X-ray machine power supply question

[Mark Scott-Nash]

Hello All,

I have the opportunity to acquire a working x-ray machine built in the 1970s, pictured below. I am trying to determine if the power supply is appropriate for a fusor.

The power output is adequate, with voltage ranging from 0 to more than -70kV and supplying 0-30mA of current. There is a timer on the control panel that allows up to 6 seconds of x-ray operation.

My question is, does anyone have experience with this type of machine? If so, would you know if the power supply components tolerate continuous operation?

Thanks,
Mark

XRM.JPG (27.08 KiB) Viewed 3372 times

[Carl Willis]

Hi Mark,

Your question is an important one, as x-ray machines are rated for short-term current delivery at very low duty cycle. This is almost certainly a 60-Hz transformer-based machine. It should be able to handle a few milliamps continuously, and will run cooler if the voltage is reduced (due to core losses). Many such machines use a self-rectifying tube, so it will be an AC supply in need of a rectifier for fusor use. This means you may need to re-pot the transformer (and the added rectifier) in a new oil-filled container.

-Carl

[Richard Hull]

As Carl notes, you may have to break this system down and find out what the power supply is about. If it works out and you get it, let us have more details and some images of the guts. I have busted into and modified a number of X-ray system power supplies, but nothing that new.

Richard Hull