X-Ray CT of Highly-Attenuating Objects: 9- or 15- MV Spectra?

We imaged-highly attenuating test objects in three dimensions with 9-MV (at LLNL) and 15-MV (at Hill Air Force Base) x-ray spectra. While we used the same detector and motion control, there were differences that we could not control in the two radiography bays and in the sources. The results show better spatial resolution for the 9-MV spectrum and better contrast for the 15-MV spectrum. The 15-MV data contains a noise pattern that obfuscates the data. It is our judgment that if sufficient attention were given to design of the bay, beam dump, collimation, filtration and linac spot size; a 15-MV imaging system using a flat panel could be developed with spatial resolution of 5 lp/mm and contrastive performance better than we have demonstrated using a 9-MV spectrum

Relating x-ray attenuation measurements to water content and distribution in SB-15D core

Making improved estimates of the water content of The Geysers reservoir is fundamental to efficient and economic long term production of steam power from the resource. A series of coordinated physical properties measurements form core recovered from the SB-15D, reported in this volume in a series of papers, have been made to better understand water storage and to relate water content and distribution to observable geophysical properties such as electrical conductivity and seismic velocities. A principal objective here is to report new interpretations of x-ray scans made within 72 hours of core recovery from SB-15D, which suggest, taking advantage of preliminary measurements of capillary suction for metagraywacke, that water content was low in much of the preserved core

Analysis Procedures for Double-Shell Target Concentricity and Wall Thickness

The LLNL Target Fabrication Team (TFT) asked the Center for Non-Destructive Characterization (CNDC) to use CNDC's KCAT or Xradia's Micro computed tomography (CT) system to collect three-dimensional (3D) tomographic data of a set of double-shell targets and determine, among other items, the following: (1) the concentricity of the outer surface of the inner shell with respect to the inner surface of the outer shell with an accuracy of 1-2 micrometers, and (2) the wall thickness uniformity of the outer shell with an accuracy of 1-2 micrometers. The CNDC used Xradia's Micro CT system to collect the data. Bill Brown performed the concentricity analysis, and John Sain performed the wall thickness uniformity analysis. Harry Martz provided theoretical guidance, and Dan Schneberk contributed technical (software) support. This document outlines the analysis procedures used in each case. The double-shell targets, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, consist of an inner shell (or capsule), a two-piece spherical aerogel intermediary shell, and a two-piece spherical outer shell. The three elements are designed and fabricated to be concentric--with the aerogel shell acting as a spacer between the inner shell and outer shell--with no to minimum air gaps in the final assembly. The outer diameters of the aerogel and outer shells are 444 and 550 micrometers, respectively, so the wall thickness of the outer shell is 53 micrometers

Physical properties of preserved core from The Geysers Scientific Corehole, SB-15D

X-ray attenuation, electrical conductivity, and ultra-sonic velocity are reported for a segment of preserved core from SB-15D, 918 ft. X- ray tomography and ultrasonic measurements change as the core dries, providing information regarding handling and disturbance of the core. Electrical conductivity measurements at reservoir conditions indicate that pore fluid properties and pore microstructure control bulk conductivity. These data are useful for calibration and interpretation of field geophysical measurements

X-Ray Computed Tomography Inspection of the Stardust Heat Shield

The "Stardust" heat shield, composed of a PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) Thermal Protection System (TPS), bonded to a composite aeroshell, contains important features which chronicle its time in space as well as re-entry. To guide the further study of the Stardust heat shield, NASA reviewed a number of techniques for inspection of the article. The goals of the inspection were: 1) to establish the material characteristics of the shield and shield components, 2) record the dimensions of shield components and assembly as compared with the pre-flight condition, 3) provide flight infonnation for validation and verification of the FIAT ablation code and PICA material property model and 4) through the evaluation of the shield material provide input to future missions which employ similar materials. Industrial X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a 3D inspection technology which can provide infonnation on material integrity, material properties (density) and dimensional measurements of the heat shield components. Computed tomographic volumetric inspections can generate a dimensionally correct, quantitatively accurate volume of the shield assembly. Because of the capabilities offered by X-ray CT, NASA chose to use this method to evaluate the Stardust heat shield. Personnel at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Lawrence Livermore National Labs (LLNL) recently performed a full scan of the Stardust heat shield using a newly installed X-ray CT system at JSC. This paper briefly discusses the technology used and then presents the following results: 1. CT scans derived dimensions and their comparisons with as-built dimensions anchored with data obtained from samples cut from the heat shield; 2. Measured density variation, char layer thickness, recession and bond line (the adhesive layer between the PICA and the aeroshell) integrity; 3. FIAT predicted recession, density and char layer profiles as well as bondline temperatures Finally suggestions are made as to future uses of this technology as a tool for non-destructively inspecting and verifying both pre and post flight heat shields

