Abstract: The present embodiments include new methods for low-cost inertial measurement units (IMU) using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to increase the navigation parameters accuracy or reduce the total RMS errors even during the unavailability of Above Ground Markers (AGM) using new developed method called PipeLine Junctions (PLJ) detection. This method detects the pipeline junctions and adds heading and pitch constraints to the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) motion between junctions. The results of this such embodiments with a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based IMU showed that the position RMS errors have been reduced around 85% of the original applied EKF solution. Therefore, this approach is a useful solution for PIG navigation system.

Abstract: A system for performing downhole logging operations includes a conductor coil configured to alternate between producing a magnetic field and measuring a magnetic field induced in a formation, a power supply couplable to the conductor coil for providing an electrical control current to conductor coil, and a signal acquisition system couplable to the conductor coil. The system further includes a permanent magnet coupled to the conductor coil, and a multi-state switch operable in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the conductor coil is coupled to an output of the power supply and decoupled from an input of the signal acquisition system. In the second state, the conductor coil is coupled to the input of acquisition electronics and decoupled from the output of the power supply.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting flaws in a wall of a metallic pipe containing a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a plurality of sensors distributed around an inner circumference of the metallic pipe, for sensing magnetic field signals from the metallic pipe; a collapsible supporting structure, including a plurality of supporting petals, at a front side of the plurality of sensors for supporting the apparatus; a sail mounted on and extended from bottom ends of the plurality of supporting petals, when the plurality of supporting petals are in an extended state, the sail is expanded to form a shape capable for containing the fluid; a processing module receiving sensed data from the plurality of sensors; and one or more battery modules for electrically powering the plurality of sensors and the processing module.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating a pipe property for a plurality of nested pipes. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic logging tool in a wellbore. The electromagnetic logging tool may comprise a transmitter disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and a receiver disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool. The method may further comprise transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into a pipe string to energize the pipe string with the electromagnetic field thereby producing an eddy current that emanates from the pipe string, measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements, forming a log from the plurality of measurements, zoning the log into a plurality of zones based at least in part on a well plan, and extracting a representative signal for each zone of the plurality of zones.

Abstract: A magnetic body inspection device (100) is a magnetic body inspection device for inspecting states of a plurality of magnetic bodies (W) by a total magnetic flux method that measures a magnetic flux inside the magnetic body (W). The device includes a plurality of detection coils (10) each for detecting the magnetic field of each of the magnetic bodies (W), an excitation unit (11) provided for the plurality of magnetic bodies (W), and a detection signal output unit (12) for outputting a detection signal based on the magnetic field of each of the magnetic bodies (W).

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and sensor device for identifying and detecting presence of a leak in a fluid conduit. The sensor device freely flows with a fluid within the fluid conduit. The sensor device includes an outer capsule that is free flowing within the fluid and provides fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment, at least one acoustic sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor senses acoustic properties of the fluid to detect the presence of the leak, and a conductor for activating the at least one acoustic sensor to sense the acoustic properties of the fluid and the fluid conduit, wherein the conductor passes from the interior compartment and through to the outer capsule.

Abstract: An inspection tool apparatus includes a core having an axial length. The axial length is determined based on a desired depth of inspection radially from the core. A plurality of arms are coupled to and extend radially from the core. The core and the plurality of arms comprise a high permeability magnetic material. The core or at least one of the plurality of arms is wound by a respective coil that is positioned to receive magnetic flux that is passing through the core or at least one of the plurality of arms.

Abstract: Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A magnet bar may comprise at least one magnet and may be configured to collapse radially inward to the shaft. Magnetizers may include a cushion disposed about the shaft and biasing the magnet bar against a pipe wall. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module. A novel magnetizer cushion is described, as are smart pigs containing one or more circumferential or axial magnetizers.

