Enhanced barrier for liquid metal bearings

摘要

The present disclosure is directed towards the prevention of high voltage instabilities within X-ray tubes. For example, in one embodiment, an X-ray tube is provided. The X-ray tube generally includes a stationary member, and a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube. The X-ray tube also includes a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve, a seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space, and an enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the seal.

主权项

1. An X-ray tube comprising:
a stationary member; a rotary member configured to rotate with respect to the stationary member during operation of the X-ray tube; a liquid metal bearing material disposed in a space between the stationary member and the rotary member; a first seal disposed adjacent to the space to seal the liquid metal bearing material in the space; and a first structure comprising a first enhanced surface area material disposed on a side of the first seal axially opposite the space and configured to trap within the first enhanced surface area material liquid metal bearing material that escapes the first seal, wherein the first structure is physically separate from the first seal.