GE Revolution: uneven detector heating, left-right temperature split
What happened
Reported in the case: a detector temperature split of almost 2.5 °C between left and right sides, with the cooling fans running normally, the filters clean, and the heater blower delivering warm air.
What was checked
- Verified both detector cooling fans run the same.
- Checked the detector and heater blower filters — clean.
- Confirmed the heater blower delivers warm air.
- Advised to inspect the left and right heater connectors for loosened pins.
Cause
Probable cause in this case: loss of contact inside the heater connectors — the pins work loose over time from gantry rotation.
The cause is probable and was not fully confirmed.
What was done
As advised in the case: re-tension the heater connector pins with the correct tool and keep the connector check in the periodic inspection routine described in the manufacturer's documentation. Outcome reported as probable, not confirmed on site.
Safety
Isolate the scanner from mains power and let the detector heater and nearby parts cool down before removing covers or touching heater connectors — heater circuits retain stored heat after shutdown.
Lesson: When a left-right thermal split appears with fans, filters and heater all confirmed good, check the simple things first — loosened connector pins are a classic wear item on a rotating gantry.
Covered in the course: CT Service — Level 2: Fault-Finding →
Written from an anonymised case shared by service engineers. It is not a manufacturer instruction and grants no authorisation. Independent note; names are trademarks of their owners.