Abstract: A system includes one or more tools, sensors, or both configured to obtain data related to the one or more pipelines, wherein the data is ultrasonic data, electromagnetic data, or both, and a cloud-based computing system including at least one processor that receives the data from the one or more tools, sensors, or both, performs analysis to generate a virtual structural model of the one or more pipelines based on the data, determines one or more states of the one or more pipelines using the virtual structural model and determines whether to take one or more actions when the one or more states indicate that the one or more pipelines violate a threshold operation boundary.

Abstract: A re-settable pipeline gauging tool (10) of this disclosure includes a cylindrical tool body (11) that includes a deformable portion (13) with a plurality of sensors (25) located near or on an external circumferential surface (12) of the deformable portion. A sealed unit (60) contains a corresponding signal source (25). Pipeline gauging relies upon the compressibility and elasticity inherent in the deformable portion as it encounters anomalies in pipeline geometry and moves between a first size and a second size, the signal strength of the source detected by the sensors changing as a result. The sensors may be arrayed in a circumferential band (47) about the deformable portion or along its length. In some embodiments, the sensors and source are magnetic or acoustic (e.g., transceivers or radar integrated chips). In other embodiments, the sensors and source are light or fiber optic.

Abstract: A method of filtering measured responses of downhole pipes, obtained by electromagnetic (EM) logging tools, to correct for natural variations in downhole pipes during downhole pipe defect characterization. A further method of directly characterizing downhole pipe defects by obtaining measured responses at known pipe features, such as casing collars. An apparatus and system for characterizing downhole pipe corrosion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium are provided for demagnetizing a pipe within an operational pipeline. An inline demagnetization device can be positioned in a first location within a pipe of an operational pipeline. The inline demagnetization device can be positioned via a plurality of positioning mechanisms operable to position the inline demagnetization device at one or more locations within the pipe. The inline demagnetization device can transmit magnetic fields into the pipe at the first location via a plurality of magnetic field conductors configured within the inline demagnetization device. The transmitted magnetic field can cause a reduction of magnetization present in the pipe. The inline demagnetization device can be positioned in a second location to further reduce the magnetization present at the second location.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring dimensions of a feature on or near an object using a video inspection device. A reference surface is determined based on reference surface points on the surface of the object. One or more measurement cursors are placed on measurement pixels of an image of the object. Projected reference surface points associated with the measurement pixels on the reference surface are determined. The dimensions of the feature can be determined using the three-dimensional coordinates of at least one of the projected reference surface points.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a deformation. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic logging tool in a pipe string, performing a logging operation with the electromagnetic logging tool, transmitting an electromagnetic field from a transmitter, energizing the casing string with the electromagnetic field to produce an eddy current, measuring the eddy current with at least one receiver, processing the measurements of the eddy current to find a point-wise eccentricity between the casing string and the pipe string, identifying a zone with the deformation based at least in part on the point-wise eccentricity, determining at least one characteristic of the deformation, and making a wellbore decision related to an integrity of the casing string based on the at least one characteristic of the deformation or the point-wise eccentricity. The system may comprise an electromagnetic logging tool which may comprise a transmitter and at least one receiver.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting and determining conditions of and conditions within a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of quickly inspecting tubes of chemical plants is provided, where one or more tube inspection apparatuses are used to simultaneously perform electromagnetic testing (“ET”) of multiple tubes of a chemical plant by simultaneously lowering probes into separate tubes and transmitting the data to a processor. In some embodiments, the data from the probes can be transmitted in real or near-real time to a remote processor for analysis to determine whether any defects exist in the tubes and the extent of such defects.

Abstract: An eddy current flaw detecting probe includes a plurality of excitation coils (3) which is configured to generate an eddy current in an inspection target and a plurality of detection coils (4) which are differentially connected to each other. The plurality of detection coils (4) includes a first detection coil (41) which is disposed on a second center line (4a) intersecting a first center line (3a) which connects a center of a first excitation coil (31) and a center of a second excitation coil (32) to each other and a second detection coil (42) which is disposed on a side opposite to the first detection coil (41) on the second center line (4a). The excitation coil (3) and the detection coil (4) are disposed to be inclined toward an inspection target surface as approaching each other.

