Abstract: A sensor module (100) for a pipeline vehicle (110) is disclosed. The sensor module (100) includes an outwardly biased sensor arm (120) pivotally connected at a hinge (129) mounted on the vehicle (110), whereby the angle between the sensor arm (120) and pipeline vehicle (110) is representative of a pipeline dimension. A magnet (240) and magnetic flux sensor (252) are mounted in the sensor module (100) to move relative to one another as the sensor arm (120) pivots relative to the vehicle (110). Measurement of change in magnetic flux can permit determination of the angle between the sensor arm and the vehicle. The sensor module (100) may be mounted on an upstanding flange (111) via a compliant (deformable) layer (202) which permits lateral deflection of the module (100) relative to the vehicle (110).

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the passage of an object in a pipeline includes a non-intrusive detection device that houses one or more shielded magnetometer sensors and a microcontroller with adaptive thresholding detection means. The adaptive thresholding detection means removes outlier data from the magnetic flux data stream and then passes the outlier-free data stream through four low pass filters. A smoothed magnitude of the data stream is compared to detection limits and, if a passage event has occurred, a recent detection is indicated, a counter of a display unit is incremented, a time of passage is recorded, and both statistics are displayed on the display unit. Because a single object may produce multiple magnetic fields, the detector may be locked-out for a predetermined period of time after the passage event to prevent a second detection of the same object as it passes the detection device.

Abstract: A magnetiser for a pipeline inspection tool. The magnetiser comprises a ferromagnetic base member, a pair of driving magnets mounted at spatially separate locations on the base member and a flux enhancing magnet mounted on the base member adjacent to one or both of the driving magnets. The directions of magnetisation of the pair of driving magnets extend in opposite senses to each other, towards and away from the base member respectively to create a magnetic circuit that includes a flux path between the driving magnets which passes through the base member. The flux enhancing magnet has a direction of magnetisation substantially aligned with the direction of magnetic flux on the flux path, the flux enhancing magnet being magnetically coupled to the adjacent driving magnets to drive flux around the magnetic circuit and thereby enhance the magnitude of a magnetic field exhibited by the magnetic circuit outside the magnetiser.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has one or more inspection platforms (28, 30) which are connected to an elongate wheeled trolley by link arms (20 to 26). The trolley unit (10, 12) has drive means for driving the point of connection of the first link arm (20, 22) to the trolley (10) relative to the point of connection of the second link arm (24, 26) to the trolley (12), thereby to move the inspection platforms (28, 30) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the trolley (10, 12). Thus the inspection platforms (28, 30) are movable which is relative to the trolley (10, 12) to permit the tool to be adapted to pipelines of different diameters. Moreover, the platforms (28, 30) preferably have permanent magnets which contain a rotatable magnet. The rotatable magnet permits the net magnetic field generated by the platform to be varied.

Abstract: A pipeline apparatus has a body configured to fit inside a pipeline. A flow channel is formed within the body and includes an inlet, an outlet, and a bypass channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being configured to receive a portion of a fluid flowing through the pipeline, and the outlet being configured such that the fluid flowing through the bypass channel flows out of the bypass channel through the outlet. A flow control valve is attached to the body and has a sleeve configured to move to vary a flow rate of the fluid flowing out of the outlet. A conduit is connected between the flow control valve and a back face of the body and configured to communicate a high pressure of the fluid to the flow control valve.

Abstract: The invention provides an eddy current testing method for an internal finned pipe or tube which can securely detect a micro defect generated in a trough portion in an inner surface of the pipe or tube, even in the case that an inner surface shape of the internal finned pipe or tube is ununiform in a circumferential direction of the pipe or tube. The eddy current testing method in accordance with the invention detects a defect existing in a trough portion of the pipe or tube (P) by arranging a differential coil (2) constructed by a pair of coils (21, 22) having such a dimension as to be arranged within the trough portion of the pipe or tube (P) and coming away from each other in an axial direction (X) of the coil, within the trough portion of the pipe or tube (P) along a direction in which the trough portion of the pipe or tube (P) extends, and relatively moving the differential coil (2) in the direction in which the trough portion of the pipe or tube (P) extends.

Abstract: Using eddy currents to inspect a hole that is possibly not rectilinear and/or of section that is not circular. The inspection device comprises a stick shaped and dimensioned to be capable of being engaged in said hole, at least one arm hinged to a support fastened to one end of the stick, an eddy current sensor being embedded in said arm, and resilient means for urging the arm outwards against the inside surface of the hole.

