Method of aligning a linear array x-ray detector

An X-ray inspection system includes an X-ray source for generating a directed X-ray beam and a linear array detector for measuring the intensity of the received radiation and generating electrical signals representative thereof. A method for aligning the detector with the directed X-ray beam includes removing any part between the X-ray source and the detector, opening an X-ray beam limiter, positioning the linear array detector for maximum signal from each detector element, reducing the X-ray beam limiter opening, detecting whether any signal from a detector element is reduced, moving the limiter for producing a maximum signal from each element, securing the X-ray beam limiter, and positioning the detector array for maximum signal. The method is applied to apparatus for inspecting turbine blades. (author)