Tangential X-Ray CT Scanner System for Log Scanning

We propose to develop an affordable yet production speed Tangential x-ray CT scanner system for an inside 3-dimensional look of the logs. The present x-ray CT scanners are designed for medical or other research applications and are not suitable for production environment generally found in forest product mills. The prior experimental work by many scientists in the forest product industries have already proven that an optimum sawing plan can significantly improve the lumber or veneer value of a log. The optimum sawing plan requires that the exact size and locations of all defects like knots, stains, worm holes, mineral streaks, splits, decay, etc., are known within the log before computing the saw plan. Omega has alreay developed and installed a production type Tangential CT scanner system at Navy. This system uses a new CT data collection technique which is easier, faster and more suitable for production. During Phase I, we propose to measure optimum x-ray energy and detector system requirements for various wood types and size logs. We would also measure available contrast signal for various size and types of defects in different types and size wood logs to determine optimum system configuration and ultimate system performance. During Phase II, we will propose to fabricate a prototype system for further experiments and to develop a data base.