There are so many specialized electronic parts in the CT scanners that are working very hard to emit and detect x-rays. They build an enormous amount of heat. This can be hazardous to the function of the CT if it is not stopped. To keep the CT cool, there are two available solutions which you can find on the market. The offered options are systems which are cooled by air and systems which are cooled by water.

It is good to know that the cooling components are a major requirement when we talk about modern and multi-slice CT systems which are created to accommodate up to 100kW of tube power. To prevent an over-heat process, you need to keep the system cool. Another thing to keep in mind is that the final decision about which type of cool system is most suitable for the medical center depends on the location that the CT will be put in. But, if you replace an old system, you may already have a cooling method.

There are considerations which may be taken when deciding to use an air-cooled system over a water-cooled.

Air-cooled system method

In this type of system, the heat created is stopped to the ambient air throughout the external cover parts of the gantry via a fan. If the medical center doesn’t have a water source such as plant water system or a cooling tower, then an air-cooled system is a perfect match. This method is more expansive.

The advantages of the usage of the air-cooled systems are:

• The amount of preventative maintenance is lower
• There are no additional worries about the quality of the used water
• There is no need to buy or maintain an external chiller
• Even though they are more expensive than the water-cooled systems, in the long-term they might save money
• These systems tend to be noisier and the dust or the debris, the fans accumulate in the gantry
• These systems have a hard time when it comes to adjusting to the temperature changes in the room
• These systems have a smaller footprint when compared to the water-cooled

Water-cooled chiller

It is good to know that in the case when a water-cooler is used, the heat created is rejected by a water source more exactly by a cooling tower plant water-cooling system. In the case where the medical center has provided a water source as mentioned above, then this system is a suitable solution. In this case, the working people only need to check if the existing water system has enough capacity to serve the additional heat the cooler would put into the system.

The advantages of the water-cooling systems are:

• There is no noise which would be generated by the fans
• There would be no dirt and dust caused by the heavy airflow of the fans
• There would be no additional HVAC accommodations for room
• To reject the heat, these systems utilize a cooling tower or a plant chilled water system
• If the medical center does not have a water source, the manager should think about purchasing an external chiller
• Water-cooling systems are a great option for rooms that have inconsistent temperature control because the changes of the temperature have a smaller effect than the air-cooled
• These systems have a lower purchase price

Keep in mind that the water-cooling systems use high-quality water which needs to be maintained throughout its lifespan. If the maintenance of the water-cooling system is not regular and in a top shape, it may reduce the life of the components (from the temperature changing), the consistency of the image during the scanning process, and valve wear.

Summary

There are so many CT scanners which use one of the mentioned cooling methods. The final decision is made according to the maintenance and the installation. No matter if you would install an air-cooled or a water-cooled system, the environment of the room should match or simply exceed the temperature, load, and the humidity specifications which are given in the CT manual.

In both systems, there are advantages and disadvantages over the water-cooled and air-cooled CT systems. Deciding which one is the most convenient for the medical center depends on if the facility already has a water source and the personal preferences of the maintenance process. There is also a wide range of refurbished or used CT scanners which may be suitable for purchasing.

Another great advice is to ask a proper person to help you in choosing the best option for your budget and for your medical team. Make a good evaluation of your space and water sources to spend your money and time more effectively.