Abstract: An in-line inspection tool comprising a sensor suite, a processor processing the signal generated by at least one sensor of the sensor suite, and a canister housing the processor is disclosed. The canister may comprise a canister body formed as a hollow cylinder extending along a central axis from a first end to a second end. The canister may further comprise a canister lid inserted within the first end of the canister body. An alignment mechanism may prevent rotation of the canister lid with respect to the canister body about the central axis. A retaining ring may threadedly engage the first end of the canister body to maintain the canister lid within the first end of the canister body.

Abstract: An eddy current acquisition system integrates traditional elements of a nuclear steam generator tubing inspection into a single modular system comprising three subsystems: the take-up reel subsystem, the acquisition instrument, which is located in the hub of the take-up reel, and the pusher head subsystem. All of the control electronics are respectively enclosed in bases of the pusher head and the take-up reel subsystems in water-resistant and dust proof enclosures. Simplified setup is achieved by employing a single communication bus linking an identification (“ID”) chip in each component to a host computer. The ID chip stores and reports product part numbers, descriptions and serial numbers and revision or upgrade status and may also store statistical information such as device duty cycles, performance statistics, repair history, and the like.

Abstract: A tracking device is provided with a non-contact type displacement gauge, a positioner which moves a flaw detecting sensor within a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of a pipe or tube, and a positioning controller which controls the positioner.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The system may comprise a portion of pipe comprising a pipe wall forming a cylindrical tube defining a circumferential direction and an axial direction. The system may further include an in-line inspection tool positioned within the portion of pipe. The in-line inspection tool may include a frame extending in the axial direction and at least one magnet connected to the frame and positioned to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be orientated obliquely with respect to the circumferential and axial directions of the pipeline. The inspection tool may include a transmitter connected to the frame to generate an inspection signal within the magnetic field.

Abstract: A Wide Field ID-OD Discriminator for inspection of ferromagnetic pipe from the interior of the pipe. The embodiment concentrates the flux field from the full field of coverage to the sensors.

Abstract: A method of predicting at least one physical change in crack geometry of a crack in a pipeline based on in-line inspection operating pressure is presented. In one method, a first test on a pipeline is performed at a first pressure, which obtains a first set of test data. A second test is performed on the pipeline at a second pressure, obtaining a second set of test data. The first and second sets of test data are compared for any difference. A run comparison software processing device may be employed. In other methods, finite element analysis of crack-like dimensions is performed to predict Crack Mouth Opening Displacement (CMOD) for a given set of crack dimensions for a surface-breaking crack and inline pipe inspection operating run pressure. Another method predicts probability of detection of a crack associated with a given CMOD as a function of pressure in successive inspections.

Abstract: A system and method for optically determining the rate and/or direction of fluid flow in a conduit within wellholes, using the diffraction effect of Faraday crystals through which continuous light is transmitted within optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for electrical measurements and use of a flexible probe to produce an inflexible probe. Conventional probes comprise a substrate which is mechanically rigid. As a result only planar surfaces may be examined with the probe. According to the invention, a probe is flexibly embodied by means of a flexible substrate such that the probe may be adjusted to match various curvature radii of test bodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for pipeline inspection, The inspection device may include an exciter coil capable of providing an alternating current magnetic field and producing eddy currents. A plurality of sensors may then be provided which are capable of sensing a magnetic field produced by the eddy currents and the sensors may be engaged with a sensor shoe. The sensors may then be capable of being positioned at a first distance D1 with respect to an inner pipe wall surface and capable of providing coupling to the magnetic field produced by the eddy currents. The sensor shoe may also be capable of retracting to a second distance D2, wherein D1<D2. The sensor shoe may be connected to a sensor support arm wherein the support arm may be pivotably attached to a fixed hub and to a control arm which control arm may then be pivotably attached to a driven hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement. In particular, a sensor for the measurement of magnetically active or ferrous debris, for example, as generated as a result of machine wear. There is provided a sensor (5) having a magnetic sensor head adapted to produce a magnetic field, —a magnetic field sensor (10) responsive to changes in the magnetic field; a temperature probe (15); and processing means (50) for determining the amount of debris accumulated on the magnetic sensor head based on both magnetic field and temperature data.

