Abstract: A system and method for displaying inspection data collected from a furnace is disclosed. The system comprises a storage device for storing the inspection data. The system also comprises a computer programmed to partition the inspection data at a plurality of data markers so as to correlate the inspection data to the physical geometry of the furnace. Each of the data markers identifies the location of a physical feature of the furnace (such as a bend, an external raised surface, cross-over piping, a thermal well, a weld, a flange, a schedule change and/or a diameter change). Preferably, the computer is also programmed to generate a display of the partitioned inspection data, wherein the display is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation of the tube segments of the furnace. This display may then be used to visually detect problem areas within the furnace. Various exemplary embodiments of the system and associated method are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a signal obtain, from an in situ reformer tube inspection, that includes X, Y, and intensity data sets for each pixel of a sensor from an image sensor receiving a substantially ring shaped image. The method converts a signal having an X position, a Y position, and an intensity component to a signal having an angle, a radius, and an intensity and filtering out all signal sets that do not have a radius greater than a predetermined radius.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the interior profile of cylindrical objects such as reformer catalyst tubes is described. The radius of the tube is measured from the axis of the tube for each point of the interior surface by calculating the angle of a reflected light beam and the deviation thereof. A first embodiment reflects an light beam off of the interior surface of the cylinder and measures the angle of the light reflected from the interior of the cylinder. A second embodiment removes rotating parts by using a cone mirror to reflect a ring of light onto the interior of the cylinder. Signal processing means are provided to reduce surplus signals allowing transmission of only useful information.