Digital Radiography Systems
Digital radiography, also known as direct digital radiography, employs x-ray–sensitive plates that directly capture data during the patient examination and immediately transfer it to a computer system, as opposed to CR, which employs an intermediate cassette. These flat panel detectors, also known as plates, combine amorphous silicon detectors with cesium or gadolinium scintillators to convert X-ray to light, which is then translated into digital data by thin film transistors. The images are of the highest quality and are sent to a computer display in real time. These systems are widely used in specialised imaging facilities and hospitals with heavy workloads.
Digital radiography is a work multiplier; it replaces human effort, making tasks easier and less error-prone for practitioners and staff members. In some cases, it allows for the creation of new tasks. DR images require less time to expose, duplicate, retake, and transmit while emitting less radiation and having a lower environmental impact.
Endodontic diagnosis and treatment have been revolutionised and streamlined thanks to digital radiography. There are several advantages of digital x-ray imaging over analogue film imaging that can benefit the clinician: reduced time, reduced radiation, the ability to take multiple exposures without repositioning the sensor, image storage and maintenance, and electronic image transmission.
HOW DOES DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS WORK?
Digital radiography is classified into three types: direct, semi-direct, and indirect. The direct method entails inserting a sensor into the mouth, which captures images that can be analysed. The indirect method employs conventional x-ray technology (film scanners), but the images are digitally stored and viewed. The semi-direct method combines the two approaches. Depending on your specific circumstances, our dentists can assist you in determining which method is best for you.
Digital Radiography Applications:
Digital radiography, like all NDT processes, has a wide range of applications, including:
- Aerospace product examination
- Detection of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) in the petrochemical, oil and gas, and power generation industries
- Detection of Flow accelerated corrosion
- Foreign object detection
- Casting and weld inspection
- Inspection of composites and fibre reinforced components . Product and process development
What are the Advantages of Digital Radiography?
Digital radiography provides numerous benefits to the non-destructive testing community, including:
- Shorter exposure times
- Real-time applications
- Use of analysis tools and defect recognition software
- Improved detail detectability
- Enhanced SNR and linearity
- Reduced inspection time because no chemical processing of film is required
- Eliminates processing chemicals, making it safer for the environment
- Digital image enhancement and data storage
- Higher productivity
- Portability
- Increased dynamic range enables multiple thicknesses to be inspected in a single shot
- Immediate feedback
- Ease of electronic transfer to customers
Digital radiography has largely replaced screen-film radiography in many radiology departments over the last two decades. Manufacturers now offer a wide range of digital imaging solutions based on various detector and readout technologies. Digital detectors enable the implementation of a fully digital picture archiving and communication system, in which images are digitally stored and accessible at any time. Image distribution in hospitals can now be accomplished electronically using web-based technology, with no risk of image loss. Other benefits of digital radiography include increased patient throughput, improved dose efficiency, and a wider dynamic range of digital detectors, which may result in less radiation exposure to the patient. Radiography’s future will be digital, and radiologists should be familiar with the technical principles, image quality criteria, and radiation exposure issues associated with the various digital radiography systems that are currently available.
What can MQS Technologies do for you?
Mqs Technologies has a long history of collaborating with its Members on non-destructive testing processes such as digital radiography. Mqs Technologies provides digital radiographic inspection services, as well as custom digital radiography system prototyping and consultation.