Extended 3D CT method for the inspection of large components

Conventional X-ray 3D computed tomography requires the object to be fully enclosed by the X-ray cone in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, 3D reconstruction algorithms require a 360o rotation of the object. These limitations do not allow the scan of large parts in many cases or lead to a low spatial resolution. In this article we present a new CT system which allows besides conventional 3D CT the scan of large objects by an extended reconstruction method. Region of interest scanning can be performed to achieve a high resolution even in large parts. Examples will be given from the inspection of welds in large objects. The potential for future applications is shown. (author)