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The X-Ray Image Logger (XMSL) takes a series of X-Ray images from either whole-round sections and or section-halves. It measures sections Sections are measured one by one.
WARNING: This is an X-Ray imaging system , which contains a radioactive source. Do not place your hand under the source or bypass any of the security measures. Ensure that you receive the apropriate appropriate training before using itthe instrument; failure to do so can result in physical harm.
Procedures
Preparing the Instrument
- Double-click the IMS icon (Figure 1). IMS initializes the instrument, tests instrument comunications, home the pusher arm of communications, homes the motion control system and verify verifies the Dark and Light Calibration imagesCalibrations. For more information refer to the XMSL User Guide.
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2. Prior to imaging cores , especially at the start of an expedition, the user must:
Test the exposure parameters in the Imaging Utility (Review For more information see the 'Imaging Utility Section' on within the XMSL User Guide).
Set the exposure parameters in the Measurement Editor (DAQ > Measurement Editor). Review next section.
Adjust the automatic image processing settings (Image Processing section on the User Guide)
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- Select DAQ > Measurement Editor from the IMS panel menu . This window allows the user to view and adjust the XMSL Data Acquisition (DAQ) parameters (Figure 2).
- Interval: Number of centimeters the core will move between each image. This value is hardcoded in IMS software and cannot be changed in this window. This interval guarantees image overlap and maximizes system efficiency. Default interval is set at 12 cm.
- Width: Fixed length of the produced image. This value is dependent on the detector and hardware setup. Default length is 15 cm.
- Stack: Number of x-radiographs taken at each position. These images are stacked and averaged to produce the final raw image. 20 images is the standard. Stacking more images does not improve the image quality further. See the User Guide, 'Image Stacking' section for more explanation.information
- Exposure Time: Duration of each exposure in milliseconds.
- kV: X-ray tube voltage. Maximum voltage for the source is 120 kV. Lowering the voltage while maintaining the number of x-rays penetrating the core (longer exposure or higher current) will increase image contrast.
- mA: X-ray tube current. Maximum current for the source is 1 mA. Increasing the current will increase contrast if voltage is kept constant.
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Figure 2.- XMSL Measurement Editor Window.
2. Once the parameters are set click Click Accept Changes. To revert any changes back to the original settings click Cancel Changes.
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Manual: Type in the sample label ID (i.e., 362-U1480A-1H-1-A), LIMS Text ID (i.e., SHLF7851761) and length of section. Use the whole round ID when imaging whole rounds. Click USE ME to update the IDs and enable the MEASURE button. Any entry will be accepted, but that does not guarantee the data will upload. The Text ID information must match an actual section in order for the data data to upload.
5. Ensure that the section is inside the load track system (using the first loading door) and that all doors are properly closed. Green and yellow lights on top of the lead box should be on. If doors are not closed properly aren't properly closed the green light will not appear, and a warning error message will pop-up be displayed on the screen (Figure 5).
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Figure 5.- Warning message indicating that the source is not ready to ramp up.
NOTE: If this message pops-up and both doors are closed , call the Physical Properties properly and this message is displayed, please contact the PP technician.
6. Click MEASURE
7. The motion control pusher will move the section above the detector.
8. When the section is over the detector, the x-ray source will ramp up and a window with its status will appear (Figure 6). Once mA and kV are stable, the window will close and image acquisition will begin. User may abort at any time by clicking the ABORT button.
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