Abstract: A probe system includes a heater and a control circuit. The heater includes a resistive heating element routed through the probe. An operational voltage is provided to the resistive heating element to provide heating for the probe. The control circuit is configured to provide a test voltage different than the operational voltage and monitor a test current generated in the resistive heating element while providing the test voltage. The control circuit is further configured to detect micro fractures in the resistive heating element based on the test current.

Abstract: A technique facilitates examination of a tubing string. A sensor is mounted to monitor a pipe for a defect or defects. The sensor outputs data on the defect to a data processing system which identifies the type and severity of the defect. The data processing system also may be used to track the defect to determine changes to the defect during, for example, subsequent uses of the pipe. Based on the evaluation of the defect, recommendations are provided with respect to future use or handling of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention uses a plurality of magnetic field sources and magnetic field sensors mounted against a surface. Based on the mass of ferromagnetic material, such as steel, the magnetic field sensors detect variable magnetic field strength and this variance is proportional to the mass of ferromagnetic material being detected. An electronic device reads the magnetic field values and uses the information to quantify the ferromagnetic material in the surface or inside the volume of the construction component.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for determining the position of an elongate structure. A number of magnetic field sensors arranged at fixed spacing, each sensor being arranged to sense a magnetic field of a remote structure induced by the Earth's magnetic field in at least two orthogonal directions. In use, the magnetic field sensors are arranged remotely of an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis, such that the magnetic field sensors are spaced in a lateral direction relative to said longitudinal axis. An angular spacing for the magnetic field sensors about the longitudinal axis is determined according to the magnetic field readings in the two orthogonal directions and a distance between one or more of said magnetic field sensors and said elongate structure is determined based on said angular spacing determination.

Abstract: A plurality of signal anomalies are identified in a number of tubes in a steam generator. Since the geometry of the steam generator is known, the location of each signal anomaly along each tube is converted into a location within the interior of the steam generator. If a plurality of signal anomalies are at locations within the steam generator that are within a predetermined proximity of one another, such a spatial confluence of signal anomalies is determined to correspond with a loose part situated within the steam generator. Additional methodologies can be employed to confirm the existence of the loose part. Historic tube sheet transition signal data can be retrieved and subtracted from present signals in order to enable the system to ignore the relatively strong eddy current sensor signal of a tube sheet which would mask the relatively weak signal from a loose part at the tube sheet transition.

Abstract: A chip or carbon fiber substrate may be programmed to emit and/or augment energy tuned to interact with bodily functions. The chip or carbon fiber substrate may be programmed by using a pair of Tesla pancake coils, each coupled to a spherical electrode and driven to create an energetic field between the electrodes. Embodiments may include systems that include the programmed chip in a device (for example, a pet tag) worn on an animal's body. The systems may be wearable so that the effects of the programmed chip may be applied to selected areas of animals and pets.

Abstract: A built-in S-typed array eddy current testing probe and a method for detecting defects of a tubular structure are provided. The probe includes an exciting coil part and a plurality of pick-up coil parts, wherein: the exciting coil part includes multiple bundles of exciting coil wires helically wound on a columnar coil former with a same interval; two bundles of exciting coil wires with an interval of 180° are connected at an end of the columnar coil former, actually being a same group of exciting coil wire bundles; each pick-up coil part consists of two rows of pancake coils; each four pancake coils which are closely arranged in a square shape form one differential eddy current testing pick-up unit; a final output signal is a result of additions between signals of opposite pancake coils and subtractions between signals of adjacent pancake coils in each differential eddy current testing pick-up unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing effects of pipe couplings in electromagnetic log data. A method for corrosion detection comprises disposing an electromagnetic logging tool within a plurality of concentric pipes in a wellbore; obtaining electromagnetic log data along the concentric pipes; and identifying a location of at least one pipe coupling on at least one of the concentric pipes; and processing the electromagnetic log data to determine one or more attribute of the concentric pipes as a function of depth, wherein the processing uses the location of at least one pipe coupling to account for effect of the at least one pipe coupling on the electromagnetic log data.

