Abstract: A method of and apparatus for nondestructive testing of spot welds by producing in a test weld high and low frequency electromagnetic fields to induce eddy currents in the weld zone. The difference between the phase values of the resultant electromagnetic field intensities is indicative of the quality of the weld. The apparatus includes an eddy current transducer, high and low-frequency measuring channels, an indicator, and a controlled commutator for alternate connection of the eddy current transducer to the low-frequency measuring channel or to the high-frequency measuring channel. A memory unit is provided for storing the output signal of the high-frequency measuring channel, and a comparator is provided for comparing the signal stored in the memory unit with the output signal of the low-frequency measuring channel.

Abstract: A digital induction resistivity logging system is disclosed for digitally measuring phase components in a receiver signal generated in response to eddy currents flowing in the earth's sub-surface formations. The induction logging system includes a central processing unit (CPU) located at the surface for receiving digital signals from a digital induction logging tool located downhole, and for analyzing the received data. The CPU supplies command and control signals to the induction logging tool to specify operating modes and parameters for obtaining the digital signals. The system further includes a digital telemetry system associated with a wireline cable for transmitting and receiving data between the induction tool and the CPU. The digital induction tool includes a digital sinewave generator for generating a highly phase stable, low distortion transmitter signal whose frequency is selectable from at least two of transmitter frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for non-destructive comparative investigation of physical characteristics affecting the reluctance of different parts of a body having magnetic permeability. In accordance with the present invention a first saturating magnetic flux is induced in the body or a part thereof giving rise to a flux distribution pattern determined by the reluctance of the body or part thereof which in turn is determined by the physical character of the body or body part. A second magnetic flux is also induced generally opposing the first magnetic flux in a selected region of the flux distribution pattern, outside of the body or body part while maintaining substantial first flux saturation of the body or body part such that any resultant magnetic flux in that region is at a readily measureable flux level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of defects in ferromagnetic tubular elements comprising a continuous string for use in an oil or gas well is disclosed. The tubing trip tool measures tubing average wall thickness, local defects, such as corrosion pitting, and axial defects, such as sucker rod wear during removal of the tubing from the well. Tubing velocity is also measured, and couplings between tubing sections are detected and counted, in order to specify the axial location of defects on each tube, and also provide a profile of the condition of the overall string. A saturating magnetic field and a fluctuating magnetic field are applied to the tubing and the magnitude of the induced fields and the changes are measured to quantify defects in the tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the measurement of the ovalization of a ferromagnetic pipe.An electromagnetic pickup is moved in a circular path around the pipe, the pickup transmitting signals influenced by the radial distance between the pickup and the pipe. These signals are compared with signals from previous measurements made on a similar pipe to obtain indications of the radial distance between the pickup and the pipe so as to be able to deduce the transverse configuration of the pipe. The pickup is supplied with ac at a frequency of about 700 Hz and the signals from the pickup are compared with previously obtained signals both as to amplitude and phase.The pickup is mounted on a circular slide movable along a circular track supported on a U-shaped collar which is fixed to the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting both longitudinal and circumferential defects in a test object relatively rotating and longitudinally translating with respect to a test apparatus is disclosed. Means are provided for producing a transverse magnetic field in the object. Additional means provide a longitudinal magnetic field intersecting the transverse magnetic field in the first test region of the object. Magnetic sensing means then provide output signals in response to the presence of flux leakage from the test region due to defects. Circuits responsive to the output signals are provided for indicating flaws.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic acoustic transducer essentially which comprises supports located at both the ends of a core assembly, a plurality of ferrite members, a plurality of permanent magnets or electromagnets and a plurality of coils wound around the core assembly, said combination functioning to inspect for any defect in a tubing having a small diameter.

Abstract: An eddy current test apparatus and method in which multiple sequential test frequencies are employed. The voltage induced in a sensing coil at said test frequencies are multiplexed and frequency translated to provide a single frequency for processing. The apparatus employs a single channel to process the induced voltages.

