resource assessment |
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CT scanning equipment
Computed tomography(CT) scanning is one of the best non-destructive
techniques to analyze and model the structure and distribution of
internal wood characteristics.
FPInnovations has now access to two CT scanners. In our Eastern Lab,
we have become a partner in a multidisciplinary CT scan laboratory
equipped with a medical-type tomography scanner complete with data
acquisition software and 3D visualization. Located at the Institut
national de recherche scientifique (INRS), the facilities include
the CT scanner laboratory, a control room, a specimen preparation
room, and all the equipment required to handle logs.
The Industrial
CT Imaging Centre at our Western Lab was designed specifically
for the non-destructive evaluation of large specimens and products.
Its X-ray capacity is approximately 30 times greater than that of
conventional medical equipment, which makes it the most powerful
and versatile CT scanner in North America. This scanner can serve
the needs of many industry sectors (wood, metal, geological samples,
automobile, aviation, composite materials, etc.). It is located
in a specially-designed concrete building that prevents any risk
of radiation leakage.
Our Resource Assessment and Characterization Group utilizes the
CT scanners to determine internal characteristics of hardwood and
softwood material in relation to stand characteristics and growing
conditions.
Our Lumber Manufacturing Research Department is adding a new functionality
to our Optitek log breakdown simulation model that will account
for internal log characteristics such as knots, etc. in log conversion
decisions. It will be based on image data generated by the CT Scanners.
With this information, it will be possible to:
- Optimize stem bucking and improve the quality and value of saw
and peeler logs.
- Determine the effect of log conversion decisions on lumber quality
and value with both softwoods and hardwoods.
In the case of our Lumber Drying Group, CT scanning is being integrated
into our R&D program to:
- Facilitate mass flow measurements during the drying process,
and measure effective hydraulic conductivity to validate our drying
models.
- Develop 3D images of water pockets, and monitor their evolution
during the drying process.
- Generally facilitate the development of more accurate models
to simulate industrial drying conditions.
In the area of wood-based composite materials, the contribution
of CT scanning to our R&D program will be to allow:
- The observation of the internal behaviour of wood-based panel
components under production or utilization conditions, as a means
to:
- characterize the effects of density variations,
- measure resin distribution,
- characterize moisture movements, and
- measure panel permeability.
In the context of our Value-added R&D Program, CT scanning
will increasingly be used to:
- Analyze the development of cracks in various materials during
mechanical tests.
- Analyze the structure of adhesive bonds in composite wood products.
- Detect decay in building materials.
- Assess quality in a whole range of value-added engineered wood
products in order to improve assembly characteristics.
- Assess finishing quality.
The Industrial CT Imaging Centre is also available for the non-destructive
evaluation of non-wood products and materials.
If you think CT scanning could meet one of your needs, feel free
to contact Peter Lister
(Western Region) or Francis Fournier (Eastern Region)
14/07/10
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