Abstract: In an in-line pipe inspection tool, sensors for inspecting the pipe are mounted on sensor blocks moveable relative to the body of the tool. However, when the sensor blocks move radially to conform to different pipe diameters, the circumferential distances between the sensors changes. To ameliorate the effect of this, the sensor blocks have a shape such that one axial edge of each sensor block circumferentially overlaps the opposite edge of an adjacent sensor block. With such an arrangement, when the sensor block are operating at minimum diameter, part of one sensor block will overlap an adjacent block, in the circumferential direction. As the diameter of the pipeline in which the pig is used increases, the degree of overlap will reduce, and may even reduce to zero, but there will still be no overall axial gaps between the sensor blocks. Thus, by suitable shaping of the sensor blocks the tool can be used with a wide range of pipe diameters.

Abstract: A casing position locator for detecting structural features of a borehole casing, the locator including: a plurality of field generators for generating respective dynamic magnetic fields which combine to provide a dynamic test magnetic field to interact with the casing, where the test field includes a magnetic field null point located where the respective dynamic magnetic fields substantially cancel each other out; and a sensor for detecting a change in the position of the null point, relative to the sensor, due to the interaction.

Abstract: A vehicle for travel through a conduit includes a forward and a rearward member, each member being provided with a wall-engaging mechanism for selectively engaging a wall of the conduit to hold the respective member in a stationary position within the conduit. Extensible elements such as a hydraulic ram connect the members for relative movement of the forward member toward and away from the rearward member. Each wall-engaging mechanism includes a plurality of legs extendable outwardly from the respective member and a wall-engaging surface on or fixed to each leg, one actuator engages each of the legs for coordinated extension of the legs to bring each wall-engaging surface into contact with the wall of the conduit. Preferably a rotary cuter is mounted at the front of the vehicle for clearing obstructions in the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensor for detecting surface defects of a metal tube, which can solve a problem of a conventional eddy current probe in that it is difficult to detect a crack in the circumferential direction of a metal tube. For this purpose, the present provides a sensor for detecting surface defects of a metal tube, the sensor including a plurality of coils wound at a predetermined inclined angle, wherein the plurality of coils is inserted into the inside of a metal tube and an alternating current is applied to the coils to measure a change in impedance of the coils due to a change in an eddy current generated in the metal tube, thus detecting a surface defect of the metal tube.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection tool has a spirally arranged series of blocks, with each block having a magnet and at least one magnetic flux sensor. An axially extending support may be provided which terminates in mounts and the series of blocks may be mounted between the mounts. The support may be arranged so as to permit bending of said series of blocks but resist torsion of said series of blocks. A supporting tendon may extend from a second of the mounts through a first opening in each block around a tendon supporting pulley of the first of the mounts and back through a second opening in each block to the second mount. A compression spring surrounding each arm of the tendon between the tendon support and the series of blocks. The magnet of each block may be arranged such that a like pole of each magnet is at one side of the series of blocks. The poles of each magnet may be longitudinally elongated and the longitudinally elongated poles may be directed along an axis of said tool.

Abstract: An eddy current probe moves along a longitudinal axis and includes a support structure defining a surface, the surface including a set of panels. Conductor coils are distributed across said surface, each panel includes at least one coil section, each coil section lies transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided for inspecting a generator including a rotor and a stator substantially surrounding the rotor. The rotor has a first end with a first circumference, and a second end with a second circumference. The inspection system includes first and second retaining rings disposed at or about the first and second ends of the rotor, and first and second motion control modules movably coupled to the first and second retaining rings. The first and second motion control modules are interconnected and guide a carriage assembly therebetween in order to perform an operation on the generator. At least one of the first and second motion control modules is structured to receive the carriage assembly and to move around the corresponding first or second circumference of the generator rotor, in order to align the carriage assembly with stator slots of the stator of the generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the walls of an underground pipe from inside the pipe in which an inspection apparatus having a circular planar platform having a plurality of lever arms having one end pivotably attached to one side of the platform, having a pipe inspection device connected to an opposite end, and having a system for pivoting the lever arms is inserted into the underground pipe, with the inspection apparatus oriented with the planar platform disposed perpendicular to the pipe axis. The plurality of lever arms are pivoted toward the inside wall of the pipe, contacting the inside wall with each inspection device as the apparatus is conveyed along a length of the underground pipe.

Abstract: A system for testing concealed ducts including a pull cable and a transmitter, the transmitter including a transmission means for emitting radiation disposed at one end of the pull cable and at least one electric wire disposed inside the pull cable, wherein the electric wire or wires enables electrical connection between the transmitter and the transmission means, and a receiver for receiving signals from the transmission means and for indicating strength of the received signals. The scope of the invention includes methods of finding blockage within a conduit pipe and finding the path of a conduit pipe, built into a partition, by inserting a pull cable into a conduit pipe and detecting the location of the front end of the pull cable.