Abstract: Apparatus for the detection of cracks or other defects near the surface of a conducting engineering material of interest includes a magnetic probe having two sites which in operation act as magnetic poles on the same side of the probe such that an external magnetic field extends between them principally in a region adjacent to that one side of the probe, means for rotating the probe about an axis spaced from the mid-point between the two sites, whereby when the probe is adjacent to the surface of an engineering material of interest occupying the region with the axis substantially perpendicular to the surface the magnetic field is able to penetrate the surface and rotate beneath it about the axis causing energy associated with the magnetic field to be dissipated in the material, and means for detecting a change caused by a defect in the material, to the dissipated energy.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for nondestructively testing each incremental area of a ferromagnetic sample by first passing a steady magnetic flux field through an area in a first direction and producing an inspection signal in response thereto, and then passing a steady magnetic flux field through the same area in an orthogonal direction and producing a second inspection signal in response thereto. The magnitudes of the two inspection signals corresponding to a given incremental area are added to produce a composite signal whose magnitude is the sum of the two signals. The composite signal associated with a given incremental region is displayed on a visual presentation means at a location corresponding to the location of the incremental region on the ferromagnetic sample and with an indicia, such as color, that is a function of the magnitude of the respective composite signal.

Abstract: An eddy current type of inspection device having input signal coils on cores radially arranged around a center and having outer ends of the cores which rest against a surface of a metal assembly to be tested for defects. The input coils are energized by an AC signal of different phase for each respective coil so that a rotating magnetic field is produced in the assembly being tested. An output sensor coil is mounted at the center of the tester immediately adjacent to such test surface for coupling out a signal induced from the rotating field. A specific embodiment has three coils physically spaced 120.degree. apart, for energizing by a three-phase power source.

Abstract: An eddy current flaw detection system for inspecting a workpiece for surface flaws is described. The system has a search unit for mounting a pair of eddy current search coils in close proximity to a workpiece at locations which are longitudinally spaced with respect to the workpiece. The system is disclosed in the environment of a workpiece support and transport mechanism which causes a workpiece to rotate and move axially with respect to the search unit.Coil energizing and detection circuitry is provided having a pair of eddy current channels. Each channel energizes a connected one of the search coils to induce eddy currents within a workpiece at slightly different energization frequencies. Each channel has an output for producing signals indicating the presence and severity of detected flaws. The coil energization at different frequencies results in each coil responding to self induced eddy currents rather than currents induced by the other of the two coils.

Abstract: Metal detectors having parallel magnetic fields produce signals which vary depending upon the shape and orientation of a metal object passing through the field. An improved metal detector sensor includes a magnet of special configuration having a multi-directional magnetic field resulting in a detector which is insensitive to orientation of the detected metal. One embodiment of the magnet is a pattern of cylindrical poles with the opposing pole central to the cylinder, thus creating a multiplicity of radially extending magnet fields. An alternate embodiment of the invention is an offset pattern of opposite poles which create two groups of fields, each at an angle to the general direction of movement of the material fed into the machine.

Abstract: The coercivity of materials that are capable of supporting single wall magnetic domains are measured by an expedient and accurate technique. This technique requires that the material be placed in a static magnetic field having a gradual spatial gradient. Finger shaped domains produced in the material are then modulated by introduction of an AC magnetic field. Coercivity is obtained by measuring the distance the finger domains move due to the AC field.

Abstract: An eddy current probe for mapping holes within a tube sheet of a steam generator, having a first coil (12) positioned at the top of the probe (10) with its axis coincident with the axis of the probe. A first coil pair (14 and 16) is arranged along a common axis perpendicular to the axis of the probe below the first coil (12) and is situated a distance from and on either side of the axis of the probe. A second pair of eddy current coils (18 and 20) is positioned along a common axis perpendicular to the axis of the probe and the axis of the first coil pair with the respective coils of the second pair located on either side of and spaced from the probe axis. Each of the respective coils are arranged to be separately excited by an alternating current source with the respective coil pairs coupled in opposition in corresponding balanced bridge arrangements.

