FOSFOMATIC SYSTEM
SOME THOUGHTS ALOUD

Difference of FOSFOMATIC from original КОДАК ACR2000 phosphorous plate scanner.

Models FOSFOMATIC-35 and FOSFOMATIC-40 – are completely different instruments, notable for better quality of the image, 5 times higher dose sensitivity and software, tailored for Russian industrial applications and for GOST 512-82. Model of initial level FOSFOMATIC-21 uses the original scanner KODAK and differs only by software.

Dynamic range.

In many leaflets the dynamic range is indicated in digits of analog-to digital converter (ADC), e.g. 12-bit, 14-bit, 16-bit. This parameter is practically useless for the user. The actual is the dynamic range value on steel only. 

The dynamic range on steel shows the difference between minimum and maximum thicknesses of the object under examination that are simultaneously visible on the same resulting radiograph of FOSFOMATIC.  Bigger this range is, higher the difference between the thicknesses at which it is possible to provide the same quality on one radiograph. This is especially actual for the scanning of the objects with big differences between the thicknesses, e.g. valves or turbine blades. The dynamic range of the phosphorous plate itself is very big, and it makes high demands to the electronics of the scanner. The dynamic range is the general evaluation of all the devices being part of the system. This parameter is so small in medical systems, so it is not always managed to see on different radiographs the weld and weld-affected zone with the same quality!

The dynamic range on steel and bitness of ADC could be compared with the height of the stair and quantity of steps on it. The bitness of ADC increased - quantity of steps increased. But it would not manage to walk up higher then the ladder.
By the way, what is usually called in the digital technique as “dynamic rang” is more correct to be called as “photographic latitude”. This is just the name of similar parameter of X-ray films.

Difference of FOSFOMATIC from medical scanners.

First, the dynamic range on steel. This range is very small at medical systems. It is easy to check. Take two steel bars 3 and 15 mm thick and put the penetrameter on each of them. Then take one radiograph on which both these penetrameters would be together and scan the phosphorous plate. Both these penetrameters should be visible with the same quality. In medical systems you could see only one of them.
Second, look how convenient is to work with roll plates more than one meter long. In medicine such plates are not in use and the medical systems are not designed for them.
By the way, the absence of respective support of roll plates is the simplest visual feature of medical scanner.

Comparative tables of FOSFOMATIC with medical scanners.

I’ve seen this table and was very much surprised. From where its authors took such characteristics of FOSFOMATIC systems like size of laser spot, laser power, gain, digitization bitness etc. These data are know-how, never were published and were wrong in the comparative table. For example, the laser power in FOSFOMATIC systems is in times higher than in any medical scanner, which allows FOSFOMATIC having the dose sensitivity by an order of magnitude higher (approx. in 2-3 times). It seems, the wish of the authors of this table to sell their good exceeds considerably their honesty.

Are medical scanners on sell in the industry and is it possible to use them?

Yes, they are. After the name of the scanner there is a word NDT, and this scanner is on sell in the industry.
Is it possible to use it?
It is, but not necessary as it relates to some problems.
Besides purely technical parameters, like image quality, dynamic range and dose sensitivity the consumer properties of medical scanners on flexible plates are inferior to FOSFOMATIC.   

First – the need in longitudinal bending of the plate when inserting it into the scanner and scanning. This is very inconvenient to do. In field conditions it is practically impossible without leaving traces of dirt and fingerprints on the plate. Also, when passing the plate has the friction with the drum, and any grain of sand being on the drum surface would scratch the plate. In this sense the direct passage of the plates is much more convenient from the consumer point of view though more expensive because of the use of more expensive and high-quality optics for the laser focusing.

Only in the leaflets the long (roll) plates are supported by medical scanners. In reality, their use is impossible as it is not possible to bend, for example, the plate 1.5m thick so that it could pass evenly through the scanner. Because of the direct plate passage FOSFOMATIC has no any real restrictions in respect with plate length. Many our clients use roll plates 130 and 150 cm long.

The very serious disadvantage of medical scanners on flexible plates consists in the high speed rotation (about 16 m/s) of the prism, fixed on the long holder. This is the most unreliable element of the system, and in shaking conditions of mobile laboratories its service life is very limited. As this prism is part of the laser focusing circuit, the quality would get worse rather quick. In FOSFOMATIC there are no any rotating parts except the rolls of plate feeding.
It has to note that differing from the medical scanners FOSFOMATIC doesn’t require any selection of exposure. The error in the exposure in tens and even hundreds times has no influence on the image quality. This is due to the automatic selection of the gain for every image point directly at the moment of scanning.
The difference in price between medicals scanners and FOSFOMATIC is insignificant, so there is no any special sense to use the medical instrument. At date of the article writing in the world there were only two really industrial instruments available: these are ACR2000i of company KODAK and FOSFOMATIC of company TESTRON.

What is the weight of FOSFOMATIC?

Big models of FOSFOMATIC with working width of the plates up to 35cm weigh 29.5 kg. Compact models with working width of the plates up to 10 cm weigh 14.8 kg.

How the erasing unit is arranged inFOSFOMATIC, is it built-in or external?

In FOSFOMATIC the erasing unit could be both built-in and external. The external unit is simply more convenient as it allows the simultaneous scanning of next plate and erasing the previous one. This increases the capacity – therefore most part of the clients buy with external unit. 

Residual images on phosphorous plates.

This is the name of parasite image from previous radiograph, overlapping the next one. This is the problem of medical systems as well. In FOSFOMATIC there are no any residual images. 

Are there any Russian standards, methods, permissions to use FOSFOMATIC?

Yes. In most branches of industry such permissions exist. The FOSFOMATIC technology has all necessary technical documentation, including technical resolution about its possible application in all branches of industry (Federal State Unitary Enterprise – FSUE “PROMETEY” and FSUE “CNIITMASH”). The methodical instructions on its application are developed and approved. The permission is got from Rostechnadzor (Russian Technical Supervisory Authority) for the application in such important fields like nuclear power engineering. 

Who else produces FOSFOMATICsystems?

Nobody. FOSFOMATIC is produced only by company TESTRON and registered in Rospanent (Russian patenting institution). Only official dealers of TESTRON have distribution rights. The list of dealers could be always known if you call us by phone +7 (812) 380-63-03.

Is there any experience of PHOSPHOMATIC application in Russia, especially in fields conditions?

Yes and big one. The FOSFOMATIC systems are in operation in tens of Russian enterprises over more than 3 years. Many of them operate in heavy-duty field conditions. Many enterprises carrying out the scanning in field conditions have in their possession by 3-4 systems. Call us by phone (812) 380-63-03 and we will send to you the reference-list of enterprises where FOSFOMATIC systems are in operation.