Integrating Quality Control Tests in a Computed Tomography System

Quality control (QC) is of primary importance for computed tomography systems to obtain reliable data for Non Destructive Testing (NDT). A QC protocol is pursued for the AIMEN dual detector CT by a software add-on update on the reconstruction and visualization software. Image quality parameters are considered following standards and other published papers: uniformity, noise, SNR, contrast, pixel size and spatial resolution. Geometrical values have also to be considered for the adjustments of the CT system, for the scale calibration and geometrical alignment corrections. A simple initial image calibration is proposed for the offset correction for further reconstruction. The aim of this protocol is to simplify the quality tests to be performed periodically in an inspection environment by an end-user. This is achieved by minimizing the number of image tests along with their integration in a unique software tool for reconstruction and visualization. It is also transferable to other CT systems and for digital detectors focused only on digital radiography.