Vivatech claims program saves tube life

Is the need for a quick oil change the only thing standing inthe way of a longer life span for CT x-ray tubes? That's whatVivatech of Teterboro, NJ, is claiming. The company has developeda tube maintenance program that it says can help tubes last forup to 300,000 slices, far more than the 75,000 slices that arethe industry average.

Vivatech's x-ray tube life extension program relies on pumpingnew oil into the tube's cooling system to replace old oil, withoutremoving the tube from the CT scanner's gantry. Old oil has reducedinsulating characteristics, which affects tube life, Vivatechclaims. The company has developed a service cart to simplify theprocedure, which should be conducted at regular intervals.

Other aspects of the program include an air trap that resolvesthe problem of air and gas buildup in the tube's cooling system,as well as a reduction of anode braking to minimize bearing wearcaused by rapid stopping of the tube's rotating anode after aprocedure.

Vivatech received a patent last year for its program, which itis offering on a lease basis to OEMs, independent service organizations,and in-house service operations.