Anritsu X-ray systems meet stringent standards of PTB
Anritsu is celebrating its latest certification – the highly coveted PTB accreditation from the National Metrology Institute of Germany. This is the first time that any X-ray systems have met the extremely stringent standards demanded by PTB. Anritsu believes this indicates that they are the safest X-ray machines in the world.
The certification, which is valued throughout Europe and beyond, applies to Anritsu’s KXS7522 and KXS7534 models. It means that visits by a radiation expert to test a new machine before it is put to use are no longer necessary: customers can install the Anritsu machine into a line and run it straight away, saving both commissioning time and test fees.
Anritsu’s distribution partner HHL Service, based near Frankfurt, was instrumental in the application. As long-standing experts in radiation technology the HHL team, led by Karina Mueller, submitted all the relevant application paperwork and oversaw the testing procedures on Anritsu’s behalf.
Karina Mueller explained: “PTB is the second largest metrology institute in the world so this is a really big deal for us and Anritsu. This type of X-ray system has been described in the X-ray Ordinance and now the Radiation Protection Act for about 20 years, but no other manufacturer has yet managed to get PTB approval. The scope of the technical examination and administrative documentation is so challenging that many other manufacturers have failed or abandoned the application. We are absolutely delighted to have stayed committed to the superiority of this technology and seen the process through, to gain one of Europe’s most prestigious accreditations.”
The PTB process required proof of the reliability and competence of the manufacturer and its quality management. Then the technical evaluation demanded a large number of documents, technical drawings of the electrical system, the safety circuit and the installed radiation protection. The complete machine was operated with X-rays and examined and the radiation leakage was measured under various conditions, with the most important aspect being the testing of the safety device against manipulation or in the event of a malfunction.
Michael Stuart, Anritsu’s European sales director, added: “We’ve always known that Anritsu’s products are class-leading in reliability and efficiency, but now it’s official that these two models are also the safest in the world. Our customers, both current and prospective, can be massively reassured that when they buy our systems, they are not only getting the best solution there is, but also saving time and ancillary costs. Removing the necessity of radiation measurement and approval by the relevant authority for the commissioning and testing phase really speeds up the pipeline – and I know HHL for one can turn orders around within just a few weeks. It’s a huge milestone in our history and a gamechanger all round.”