Abstract: A method and device are described for measuring a change in the mechanical state aiming at detecting the disturbance the change in state has on a magnetic flux (.phi.). This flux is brought to flow through at least a part of the body (1) under the influence of a driving magnetizing force (H.sub.0).In order to achieve an unambiguous measuring result the average length (l) of the magnetic circuit is kept constant and independent of the change in the mechanical state. The flux (.phi.) consists partly of a main flux (.phi..sub.0) having a definite direction and being of such a magnitude that the magnetic properties of the body depart from the region of irreversibility and partly of an alternating, gradually vanishing flux (.phi..sub.v) superimposed upon the main flux. The alternating flux must have such an initial magnitude that saturation is obtained in both directions of the alternating flux (.phi..sub.v). After the vanishing of the alternating flux (.phi..sub.

Abstract: Direct method for measuring the magnetostriction constant .lambda..sub.s of soft magnetic and isotropic magnetic materials. A thin film sample is cantilevered and clamped at one edge. Under the influence of a magnetic AC field and the magnetostriction effect of the sample material, the free end of the cantilevered sample is deflected and oscillates with twice the frequency of the AC field. The resonance amplitude a.sub.res is measured by using a laser beam impinging upon the oscillating sample and measuring the reflected beam amplitude by means of a position-sensitive photodiode. The AC output signal of the photodiode is proportional to the sample amplitude. The magnetostriction constant .lambda..sub.s is directly proportional to the resonance amplitude a.sub.res multiplied by a constant factor which depends on known geometry and properties of the sample material.

Abstract: Digitally controlled eddy current test apparatus for detecting flaws, their extent and location. The apparatus provides absolute and differential measurements. The apparatus employs multi-frequencies with the signals from the test coils mixed in a predetermined manner to reduce unwanted signals such as may be introduced by wobble (lift-off) and support plates.

Abstract: A method and device for nondestructive testing of articles using the eddy principle current and multifrequency technique. The characteristic feature is that the measurement is generally independent of the position of the article to be tested in relation to the pickup probe. In comparison with known devices the present device is easy to handle.

Abstract: A plurality of eddy-current generators are angularly grouped about an axis within an inspection tool or probe. Each eddy-current generator presents a circumferentially extending test segment. Collectively, the test segments form a discontinuous test gap which extends circumferentially about the probe. In some embodiments, adapted for inspecting from the inside of tubing or fastener holes, the test gap is at the outer periphery of a probe. In other embodiments, adapted for inspecting from the outer surface portions of tubing, rods, etc., the test gap region extends around the inside of a central passageway formed through a support body. The eddy-current generators are supported for limited radial movement, enabling the tool or probe to adapt to differences in shape and dimension of the material being inspected.

Abstract: DC magnetizing pulses produce unidirectional flux in the object under test, advantageously into the saturation region thereof. The DC pulses have, or are accompanied by, an AC component for producing eddy currents in the object, and variations in the eddy currents are sensed and used to produce corresponding signals. In a preferred embodiment composite DC pulses having a relatively broad initial value followed by shorter DC pulses are intermittently applied to a primary coil wound around the core of a probe adapted to be inserted into a tube in situ. Small null coils provide an output signal. Quadrature detection and gating means yield outputs corresponding to sufficient saturation of an object, and free from transients due to the intermittent bursts of pulses. Flaw detector and comparator type apparatus are described, including bridge configurations in which the AC component is applied to the bridge.

