X-ray tube and method and apparatus for analyzing fluid streams using x-rays
US7072439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/1295
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A technique for analyzing fluids by means of x-ray fluorescence applicable to any fluid, including liquids and gases, which emit x-ray fluorescence when exposed to x-rays. The apparatus includes an x-ray source (82) including an x-ray tube (64) having improved heat dissipating properties due to a thermally-conductive, dielectric material (70, 1150). The x-ray tube also includes means for aligning (100, 2150, 2715) the tube with the source housing whereby the orientation of the x-ray beam produced by the source can be optimized, and stabilized over various operating conditions. The method and apparatus may also include an x-ray detector having a small-area, for example, a PIN-diode type semiconductor x-ray detector (120), that can provide effective x-ray detection at room temperature. One aspect of the disclosed invention is most amenable to the analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.