| CPC A61B 6/482 (2013.01) [A61B 6/025 (2013.01); A61B 6/4241 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
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1. An x-ray imaging system for generating images of a pipe weld from which weld quality defects may be detected, the system comprising:
an x-ray emitter for emitting a beam of x-ray photons in a projection pattern;
a first photon detector for sensing a first detection pattern of photons emitted from the x-ray emitter and passing through a portion of the weld;
a second photon detector for sensing a second detection pattern of photons emitted from the x-ray emitter and passing through the portion of the weld;
an orbital travel assembly for supporting the x-ray emitter and the first and second photon detectors as they travel along an orbital weld path of the weld at least partly around the pipe in a direction of travel;
wherein the second photon detector is positioned behind the first photon detector in the direction of travel along the orbital weld path, such that the second photon detector is configured to sense the second detection pattern after the first photon sensor detects the first detection pattern,
wherein the x-ray imaging system further comprises a detector module,
wherein the detector module comprises a module housing containing the first and second photon detectors, and
wherein the first photon detector comprises a first electronic module including an array of a plurality of photon sensors for sensing the first detection pattern of photons,
wherein the second photon detector comprises a second electronic module including an array of a plurality of photon sensors for sensing the second detection pattern of photons, and
wherein the first electronic module is positioned in an opposing orientation relative to the second electronic module such that the sensed first and second detection patterns of photons are substantially mirror images of each other.
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