An apparatus and method for non-destructive inspection of materials housed
in containers involves orienting an X-ray beam emitter and detector to
direct and detect an X-ray beam at an angle substantially parallel to a
sloped surface of the container to be inspected. A first X-ray apparatus
is located opposite a second X-ray apparatus, and both the first and
second X-ray apparatus are adapted to provide two X-ray beams. This
arrangement provides for imaging of the entire area of a sloped portion
of the container without any shadow or hidden spots.