Abstract: Non-destructive testing apparatus for rollers and the like of magnetic material comprises a pair of rotating spin rails having intermediate sections of magnetic material. Feeding apparatus deposits rollers on the spin rails and moves them successively past the magnetic sections. A magnet produces flux through the magnetic sections and a roller rotating thereon. Variable reluctance sensing apparatus senses changes in the flux. An eddy current test probe is positioned adjacent the magnetic sections. Variable reluctance and eddy current test circuits produce flaw output signals which control apparatus for segregating the rollers. Advantageously the feeding apparatus intermittently deposits successive rollers on the spin rails and intermittently moves the rollers along the rails in end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: The proposed structural flaw detector is intended for nondestructive testing of continuously moving electrically conducting products, e.g. aluminum, copper and other rods, and comprises two eddy current transducers spaced apart along the path of movement of the products being monitored. One of these transducers is a high-frequency one and is mounted first to detect flaws on the surface, while the other transducer is a low-frequency one and is mounted downstream of the first one to detect structural flaws occurring at a depth under the surface.Arranged between the measuring channels of these transducers is a gating unit blocking the channel of the low-frequency transducer when a surface flaw is detected.

Abstract: To test a conductor with superconductive material which is in the superconducting state, the conductor is led through an external magnetic field which comprises at least two magnetic field regions spatially separated from each other and arranged one behind the other in the lengthwise direction of the conductor, the fields of which are angularly displaced from each other in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the conductor permitting disturbances in all superconductivity regions in superconductors of any cross section to be ascertained with certainty.

Abstract: A transducer for identifying and quantitatively measuring the presence and location of ferromagnetic material, which is specifically suitable for remotely mapping ferromagnetic deposits on pressurized water reactor steam generator tubing. The transducer employs a first source of a magnetic field which is positionable in magnetic communication with and is mounted to be movable over the surface area of the workpiece. Perturbations produced in the magnetic field as a result of ferromagnetic discontinuities associated with the workpiece are sensed by a Hall element fixedly positioned with respect to the source in magnetic communication with the workpiece. Means are provided for altering the magnetic field of the source in communication with the Hall element to substantially null the output of the Hall element in the absence of magnetic material within or on the workpiece within proximity of the Hall element.

Abstract: A coil of insulated wire surrounds a low reluctance core. A combination of low reluctance and high reluctance materials positioned adjacent said coil: (1) control the spatial extent of the magnetic flux and, (2) concentrate the total reluctance of the magnetic circuit of the exciting coil into a volume of controlled size and shape within the material being tested. The magnetic flux is controlled, and the reluctance is concentrated, in such a manner as to optimize the sensitivity of the eddy-current generator to variations in the material being tested; at the same time, the coil impedance is maintained at a value which is optimum for the performance of any selected precision electrical impedance measuring device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed whereby a solenoid coaxially surrounding an elongated electrically conducting material generates a radio frequency magnetic field of such a frequency that the material within excludes or displaces magnetic lines of force therefrom. One or more search coils are mounted coaxially within the solenoid, but outside of the material. By comparing the signal induced in the search coils when the material is present with the signal induced in the search coils when the material is absent, the outer cross sectional area of the material may be measured by measuring magnetic field exclusion or displacement, from the search coil andfrom this data, weight per unit length of solid material may be inferred. Furthermore, a pattern of deformations on the material may also be inferred, when the material is moving at known speed, from any high frequency modulation of the signal picked up by the search coil.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for identifying the presence in a pre-established location of an object having preselected electrical or magnetic properties. By applying two periodically varying electro-magnetic fields of the same frequency to the pre-established location, the presence of the object is determined by unique perturbations of the electro-magnetic fields produced by the object. The applied electro-magnetic field is generally nonuniform in the pre-established location to maximize the interaction between the object and the electro-magnetic field. A pick-up coil is utilized to sense the resulting field perturbations. A magnetometer can be optionally incorporated in a sensing system to inhibit erroneous indications produced by magnetic objects.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, monitoring the alignment of a pass defined between cooperating rolls in a mill stand during rolling bar, rod or section stock. Measurement is effected through eddy current sensors which are mounted in close proximity to the ends of the rolls and provide an output indicative of the amount by which they are spaced from the roll surface. In some instances other parameters e.g. roll wear, are also measured by similar eddy current sensors appropriately located in close proximity to the roll surfaces.