Abstract: A method of employing an eddy current sensor to perform an inspection of a tube of a steam generator involves accelerating and decelerating the eddy current sensor in a predetermined fashion that substantially reduces the likelihood of damage to the eddy current sensor. The reduction of probe stresses reduces radiological waste and reduces radiation exposure to workers involved in changing damaged probes The recording of an eddy current signal at each of a plurality of equally spaced apart locations along the tube permits the velocity of the eddy current sensor to be varied without compromising the validity of the data that has been recorded. The inspection system employs an encoder that outputs a series of signals as the probe is advanced incremental distances within the tube of the steam generator, and eddy current sensor signals are recorded responsive to at least some of the signals from the encoder.

Abstract: A compact inspection assembly comprising digital sensors and/or laser measurement systems to validate attributes of pipe and associated threaded connections. An elongate body member is partially inserted into a central bore of a pipe section. A stabilizing centralizer assembly is selectively expanded to engage against the inner surface of the pipe section and prevent axial and rotational movement of the body section relative to the pipe section. An automated sensor assembly, attached to the body member and positioned in proximity to a threaded connection, measures data regarding the pipe and associated threaded connections. The measured and recorded data can be compared to predetermined standards (such as, for example, original equipment manufacturer and/or end user specifications or requirements) to verify pipe/connection compliance with desired standards.

Abstract: Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A circumferential magnetizer module for a smart pig comprises a central shaft and at least one magnet bar for inducing a magnetic field transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The magnet bar comprises at least one magnet, and may collapse radially inward to the shaft. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. An axial magnetizer module comprises a central shaft and at least one magnet bar to induce a magnetic field coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. Magnets of opposite polarity are circumferentially disposed around ends of the central shaft. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module.

Abstract: A pipe inspection device includes a housing (1) fixed to a semi-rigid rod (2) and having a longitudinal axis (3) and inside the housing a camera (4) having a forward-looking field of view and a camera (5) rotatable around said longitudinal axis (3) and having a field of view directed to permit closer inspection of an inner surface of the pipe, and means (17-24) for rotating the rotatable camera (5) to direct its field of view against an area of the inner surface of the pipe to be inspected more closely. To make it possible to inspect the inner surface of a pipe faster than with prior art devices, the inspection device has at least two cameras (5-7) in addition to the camera (4) having a forward-looking field. Said at least two cameras (5-7) are rotatable as an assembly around the longitudinal axis and have a field of view directed to permit closer inspection of an inner surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a coil antenna in a first pipe concentrically arranged within a second pipe, the coil antenna having a first terminal, a second terminal, and one or more wires that exhibit a winding density proceeding radially between the first and second terminals according to a given function. The first and second terminals are then excited with an alternating current or voltage, and a signal is measured between the first and second terminals. A characteristic of at least one of the first and second pipes is then calculated based on the signal.

Abstract: A steam trap monitor includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable related to operation of a steam trap. A memory contains information related to a baseline parameter of the process variable. Diagnostic circuitry calculates a current parameter of the process variable sensed by the process variable sensor and compares the current parameter of the process variable with the baseline parameter. Based on the comparison, the diagnostic circuitry responsively provides a diagnostic output based upon the comparison. The baseline and current parameter are based on a time period during which the steam trap is open or closed.

Abstract: A method of monetization of the processing of a collection of ultrasonic data files is disclosed. The process accesses each scan data file and reads meta-data held by that scan data file. Responsive to the extant meta-data, a pricing model is applied, and a processing cost calculated for the processing of each data file. That pricing information is then associated with a customer account and invoiced at a time of choosing of the processing company. Various pricing models may be applied responsive to the characteristics of the data file processed, and responsive to the timeliness and priority of such processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for powering a pipeline inspection system. The system includes an induction generator extending along a radially curved plane. The induction generator having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface. The outer surface is positioned proximate to an inner surface area of a pipeline. The system also includes a controller circuit configured to generate a plurality of periodic waveform signals. The plurality of periodic waveform signals are received by the induction generator. The induction generator is configured to generate active power that charges an electric power source based on the plurality of periodic waveform signals and the inner surface area.

