Abstract: A pipeline inspection apparatus is disclosed for the detection of corrosion pit type defects, employing one or more ultrasonic transducers to produce a parallel beam for direction toward the pipe wall from inside a pipe, with a sufficiently large beam width to permit comparison of time displayed signal components in defect depth determination, with the signal propagating through a gaseous medium. An additional embodiment combines the same with photographic apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing of steel billets or the like to remove surface defects. A material-removing device such as a grinding wheel is automatically controlled to initiate removal of material at points where defects have been detected and to continue removal of material as long as cracks or other defects continue to be detected. In certain disclosed embodiments, an inspection is performed using magnetic particle or other inspection equipment, the initial removal of material being controlled therefrom. Thereafter, material-removal is controlled from signals produced by a probe which is carried in the removal device or adjacent thereto. In other disclosed embodiments, a thin layer of material is removed to permit detection of defects by a probe, the material-removal being both initiated and continued under control of probe signals.

Abstract: A corrosion probe is disclosed which includes two permanent bar magnets in side-by-side relation, with opposite magnetic orientation and with poles of opposite polarity adjacent a sensing end of the probe, a sensing coil being disposed around the magnets adjacent the sensing end. The probe is disclosed in use in a pipe inspection pig for controlling operation of a camera.

Abstract: Apparatus for grinding and simultaneously testing steel billets or other parts to remove portions which contain defects. The defects are detected by a probe which engages the part at a point in proximity to the portion engaged by a grinding wheel. Preferably, the probe is carried in an opening provided in the surface of the grinding wheel and is electrically connected through a rotary coupling device to indicating apparatus. A probe may be a magnetic probe, either an eddy current or leakage field probe, or may include means for detecting light or other radiant energy reflected from the surface of the part. The apparatus is adaptable for the automatic control of the grinding operation.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which includes a camera pig and a tow pig having an articulated connection therebetween to permit movement through pipe bends. The tow pig includes a syphon device for projecting liquids upwardly and forwardly and also includes a compressor and a desiccant chamber for drying of gas which is injected into a camera space between cups of the camera pig. A flow path is provided through the camera pig which by-passes the camera space, for maintaining a passive environment therein.

Abstract: Pipeline inspection apparatus is provided including a camera unit and associated illumination means, preferably a strobe flash unit, for recording on photographic film the rectangular images corresponding to generally rectangular internal surface portions of a pipe for detection of defects, a viewing axis of the camera being normal to the axis of the pipe. Weight means are provided for operating in a manner such as to establish a viewing axis in predetermined angular relation to a vertical plane through the axis of a horizontal pipe. In one embodiment, the device is supported by resilient cups for movement through the pipe and the entire device is rotatable under the influence of the weight means. In another embodiment, at least the optical portion of the camera unit is rotatably supported and connected to the weight means. Magnetic flaw detection means are provided for triggering the camera unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for photographic inspection of the interior of a pipeline and more particularly to apparatus which includes an optical port wiper which makes it possible to obtain clear and accurate photographs under adverse environmental conditions. The apparatus is highly effective and reliable while being comparatively simple and readily and economically manufacturable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which are based upon a discovery that regardless of the type of ferromagnetic material of a part and its shape, there is a certain direct, uniform and constant relationship between the level of magnetization required for satisfactory testing by the magnetic particle method and the response which is obtained from an eddy current instrument which has been properly calibrated and which is used under proper conditions. After removal of scale from a surface portion of a part and after demagnetization of the part, a probe of the eddy current instrument is simply placed against such surface portion and the part is magnetized at a level which produces a certain target eddy current indication. The instrument may be readily calibrated through the use of a test block which has a milled slot of a certain size. Preferably, the probe is of a crossed coil type permitting a rapid scanning operation with respect to a plurality of surface areas of a part of irregular shape.

Abstract: Pipeline inspection apparatus is provided including a camera unit and associated illumination means, preferably a strobe flash unit, for recording on photographic film the images of internal surface portions of a pipe for detection of defects. The camera unit is moved longitudinally within a pipeline by a drive unit which preferably includes electric motors energized from a self-contained battery unit. Important features relate to means for automatically reversing the drive of the apparatus after it has travelled a predetermined distance and to mechanical features for facilitating movement of the device through bends and the like.

Abstract: Demagnetizing methods and apparatus are provided in which a pipe, tube, rod, bar or other elongated part to be demagnetized is moved through the coil assembly to which pulses of current are applied to produce magnetic field pulses of alternating polarity and of substantially constant durations and magnitudes with a substantially constant repetition rate, each current pulse being effective to produce by the end thereof a reversal of the magnetic field in all portions of the part positioned within the confines of the coil assembly and immediately adjacent thereto, the part being moved longitudinally through the coil assembly at a velocity sufficiently low as to effect demagnetization of all portions of the part. The duration of each current pulse is at least 50 milliseconds and most preferably on the order of 0.5 seconds and the velocity of movement is preferably less than two feet per second.

Abstract: A magnetic testing device is provided in which a magnetic recording tape or paper is wrapped around the outside of a tubular pressure member of elastomeric material which is disposed between two circular end plates which form pole portions of a yoke having a central core extending between the end plates and having a coil wound thereon with a copper shield being disposed around the outside of the coil. The device is disposed in a pipe or the like and compressed air is supplied to inflate the pressure member and press the magnetic tape paper into intimate contact with the interior surface of the pipe while an AC current is supplied to the coil to apply a magnetic field to the pipe and to record a magnetic field pattern on the magnetic tape or paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of testing small cylindrical parts wherein a part is journalled for free rotation about a substantially stationary axis with one side of the part being frictionally engaged with a magnetic tape moved longitudinally to rotate the part and to transfer a magnetic flux pattern at the surface of the part to the tape. Important features relate to the provision of engagement means for obtaining non-skid intimate contact between the tape and the part, to the application of a biasing field to the tape at the area of interengagement between the tape and the part and to the manner of supporting the part.