size of generator

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It sounds as if the xray has an initial surge. What condition causes the surge? Is it only on startup, or does it occur as the xray is taken each time? If its only a startup surge - charging a capacitor bank or something - maybe the machine can be soft started. This would lower the 140A max drain and lengthen the time only slightly.

99% of an X-ray machines electrical energy is converted to heat. There are huge electrical filaments in the X-ray machine that warm the X-ray tube. Heating a cooled down tube is where most of the energy draw is used. Once warmed up, amperage is cut more than half. I do not know if a slow start would burn anything out in the machine itself or greatly lengthen start up time.

 

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Also sounds like the x-ray is pushing the capacity of they utility power...

....

I believe it pushes the capacity of their service.

 

[buickanddeere]

It's going to cost but 50KW will be required. As previously stated a gas, LP or natural gas prime mover vs a diesel which will have too low of stack temperatures due to the under loading .

 

[Industrial Toys]

I was thinking along the same line. Maybe a different X-Ray machine or large commercial UPS. So what that's worth? Maybe 200G for an X-ray machine, or 20G for a Big UPS, that likes fresh sealed batteries every few years. Sounds crazy, but I would go on E-Bay and buy a separate genset just for the X-ray machine. Some nice, low hour X-Military unit.

 

[ultrarunner]

Just sold an older hospital x-ray unit for 5k... with table and controls...

Older medical equipment often costs more to move and install than to purchase.

The trend is totally away from film... all digital which means no longer needing a dark room and chemicals.

 

[SPYDERLK]

99% of an X-ray machines electrical energy is converted to heat. There are huge electrical filaments in the X-ray machine that warm the X-ray tube. Heating a cooled down tube is where most of the energy draw is used. Once warmed up, amperage is cut more than half. I do not know if a slow start would burn anything out in the machine itself or greatly lengthen start up time.

Is the high amp draw only present when 1st turning it on or does the hi amp draw cycle periodically during use?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Digital imaging has taken all the charm out of it. Experts in white coats clipping negatives to illuminated screens for the big diagnosis.

That must be some large tube, to take that kind of heating.

 

[ultrarunner]

The imaging unit uses over $3,000 in electricity each month for one MRI and one CT machine in 1200 square feet...

 

[Industrial Toys]

Unbelievable! It would cost ten times that in Ontario!

This must result in some serious AC loads in the summer as well. A double wammy.

 

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Is the high amp draw only present when 1st turning it on or does the hi amp draw cycle periodically during use?

The 140 amp draw is momentary. The largest draw is when they first turn it on in the morning. If the tubes cool down (anode and cathode ray) there is the momentary draw once more. Actual imagery is only a flea's worth of electricity at 300 Ma.