Abstract: A system and method for non-destructive analysis of a structure. A probe acquires a transient time based reference signal and at least one test signal. The reference signal and test signals are transformed to the frequency domain. The frequency domain test signal can be normalized using the frequency domain reference signal. Parameters of interest are evaluated at each test location by iteratively determining estimated parameter values, generating an estimated frequency domain test signal using the estimated parameter values and determining the convergence between the estimated frequency domain test signal and the normalized frequency domain test signal. The parameters values are determined as the estimated parameter values resulting in a maximized convergence between the estimated signal and the normalized test signal. The parameter values can be used to visualize and model various features of the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to image pipes of a multi-pipe structure can be implemented in a variety of applications. The multi-pipe structure may be associated with a well site, such as a multi-casing structure for a production well. Individual pipes of the multi-pipe structure may be investigated in a multi-stage process using delta-like responses, where previous stages provide inputs to subsequent stages. The results of multi-stage processing can be used to image defects in the multi-pipe structure.

Abstract: A defect detection device enables easy removal of magnetic impurities. The defect detection device has a structure capable of effectively removing magnetic impurities adhered to a magnetic flux leakage detection device for nondestructive inspection of a small-diameter heat transfer tube or a partially saturated eddy current detection system. With the defect detection device, it is possible to minimize adhesion of magnetic impurities that deteriorate the performance of a leakage magnetic flux detection device for nondestructive inspection of a small-diameter tube of ferromagnetic metal material or a partially saturated eddy current detection system. Further, there is an advantage in that it is possible to remove the adhered magnetic impurities from the defect detection device easily.

Abstract: Passive robot for transporting sensors and instruments such as leak sensors into water pipes. The robot includes a leak sensor having a diameter to fit closely within a water pipe. A leak sensor is flanked by, and bonded to, substantially symmetrical first and second soft bodies. End caps are provided on each of the first and second soft bodies. Each of the soft bodies has a tapering configuration with a neck portion wherein a soft body length to neck width ratio is selected to allow the soft bodies to bend permitting the passive robot to pass through sharp bends and T junctions.

Abstract: A pipe pig for travelling along the bore of a pipe, the pipe pig comprising a body formed of a deformable material comprising foam, and a plurality of electromagnetic sensors disposed about an outer surface of the body or within the body. The plurality of electromagnetic sensors include means for inducing an electric current in a wall of the pipe, and means for receiving an electromagnetic signal from the wall of the pipe, such that data about the pipe wall can be obtained as the pipe pig travels along a bore of the pipe.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a subsurface tunnel includes propelling an instrumented pipeline pig through a horizontal detection conduit, acquiring and analyzing magnetometer measurements and VLF EM resistivity measurements to detect distortions and/or anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field and/or VLF electromagnetic field, respectively, and correlating the data with position data of the pipeline pig to compute a parameter of a tunnel such as, for example, location, size and depth.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus configured to selectively couple to a receiver mount of a survey inspection assembly is disclosed. The inspection apparatus comprises an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal inspection portion to a distal inspection portion. The apparatus further comprises an inspection feature configured to slidably engage the longitudinal axis. The inspection feature is configured to extend a visual reference of at least one measurement reference disposed on the inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A stator bore gage comprises a detector assembly comprising a wheel configured to engage an inside surface and to transduce the varying surface diameters into electrical or optical signals representative of the condition of the inside surface as the detector traverses the inside surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a circuit including multiple magnetic tunnel junctions, the circuit configured to convert a quadrature modulated magnetic field to a quadrature modulated electrical signal, each magnetic tunnel junction including a storage layer having a storage magnetization and a sense layer having a sense magnetization, each magnetic tunnel junction being configured such that the sense magnetization and impedance of each magnetic tunnel junction vary in response to the quadrature modulated magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a module configured to demodulate the quadrature modulated electrical signal to recover a signal encoded in the quadrature modulated magnetic field.

