlight in the industry.
