Abstract: In a system and method of eddy current testing, all analog portions of an eddy current tester are generated in a probe assembly that includes a coil module and a tester module, wherein the probe assembly is inserted into a tube under inspection. The tester module supplies to the coil module analog signals that induce eddy currents in the tube under inspection and receives from the coil module analog signals produced in response to the induced eddy currents. The tester module converts the received analog signals into digital data corresponding to the induced eddy currents. Digital data, control signals, and power and ground are sent over a cable that runs between the tester module and an interface module. The cable does not carry analog signals. The data can be converted into eddy current data that can be displayed on a display.

Abstract: In a system and method of working tubes coupled to a tubesheet having a number of holes, wherein each hole in fluid communication with one of the tubes, an end-effector is positioned by a robot in coarse or rough alignment with a first hole in the tubesheet. Via lasers positioned on the end-effector, laser spots are formed on a surface of the tubesheet adjacent the first hole. The laser spots are detected by a camera and the alignment of the end-effector relative to the first hole in the tubesheet is refined via the robot based on the detected pattern of laser spots. The tool is then moved into the tube that is in fluid communication with the first hole in the tubesheet to work on (inspect, plug, sleeve or weld) the tube.

Abstract: In a system and method of working tubes coupled to a tubesheet having a number of holes, wherein each hole in fluid communication with one of the tubes, an end-effector is positioned by a robot in coarse or rough alignment with a first hole in the tubesheet. Via lasers positioned on the end-effector, laser spots are formed on a surface of the tubesheet adjacent the first hole. The laser spots are detected by a camera and the alignment of the end-effector relative to the first hole in the tubesheet is refined via the robot based on the detected pattern of laser spots. The tool is then moved into the tube that is in fluid communication with the first hole in the tubesheet to work on (inspect, plug, sleeve or weld) the tube.

Abstract: Inspection probe for inspecting a tubular member for anomalies, the tubular member having an inside surface that may be irregularly-shaped. The inspection probe includes an enclosure sized to be slidably received along the inside surface of the tubular member. The enclosure has a cavity therein and a housing disposed in the cavity. A spring is disposed in the cavity of the enclosure for outwardly biasing the housing toward the inside surface of the tube. A swivel body is pivotably mounted in the housing. The swivel body has a sensor pivotably mounted thereon for sensing anomalies (i.e., flaws and wall thinning) in the tube wall. Connected to the swivel body and to the sensor is a first pivot pin for pivoting the sensor about a first pivot point laying on a first axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: An eddy current probe, especially useful for inspecting roll plugs in steam generator tubes, has a detector assembly which is automatically extended and retracted in a radial recess in an elongated body to prevent damage to the detector assembly during insertion and retraction of the probe, yet permits the detector assembly to bear against the interior wall of the roll plug, including the roll zone. In one embodiment, a mechanical actuator in the form of a pair of finger members spring biased radially outward operate through camming surfaces to rotate a pivot member which retracts the detector assembly; however, when the probe enters the bore of a roll plug the fingers are compressed to permit extension of the detector assembly. In another embodiment, a linear actuator such as a solenoid rotates the pivot member to extend and retract the detector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing analog process protection and control systems which are composed of a plurality of channels each serving to monitor a selected process parameter.