Abstract: A wheel probe for ultrasonically inspecting a component, such as the wall of a pipeline, is of hollow form to define a chamber in which an ultrasonic transducer is located. The transducer is supported by a mounting which occupies a major proportion of the chamber and comprises material for attenuating background noise in the wheel probe. The chamber is closed by an end member which also comprises material for attenuating background noise, while an elastomeric tire on the rim of the wheel probe extends over a portion of reduced diameter of the rim to attenuate unwanted ultrasound.

Abstract: A pipe inspection device for ultrasonically inspecting the wall of a pipe includes a support arm which is pivotally attached at one end to an inspection vehicle and at its other end pivotally supports a spindle at the end of which two wheels are rotatably mounted. One or more ultrasonic transducers are disposed inside each wheel so that when the vehicle is moved along the pipe, the wheels come into contact with the pipe such that the transducers are aligned in predetermined positions relative to the pipe. The device may be arranged for insertion in the bore of the pipe, or for assembly around the outside of the pipe.