High-Energy X-ray Non-Destructive Testing
Advanced inspection for dense, complex and critical components
High-Energy X-ray Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) enables the inspection of large, dense or complex components that cannot be examined using conventional X-ray tubes or gamma sources. AVELION develops and manufactures high-energy LINAC based inspection solutions, combining accelerator technology, imaging systems and handling equipment to address the most demanding NDT applications.
Inspecting what conventional X-ray and gamma cannot
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Conventional X-ray tubes offer limited penetration, while gamma sources suffer from lower resolution and strict regulatory constraints
- High-energy LINAC X-ray inspection overcomes these limits with deep penetration, fast acquisition and secure ON / OFF operation
When inspecting thick steel, dense alloys or complex assemblies, traditional inspection methods rapidly reach their limits:
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- X-ray tubes are limited in penetration depth
- Gamma sources offer limited spatial resolution and impose strict regulatory constraints
- Inspection times can become excessively long
High-energy X-ray inspection using LINACs provides a robust alternative, enabling:
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- Penetration of up to 350 mm of steel equivalent
- Faster image acquisition thanks to high dose rates
- Improved defect detectability through optimized focal spot size
- Secure ON / OFF operation, unlike radioactive sources
Key benefits of LINAC-based NDT
- Deep penetration of dense materials with high-energy X-ray
- Fast inspection enabled by high dose rates and short acquisition times
- High image quality with small focal spots for enhanced defect detection
- 2D and 3D inspection capability in fixed or modular system configurations
High-energy X-ray inspection systems offer a unique combination of capabilities, addressing the most demanding non-destructive testing requirements. Key features include:
Deep material penetration
High-energy X-rays enable the inspection of dense and highly attenuating components, with penetration capabilities reaching up to 350 mm of steel equivalent.
High inspection throughput
High dose rates allow image acquisition in seconds or minutes, significantly reducing inspection cycle times compared to conventional techniques.
High image quality
Optimized focal spot sizes, down to 0.6–0.7 mm, enhance spatial resolution and contrast, improving defect detectability even in challenging inspection conditions.
2D and 3D inspection capabilities
The same inspection systems can be used for high-energy radiography and computed tomography, providing both projection images and full volumetric analysis.
Flexible deployment
Inspection systems can be implemented in fixed bunker-based installations or using modular architectures adapted to on-site and constrained environments.
From accelerator technology to complete inspection systems
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In-house high-energy LINAC technology
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Integrated inspection systems (source, imaging, manipulation)
- End-to-end performance optimization
AVELION’s NDT offering is structured around two complementary building blocks :
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- High-energy LINAC technology, fully designed and manufactured in-house
- Complete inspection systems, integrating imaging en manipulation
This integrated approach ensures optimal coherence between the X-ray source, the imaging chain and the inspection objectives.
