Southern Research Station

Title: Tangential scanning of hardwood logs: developing an industrial computer tomography scanner

Author: Gupta, Nand K.; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Isaacson, Bruce

Date: 1999

Source: Proceedings, 11th International Symposium on Nondestructive Testing of Wood.131-139.

Station ID: --

Description: It is generally believed that noninvasive scanning of hardwood logs such as computer tomography (CT) scanning prior to initial breakdown will greatly improve the processing of logs into lumber. This belief, however, has not translated into rapid development and widespread installation of industrial CT scanners for log processing. The roadblock has been more operational than economic. Currently available CT scanners were developed for medical applications, where imaging needs are very different from those in hardwood log processing. The latter is also very different from softwood log scanning needs. By examining the evolution of CT scanners, including designs and limitations, we argue that the need to scan large-size material at high through-put rates and with relatively fine resolution requires a very different approach to scanning. Tangential scanning is a viable alternative to traditional axial tomography because it offers simple mechanical operation, fast scan speeds per volume, relatively low power requirements, and no image artifacts. Initial work has demonstrated its feasibility for log scanning. Ongoing efforts have enlisted industry support to delineate operational parameters for industrial log scanning, build a technically sound prototype, and improve image reconstruction algorithms.

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Citation

Gupta, Nand K.; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Isaacson, Bruce  1999.  Tangential scanning of hardwood logs: developing an industrial computer tomography scanner.   Proceedings, 11th International Symposium on Nondestructive Testing of Wood.131-139.