Nondestructive evaluation techniques for enhanced bridge inspection

Nondestructive evaluation of bridges is a critical aspect in the US aging infrastructure problem. For example in California there are 26,000 bridges, 3000 are made of steel, and of the steel bridges, 1000 are fracture critical. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Federal Highway Administration, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) are collaborating to develop and field NDE techniques to improve bridge inspections. We have demonstrated our NDE technologies on several bridge inspection applications. An early collaboration was to ultrasonically evaluate the steel pins in the E-9 pier on the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Following the Loma-Prieta earthquake in 1989 and the road way collapse at the E-9 pier, a complete nondestructive evaluation was conducted by Caltrans inspectors and several ultrasonic indications were noted. LLNL worked with Caltrans to help identify the source of these reflections. Another project was to digitally enhance high energy radiographs of bridge components such as cable end caps. We demonstrated our ability to improve the detection of corrosion and fiber breakage inside the end cap. An extension of this technology is limited view computer tomography (CT). We implemented our limited view CT software and produced cross-sectional views of bridge cables from digitized radiographic films. Most recently, we are developing dual band infrared imaging techniques to assess bridge decks for delaminations. We have demonstrated the potential of our NDE technology for enhancing the inspection of the country`s aging bridges

X-ray tomography of preserved samples from the Geysers scientific corehole

Approximately 800 ft. of continuous core was recovered from borehole SB-15 D (on unit 15, near the site of the abandoned Geysers Resort) during a recently completed drilling operation. Sections of this core were collected at 50 ft intervals for subsequent examination as drilling proceeded. Five foot sections were not removed at the drill site, but were sealed in the innermost sleeve of a triple tube coring system to minimize drying and disturbance of the core. All cores remained sealed and were radiographed within 72 hours of drilling: the five foot core from near 1400 ft. was scanned within 18 hours of drilling. A third generation x-ray scanner, which uses high energy radiation to penetrate the aluminum sleeve and 3.5 inch cores, was used to make preliminary radiographs and to collect multiple views of the sample as the core is rotated in front of the beam. True three dimensional tomographs are then reconstructed from the data. The images have a spatial resolution of approximately 140 micrometers and can resolve contrast differences of 0.2%. The tomographs clearly show differences in lithology with depth in the reservoir. Partially filled fractures, vein selvage and vuggy porosity are all evident in parts of the core. A principle goal is to determine the fluid content of the reservoir. Important questions to investigate include water loss during core recovery, infiltration of drilling fluid, and the heterogeneous distribution of pore fluid. Images show that radial gradients in x-ray attenuation commonly occur in jacketed cores. Regions of excess attenuation extend about halfway into the 3.5 in. core, and are probably caused by mud invasion induced by capillarity of the small scale porosity of the graywacke matrix. X-ray measurements will be coordinated with other independent measurements of fluid content underway in separate studies, particularly NMR spectroscopy of frozen `pressure core,` and compressional velocity and electrical resistivity measurements

Low-Cost X-Ray Inspection of Highly Attenuating Materials

As a result of an arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation, both countries will each be storing over 40,000 containers of plutonium. To help detect any deterioration of the containers and prevent leakage, we are designing a digital radiography and computed tomography system capable of handling this volume reliably, efficiently, and at a lower cost.</p