EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion why not repair rx tubes? Inserts

I have been thinking about this for a long time.
I remember the old CRTs that, when they reached the end of their useful life, parts were replaced and evacuated and returned to service. With the help of skilled glass craftsmen, the X-ray inserts were rebuilt (I still have them in use).
I think it is a complex task and it only makes sense in the most expensive tubes (6 or more MHU), on metal tubes.
I have not seen any forums where this topic is discussed, I have my impressions about the limitations but I would like to hear opinions on the matter.

That's an interesting thought. But I've never heard of such repairs (rebuilds) myself.

Many years ago we came across "soft" x-ray tubes in military (battle field) radiography sets. They were simple (fixed anode) tubes, but even then the government didn't go for the evacuation (re-pulling the vacuum) option. Not sure if the idea was even costed (probably not); instead new equipment - complete systems (of lesser utility) - was procured.

By the way, there was a time when x-ray tubes were still manufactured in the UK; I remember visiting the factory (fifty years ago now).

Maybe @MikeX might like to respond.

I doubt anyone would have the tools of equipment to enable such a task and ensure it would meet the required standard after the process.

I do remember (maybe 40 years ago) it was possible to replace the tube insert in the housing with a special kit supplied from the manufacturer.

These days returned tubes in their housings are stripped down to recover all materials and some parts are remanufactured for use in new products, if they pass strict criteria.

The equipment needed to manufacture, align, and certify a X-ray assembly is beyond anything that could be done in the field.

P.S. The same is true for digital imaging detectors.