Abstract: When using a rigid substrate eddy current probe to measure a non-planer test piece, the probe must be adapted to the test piece shape in order to avoid incorrect measurement values. Disclosed is a probe which is configured in a flexible manner via a flexible substrate so as to be adjustable to different radii of curvature of a test piece. Furthermore the probe lining is also embodied in an elastic manner.

Abstract: Using eddy currents to inspect a hole that is possibly not rectilinear and/or of section that is not circular. The inspection device comprises a stick shaped and dimensioned to be capable of being engaged in said hole, at least one arm hinged to a support fastened to one end of the stick, an eddy current sensor being embedded in said arm, and resilient means for urging the arm outwards against the inside surface of the hole.

Abstract: An in-line pipe inspection tool has a sensor carrier carrying a plurality of sensor for monitoring the pipe. In order to permit the sensor carrier and hence the sensors, to conform to changes in the diameter of the pipe being inspected, the sensor carrier is a part cylindrical body which is resiliently flexible. However, to stop one part of the sensor carrier twisting torsionally relative to another part, a bracing unit is fixed to one part the sensor carrier and engages another part of the sensor carrier to resist said torsional twisting.

Abstract: A method for operating a mobile pipe inspection device includes a camera head that can be pivoted about two axes that lie at right angles to one another. The pivoting movements of the camera head are remotely controlled by motors and at least one pivoting movement is measured by a rotational angle sensor, whose measurement signal can be displayed and evaluated on a monitor. An improved evaluation and both the quantitative and qualitative documentation of the inspection result. To achieve this, two sets of image information are generated, one set containing image information of the entire pipe surface and the second set containing information about the details of the pipe surface, both sets of information being automatically assigned to one another at least with respect to the location in the pipe section and the angular position.

Abstract: A sensor unit for use in sensing conditions in a pipeline comprises an untethered a ball-shaped surround adapted to roll along the interior surface of a pipeline, and instrument package within the ball-shaped surround. The package contains at least one magnetometer or accelerometer. Preferably, three magnetometers, arranged orthogonally, are present. Other sensors can also be present as required, such as an acoustic sensor to detect leaks and a temperature or chemical sensor. Recording means record the data acquired by the magnetometer(s) or accelerometer and the sensors, and optionally also record a timing trace.

Abstract: The method for detecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of pipelines, comprising the steps of: identifying pipeline locations and pipeline conditions that are amenable to inspection by a magnetic flux inline tool and by a TFI tool; performing two inspections on the pipeline, one inspection performed using the magnetic flux inline (MFL) tool and an other inspection performed using the TFI tool; aligning signal features resulting from the two inspections; identifying TFI signals occurring above a specified threshold; identifying MFL signals for a section of pipeline corresponding to the identified TFI signals; for the identified TFI signals, determining whether the MFL signals are below a second threshold level; designating the sections of the pipeline corresponding to identified TFI signals above the threshold and below the second threshold as a potential corrosion feature; identifying TFI signals that exceed a defined metal loss percentage; measuring a width and length of the signal features, and if the widt

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically determining casing collar and/or corrosion locations within boreholes, using the diffraction effect of Faraday crystals through which depolarized continuous light is transmitted within optical fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the torque imposed on a rotatable shaft. The shaft has at least four paired probes, paired horizontal probes and paired vertical probes. The horizontal probes are positioned 90 degrees apart from the vertical probes. If the shaft moves horizontally, the time of arrival detected by the first horizontal probes will be later than a nominal value and the time of arrival for the second horizontal probes will be earlier than a nominal value with the same amount of error. Combining data from the first and second horizontal probes will then automatically cancel out any error from horizontal motion. Similarly, combining data from vertical probes will eliminate the error due to vertical movement. Because any radial movement is a combination of horizontal and vertical movements, the use of the probes removes errors due to movement in any direction.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current pipeline inspection device is provided. The pulsed eddy current pipeline inspection device comprises a plurality of stages longitudinally spaced apart from each other and adapted to move between a contracted position and an expanded position, and a plurality of sensors disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of each of the plurality of stages in the contracted position with at least one gap between sensors in each of the plurality of stages in the expanded position, the plurality of sensors being arranged such that the at least one gap in a first one of the plurality of stages is aligned with a portion of a second one of the plurality of stages that has sensors disposed thereon.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided for inspecting a generator including a rotor and a stator substantially surrounding the rotor. The rotor has a first end with a first circumference, and a second end with a second circumference. The inspection system includes first and second retaining rings disposed at or about the first and second ends of the rotor, and first and second motion control modules movably coupled to the first and second retaining rings. The first and second motion control modules are interconnected and guide a carriage assembly therebetween in order to perform an operation on the generator. At least one of the first and second motion control modules is structured to receive the carriage assembly and to move around the corresponding first or second circumference of the generator rotor, in order to align the carriage assembly with stator slots of the stator of the generator.

