Abstract: An improved corrosion measurement system for determining the rate of corrosion of a fluid medium. The system is comprised of a highly sensitive excitation and amplification electronic circuitry for registering and displaying the stable and accurate measurement results. A novel current feedback amplifier maintains a constant alternating current voltage across the reference element, by simultaneously controlling the current through the serially connected reference and corroding elements, thereby keeping the corrosivity measurement independent of the probe's ambient temperature. The unique unitized electrical resistance measurement probe is also temperature stabilized using thermally bridged and balanced metallic elements; the first reference element being coated with an impermeable insulating coating, the second, the sacrificial corroding element, being fully exposed to the corrosive fluid medium.

Abstract: A probe assembly system for high pressure insertion and retrieval in pressure vessels includes a stuffing box fitting with an integrally formed collet which surrounds a probe or device passing axially therethrough. The collet fingers are externally taper threaded and an internally taper threaded collet lock nut locks and releases the collet with minimal rotation. The interior of the collet fingers have teeth which bite into the shank of the probe or device. A single acting hand pump operated tool is quickly attached to the fitting. The tool includes a piston and cylinder with an elastic cord spring return inside the cylinder and attached to the piston in sling shot fashion. The lower end of the tool includes a socket for the collet lock nut which can be tightened and released by axial rotation of the tool. The lower end also includes a window and piston stop. The piston can be attached to the probe, if required. The hand pump includes a pressure gauge and variable relief valve.

Abstract: A combination and unitary corrosion monitor and reference cell for cathodic protection systems includes an elongated tubular metal element of the same material as the structure to be protected and a reference cell on one end of the tubular element, adapted to be buried or submerged in an electrolyte. The tubular element includes resistance connections along its length and a reference resistance element sealed inside. Ratiometric resistance measurements enable the extent of corrosion and corrosion rates to be determined with automatic compensation for temperature changes. Both the resistance measurements and the potential measurements from the cell may be taken from the same test station or location.

Abstract: A high pressure access fitting for a vessel, pipe or like structure includes a body of a material which is weld compatible with the vessel so the fitting may be welded to the wall of the vessel. The fitting includes an internally threaded section made of another material which is a corrosion resistant alloy and which acts to inhibit galvanic corrosion. The threaded section is an insert made of HASTELLOY.RTM., for example, and is threaded in place within the body with fine threads and with a metallic C-ring seal protecting the axial inner ends of the threads. The outer end projects beyond the body and provides a corner for a fillet weld. In addition, the fine threads of the insert/body connection are protected by a high temperature expandable sealing compound.

Abstract: A probe assembly system for high pressure insertion and retrieval in pressure vessels includes a stuffing box fitting with an integrally formed collet which surrounds a probe or device passing axially therethrough. The collet fingers are externally taper threaded and an internally taper threaded collet lock nut locks and releases the collet with minimal rotation. The interior of the collet fingers have teeth which bite into the shank of the probe or device. A single acting hand pump operated tool is quickly attached to the fitting. The tool includes a piston and cylinder with an elastic cord spring return inside the cylinder and attached to the piston in sling shot fashion. The lower end of the tool includes a socket for the collet lock nut which can be tightened and released by axial rotation of the tool. The lower end also includes a window and piston stop. The piston can be attached to the probe, if required. The hand pump includes a pressure gauge and variable relief valve.

Abstract: A tool for monitoring corrosion levels within a wellbore particularly suited for remote monitoring over extended periods. The monitoring tool utilizes a thin wall electrical resistance type corrosion sensor to determine rate of metal loss within the wellbore. The corrosion sensor is preferably made of the same material as the production tubing or drill pipe of the well and is positioned to allows the fluid within the wellbore to flow over the sensor at the same rate as the fluid flows over the tubing. A reference element is incorporated into the corrosion sensor to provide primary temperature compensation. A temperature sensor provides temperature data and allows for secondary temperature compensation for the corrosion sensor. A central processing unit reads and stores the data from the three sensors into solid state memory. The probe records data at programmable time intervals.

Abstract: A acoustical imaging scanning head includes a roller driven optical encoder. The encoder and its shaft are isolated in a non-magnetic housing. The encoder shaft and a roller driven drive shaft are provided with permanent magnets on facing steel discs on opposite sides of a relatively thin wall of a non-magnetic housing. The encoder is sealed in a chamber in such housing and is totally isolated from the surrounding environment, including the drive shaft. The position and arrangement of the magnets maintains the ability to rotate the encoder shaft to produce electrical pulses proportional to the encoder shaft rotation.

Abstract: A scanner head for ultrasonic testing of structures includes a carriage with rollers supporting the carriage for movement over a surface being tested in a selected direction. A transverse frame is supported by the carriage and extends in a second direction crossing the one direction. A transducer is supported by the frame for movement along the frame to preset operative offset positions. For pipes or boiler tubes, the frame is in the form of an arc bar having a T-slot in which a holder for the transducer rides. With the carriage moving axially of the tube or pipe along a reference line, the arc bar keeps the transducer perpendicular to the surface regardless of the offset position. The rollers drive a distance increment signal generator to pulse the transducer and drive the ultrasonic transceiver and display circuitry.

Abstract: A scanner head for ultrasonic imaging of structures generates a display through an ultrasonic transceiver. The scanner head includes a transducer adapted to engage the surface of the structure. Rollers are positioned fore and aft the transducer, and one roller drives a position increment signal generator which drives the transceiver and display circuitry. A couplant delivery system includes nozzles bracketing the transducer in the direction of movement of the scanner head. The flow is controlled by a single valve on top of the head. In this manner, couplant in the desired amount is delivered correctly and concurrently as scanning proceeds.

Abstract: An electrical resistance corrosion probe incorporates a temperature sensitive resistor (RTD) that directly measures temperature of the probe and therefore of its environment as corrosion measurements are being made. The temperature sensitive resistor has one end connected to the common junction between the test and reference elements of the corrosion probe and has its other end connected in the common line to the several corrosion measuring circuits, including the test, reference and check circuits.

Abstract: Measurements made with an electrical resistance sensor that is used for monitoring electrolytic plating are isolated from adverse effects of the strong plating currents flowing in the bath by momentarily disconnecting the resistive sensing element from the plating power source for a very short time interval during which resistance of the test element is measured.

Abstract: A retractor tool adapted to insert and retrieve sensing, measuring or control devices in high pressure containers, such as a pipeline, through an access valve and stuffing box without interrupting the fluid flow within the vessel or relieving the pressure. The tool is connected to the stuffing box by a clamshell clamp which utilizes the threaded rod of the apparatus at its hinge axis. The measuring device is inserted or retracted by the operation of a thrust coupling on the retractor threaded rod. Translational movement is imparted to the thrust coupling by means of a handle nut. The retractor tool can be attached to both hex stuffing boxes and cylindrical stuffing boxes.