Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a material such as the water-wall tubes in boilers includes the use of a portable thermal line heater having radiation shields to control the amount of thermal radiation that reaches a thermal imager. A procedure corrects for variations in the initial temperature of the material being inspected. A method of calibrating the testing device to determine an equation relating thickness of the material to temperatures created by the thermal line heater uses empirical data derived from tests performed on test specimens for each material type, geometry, density, specific heat, speed at which the line heater is moved across the material and heat intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a material such as the water-wall tubes in boilers includes the use of a portable thermal line heater having radiation shields to control the amount of thermal radiation that reaches a thermal imager. A procedure corrects for variations in the initial temperature of the material being inspected. A method of calibrating the testing device to determine an equation relating thickness of the material to temperatures created by the thermal line heater uses empirical data derived from tests performed on test specimens for each material type, geometry, density, specific heat, speed at which the line heater is moved across the material and heat intensity.

Abstract: A carriage assembly is shown for moving equipment for testing or other functions along a wall surface. The carriage assembly includes a main frame for supporting the equipment in relationship to other equipment and to the wall surface, and a sub-frame that supports service lines such as wires and hoses, while isolating loads created by moving the service lines with the carriage from the main frame and the mounted equipment and providing an unobstructed field of view of the subject area under examination. Wheels mounted on the carriage assembly for providing the interface with the wall surface include fixed position wheels and adjustable wheels to compensate for irregularities along the wall surface. At least one of the fixed position wheels or the adjustable wheels are magnetic for holding the carriage against a ferrous or magnetic wall surface.

Abstract: A carriage assembly is shown for moving equipment for testing or other functions along a wall surface. The carriage assembly includes a main frame for supporting the equipment in relationship to other equipment and to the wall surface, and a sub-frame that supports service lines such as wires and hoses, while isolating loads created by moving the service lines with the carriage from the main frame and the mounted equipment and providing an unobstructed field of view of the subject area under examination. Wheels mounted on the carriage assembly for providing the interface with the wall surface include fixed position wheels and adjustable wheels to compensate for irregularities along the wall surface. At least one of the fixed position wheels or the adjustable wheels are magnetic for holding the carriage against a ferrous or magnetic wall surface.