Abstract: A system (20) and method for the inspection of a pipeline (22) is disclosed. The system (20) is made up of a plurality of flexibly coupled modular units (24) configured to pass through the pipeline (22). One modular unit (24) is a tractor unit (40) configured to propel the system (20) through the pipeline (22). Another modular unit (24) is an RFT transmission unit (42) with an excitation coil (58) configured to excite a magnetic field (112) within the pipeline (22). A third modular unit (24) is an RFT reception unit (46) incorporating a pair of adjacent differentially connected reception coils (80) and a differential instrumentation amplifier (100) affixed to a rotational mount (78). A fourth modular unit (24) is a motor unit (44) incorporating a motor (66) which rotates the rotational mount (78). The pair of reception coils (80) detects the magnetic field (112) and produces a differential detection signal which is then amplified and analyzed.

Abstract: An eddy current probe includes a plurality of deformable substrates each having a pair of coils wound coaxially thereabout in spaced relation and a housing supporting said plurality of substrates adjacent to each other with each substrate compressed in a direction laterally to the axis of the pair of coils wound thereabout. Desirably, the axis of each pair of coils is positioned spaced from a longitudinal axis of the housing and parallel to a tangent to an exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: The method for detecting stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of pipelines, comprising the steps of: identifying pipeline locations and pipeline conditions that are amenable to inspection by a magnetic flux inline tool and by a TFI tool; performing two inspections on the pipeline, one inspection performed using the magnetic flux inline (MFL) tool and an other inspection performed using the TFI tool; aligning signal features resulting from the two inspections; identifying TFI signals occurring above a specified threshold; identifying MFL signals for a section of pipeline corresponding to the identified TFI signals; for the identified TFI signals, determining whether the MFL signals are below a second threshold level; designating the sections of the pipeline corresponding to identified TFI signals above the threshold and below the second threshold as a potential corrosion feature; identifying TFI signals that exceed a defined metal loss percentage; measuring a width and length of the signal features, and if the widt

Abstract: A sensor body for use in a pig for determining characteristics of a pipeline wall though which the pig passes includes a circuit board and a single coil wrapped around the circuit board. A microcontroller is mounted to the circuit board and connected to the single coil and configured to induce a waveform on the coil to thereby create an eddy current in the pipeline wall adjacent the sensor body. The microcontroller is also configured to measure changes in a characteristic of the induced waveform on the single coil that correspond to the presence of anomalies on an inside diameter of the pipeline wall. The sensor body also includes a sensor body cover molded about the circuit board, the microcontroller and the single coil. The sensor body cover consists essentially of a wear resistant, non-conductive material that includes a polymer material.

Abstract: A pressure vessel penetration sidewall adjacent a tube installed in the penetration by a clearance fit is inspected by passing an eddy current probe having a pair of circumferential coils through the tube. Eddy currents are induced in the pressure vessel as the probe passes through the penetration tube and degradation of the pressure vessel adjacent the clearance is determined based upon the eddy currents induced in the pressure vessel by the probe.

Abstract: A apparatus for pipeline integrity monitoring comprising a magnetically permeable backing bar and at least three magnets comprising a relatively medium-strength magnet positioned at one end of the backing bar, a relatively low-strength magnet positioned at the other end of the backing bar, and a relative high-strength magnet positioned between the medium-strength and the low-strength magnet. The at least three magnets are adapted and positioned to induce a plurality of resultant fields within the pipeline wall comprising a first resultant field suitable for detecting a reduced metal-related anomaly and a second resultant field suitable for detecting a mechanically worked-related anomaly. Preferably, the first resultant field has a strength greater than 120 Oersted and the second resultant field has a strength between 40 and 80 Oersted.

