Abstract: An inductive transducer apparatus for testing metallic objects using Pulsed Eddy Current topology. The Apparatus includes a transmitter coil, a receiver coil, and a hybrid core. The hybrid core has a high saturation point which allows the transducer to generate a strong initial magnetic field that may further induce strong eddy currents on the surface of the target capable of penetrating deep into metallic objects under inspection. The hybrid core also has a high permeability which enhances the transducer's sensitivity and allows to maintain high signal-to-noise-ratio and of the received signal associated with Eddy Current magnetic field decaying, thus enhancing the system's performance in environments where reliable quantitative analysis of flaws located deep underneath the surface of metal objects is required. A linearity compensation method may be applied to further enhance the performance of the system.

Abstract: A magnetic flux measurement apparatus and method for nondestructive thickness imaging of metallic objects. The apparatus can primarily be used for thickness imaging of concentric metallic pipes, such as inner tubing and outer casing pipes in downhole applications. The magnetic flux measurement apparatus includes a transducer that includes a magnetic field source, magnetic flux sensor rings and a magnetic flux guide lens both positioned in alignment with a lateral axis of the magnetic field source. The magnetic flux guide lens is made of ferromagnetic material with high magnetic permeability that can direct flux lines into a predetermined sensor area for higher sensitivity and signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing inductive sensor sensitivity response, controlling the signal dynamic range, and maximizing linearity. The apparatus includes an inductive sensor-based inspection apparatus with a ferromagnetic core, a transmitter coil, a receiver coil, and a magnetic bias coil. Biasing the sensor with a static and/or dynamic magnetic fields shifts the permeability value on a B-H curve of the ferromagnetic core to the region to provide a better linearity in a controllable dynamic range and stronger signal response with a higher SNR for enhancing detectability and measurability of minor changes of decaying magnetic field deep inside the metal target under inspection. Furthermore, the method includes adaptive biasing capabilities to dynamically adjust the magnetic bias level for an optimal signal response in measurement sensitivity, signal dynamic range, SNR, and linearity from the inductive transducer in the invention.

Abstract: An inductive transducer apparatus for testing metallic objects using Pulsed Eddy Current topology. The Apparatus includes a transmitter coil, a receiver coil, and a hybrid core. The hybrid core has a high saturation point which allows the transducer to generate a strong initial magnetic field that may further induce strong eddy currents on the surface of the target capable of penetrating deep into metallic objects under inspection. The hybrid core also has a high permeability which enhances the transducer's sensitivity and allows to maintain high signal-to-noise-ratio and of the received signal associated with Eddy Current magnetic field decaying, thus enhancing the system's performance in environments where reliable quantitative analysis of flaws located deep underneath the surface of metal objects is required. A linearity compensation method may be applied to further enhance the performance of the system.