Abstract: Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A circumferential magnetizer module for a smart pig comprises a central shaft and at least one magnet bar for inducing a magnetic field transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The magnet bar comprises at least one magnet, and may collapse radially inward to the shaft. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. An axial magnetizer module comprises a central shaft and at least one magnet bar to induce a magnetic field coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. Magnets of opposite polarity are circumferentially disposed around ends of the central shaft. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module.

Abstract: A method and system for determination of geometric features in an object is provided. The method includes receiving at least one geometric feature response to an ultrasound beam incident on the object. The incident ultrasound beam is produced from one of a plurality of ultrasound transducers. Further, a volumetric representation of the object is generated based on a plurality of object parameters. The volumetric representation of the object and a plurality of transducer parameters are used to generate a predicted beam traversal path in the object. The predicted beam traversal path is utilized to generate a temporal map of predicted time of flight geometric feature response to the ultrasound beam. A position on the volumetric representation of the object is determined as the location of the geometric feature, when the received geometric feature response is equivalent to the predicted time of flight geometric feature response corresponding to the position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs to determine presence of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines or portions thereof such as pipeline joints by utilizing pattern recognition in pipeline data such as magnetic flux leakage data. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded such as in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs can be used to screen for potential locations of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines so that site excavation can occur for confirmation and validation of the output results.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring a speed of sound in a fluid in a well bore may include a frame adapted to receive the fluid there through are provided. The apparatus includes an acoustic source mounted on the frame; an acoustic detector to measure a signal propagating through the fluid, the acoustic detector disposed proximate the frame at a known distance from the acoustic source; and a test circuit adapted to synchronize the acoustic detector with a signal propagating through the frame. A method to determine physical properties of a fluid in a geological formation including a shear wave anisotropy in the geological formation and the formation composition using the fluid density and the fluid speed of sound is also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that increases the efficiency of a weld inspector by reducing the amount of weld data that needs to be examined for any non-destructive (“NDT”) phased array and time-of-flight, diffraction ultrasonic testing of welds. The system reads ultrasonic testing data from an NDT scan of a series of metal welds and creates a table of target weld indications ranked by a series of filters representative of predetermined exclusion and significance criteria. The invention acts as a weld analysis concentrator by focusing the attention of an inspector on potential weld flaws that merit their attention, thereby increasing the efficiency of the inspector. The process typically reduces 95% to 98% of the ultrasonic weld testing data that must be reviewed by the inspector, while retaining flaw indications necessary for an inspector's competent review in conformity with various code requirements and regulations.

Abstract: A method for detecting electric arcs in a closed chamber having no openings larger than 5 mm and defining a gas volume to be monitored. The method includes a step of measuring a sound level captured by a microphone, placed inside the chamber, at frequencies greater than about 60 kHz while filtering out the lower frequencies, and a step of comparing the level with a threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the integrity of a tube is provided. The apparatus includes: a body having an extension mechanism and configured to be inserted into the tube; and a flexible eddy current sensor including a flexible housing coupled to the body via the extension mechanism, and one or more coils disposed in the flexible housing. The flexible housing is selectively extendable via the extension mechanism between a first position and a second position. The one or more coils are farther away from the body when the flexible housing is in the second position than when the flexible housing is in the first position. The one or more coils electrically couple with an interior surface of the tube when the flexible housing is in the second position, and the flexible eddy current sensor is operative to selectively induce electrical currents within the tube via the one or more coils.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses to extend the time interval between out-of-service, in-tank inspections while insuring structural integrity using a risk-based, Bayesian statistical approach comprised of a passing leak detection test and the using the results from (1) tank floor thickness measurements, (2) prior out-of-service tank floor inspection results, and/or (3) acoustic emission corrosion maps of the tank floor to estimate the minimum thickness and maximum corrosion rate of the tank during the extension period.