Abstract: The system and method provides a means for inspecting pipelines that have obstructions which prevent conventional inspection pigs from passing the obstructions. The invention uses remote-field eddy current inspection techniques and a uniquely configured excitation coil for inline inspection of pipelines having valves and other fittings that severely restrict or prevent the use of conventional inspection pigs. A unique collapsible excitation coil and a collapsible sensor array enables an inspection pig using these features to pass pipeline obstructions that prevent passage by conventional inspection pigs. The collapsible coil and sensor array provide means for reducing the diameter of an inspection pig to enable it to pass obstructions in the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipe weld from within a pipe through use of magnetic particle imaging “MPI” includes an apparatus having a head unit that carries a wire wheel brush for cleaning an inspection area along an inner diameter of a pipe weld, and an MPI medium dispenser for spraying an MPI medium upon the inspection area, both controlled by an operator. The head unit also includes a video inspection device controlled by the operator and used for viewing at least portions of the inspection area after being sprayed with the MPI medium and when under the influence of a magnetic field to determine if the weld has any defects. The head unit is connected to a drive unit. The drive unit includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and mounted on a set of drive wheels, and a set of support wheels spaced axially from the drive wheels.

Abstract: A method and system for performing in-line measurement of stresses in pipeline walls by continuous Barkhausen method comprises an inspection pig including permanent or DC electromagnets for generating a magnetic field that moves with the inspection pig through a pipeline, inductive or other types of magnetic field sensors for reading Barkhausen noise signals generated by the moving magnetic field, and associated instrumentation for amplifying, filtering, detecting and storing the Barkhausen noise signals. The size of the sensors may be selected to match the size of defects being investigated. By comparing trending data over time to determine changes in Barkhausen noise levels, greater detection sensitivity may be achieved. The method may be particularly advantageous for use in inspection pigs that also use magnetic flux leakage to determine pipeline defects, since the magnetic flux leakage method also use permanent or DC electromagnets.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for determining the thickness of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material when only one side of the material is accessible. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for engaging a constant signal with the ferromagnetic material for inducing a changed signal, generating a stepped saturation signal over a range of currents for engagement with the ferromagnetic material, detecting the changed signal as the saturation signal is varied over the range of currents, determining the relationship between the changed signal and the stepped saturation signal, and evaluating the thickness of the material based upon the relationship between the changed signal and the stepped saturation signal.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor system and a method for installing magnetic sensors for detecting metal objects that allows ease of manipulation, control and access. A carrier conduit is used to position a magnetic sensor in an outer conduit. The outer conduit may be disposed beneath a surface where objects to be detected may be positioned. Alternatively, a conduit having multiple channels may be placed in a pathway. Magnetic sensors may be placed in the channels and a top placed over the conduit. Multiple embodiments for orienting the magnetic sensor systems are provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting breaks in a prestressed wire, rod or bar in prestressed concrete pressure pipe (PCCP), embedded in concrete and/or mortar is described. A remote field eddy current exciter/transformer coupling probe is traversed axially internally through the PCPP so as to create an energy flow path within and external to the wall of the PCPP and to induce a transformer coupling from the prestressing winding thus generating a signal in a detector spaced from and usually approximately coplanar with the exciter. As the exciter traverses a break in the wire, rod or bar, a small signal change is generated in the detector, nearly regardless but not independent of the radial position of the detector relative to the break.

Abstract: The invention subject of this application pertains to a method and apparatus for measuring the subterranean lithology using electromagnetic energy. The invention is applicable to the measurement from within uncased boreholes, i.e., and open-holes. The present invention transmits and receives electromagnetic energy deep into a geologic formation from a borehole, while also providing high resolution for distant measurements and the ability to control the direction in which the measurements are taken. The invention does not require a receiver to be located at the ground surface or in another borehole. In simple terms, the apparatus of this invention is able to “look around” into the surrounding geologic formation from a stationary position.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of pipeline structures. The system consists of a magnetostrictive sensor instrument unit, a data storage unit, and a plurality of magnetostrictive sensor probes are positioned on an in-line inspection vehicle. The instrumentation unit includes electronics for transmitting excitation pulses to a transmitting magnetostrictive sensor probe as well as electronics for amplifying and conditioning the signals detected by a receiving magnetostrictive sensor probe. The magnetostrictive sensor probes include both plate magnetostrictive sensors and permanent magnets which provide a DC bias magnetic field necessary for magnetostrictive sensor operation. The transmitting and receiving probes are attached to the in-line inspection vehicle by way of mechanical arms on opposing sides of the vehicle.