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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive short term inspection or long term monitoring of a structure. A plurality of magnetostrictive sensors are arranged in parallel on the structure and includes (a) a thin ferromagnetic strip that has residual magnetization, (b) that is coupled to the structure with a couplant, and (c) a coil located adjacent the thin ferromagnetic strip. By a transmitting coil, guided waves are generated in a transmitting strip and coupled to the structure and propagate along the length of the structure. For detection, the reflected guided waves in the structure are coupled to a receiving strip and are detected by a receiving magnetostrictive coil. Reflected guided waves may represent defects in the structure.

Abstract: Method for measuring the gap separating a vault of at least one end fitting and a given element of one end of a thermal part of a pipe, comprising; moving an autonomous measuring detector inside the said pipe, carrying out at least one series of measurements during the movement of the detector in the end fitting, the measuring comprising detecting in real time, the passage of the consecutive transitions between the vault of the end of the terminal part of the pipe, triggering the measurements for a predetermined time between the detections of the transitions, storing the said measurements in the form of signals in at least one memory and processing the stored signals in order to determine the gap (D) and separating two consecutive transitions. The device for measuring includes two eddy current detectors on a support wound through the pipe and a memory for the detected signals and a processing circuit for processing the signals in memory.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for analyzing RFT data from a data file. The method includes parsing the data file into pipe lengths, calculating a phase profile for the data points within each pipe length, locating potential defects in the pipe length using the phase profiles, determining for each defect a total equivalent phase shift as a combination of a circumferential equivalent phase shift and a non-circumferential equivalent phase shift, and using the total equivalent phase shift to analyze the defect.

Abstract: In an eddy current testing probe, efficiency is improved by multiplexing, at the probe head, signals to and from a large number of coils on the probe head onto a reduced number of signal conductors, and by reusing coils in different measurement configurations in order to provide a higher density of inspection coverage.

Abstract: The probe for inspecting electrically conducting parts (1) of the invention comprises a row of transmitter and receiver coils (27), (28) that form an array of energized coils. The receiver coils (28) are influenced by different magnetic fields created by several neighboring transmitter coils (27) at the same time, making them sensitive to different types of flaws. The array of energized coils is displaced along the row. The probes are usually used for inspecting steam generator tubes of nuclear power plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring axially extending defects in ferrous tube includes a magnetizing coil for inducing a longitudinal magnetic field in the ferrous tube. Linear magnetic transducers are used to detect parallel non-linking flux leakage that occurs from axially extending defects. An analog to digital converter digitizes the measured signals representing the amount of parallel non-linking flux leakage detected. A processor subtracts signals typical of ferrous tube with no axially extending defects from the measured signals. The processor further processes the resulting signals after subtraction, by separating the alternating AC components from the constant DC components to remove the effects of perpendicular flux leakage, which may exist in the measured signals. The processor then calculates the percentage of missing material due to the axially extending defects by applying a proportionality equation to the remaining DC components of the measured signals.

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.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 10 discloses an eddy current probe assembly having unique types and arrangements of coils 14, 16, 18 therein. This type and arrangement of coils allows for a more accurate determination of tube 20 anomalies. A first pair of coils 14 are provided which comprise a pair of coils 14A, 14B oriented 45 degrees apart wherein each pair of coils comprises an additional pair of coils 14G, 14H which are oriented 90 degrees apart. A second pair of coils 16 are provided which are about 0.060 inches apart. A third pair of coils 18 are provided having a larger coil 18A and a smaller coil 18B. An extension wand 22 with cable connectors 26 are provided for connection to suitable probe actuation and control means.

Abstract: An eddy current sensor assembly of a magnetic inspection device is for nondestructive detection of structural faults in an elongated magnetically permeable object, such as a pipe. The sensor assembly has an auxiliary magnet including first and second auxiliary magnetic poles oppositely polarized relative to each other and spaced from one another for positioning and movement longitudinally relative to an elongated magnetically permeable object to be tested. The auxiliary magnet is to be interposed between primary magnets of the magnetic inspection device. A ferromagnetic member couples the first and second auxiliary magnetic poles. Compliant pole pieces such as magnetically permeable brushes are coupled to the auxiliary poles and are to be interposed between the auxiliary poles and the object to be inspected.

Abstract: A pipeline inspection and defect mapping system includes a pig having an inertial measurement unit and a pipeline inspection unit for recording pig location and defect detection events, each record time-stamped by a highly precise onboard clock. The system also includes several magloggers at precisely known locations along the pipeline, each containing a fluxgate magnetometer for detecting the passage of the pig along the pipeline and further containing a highly precise clock synchronized with the clock in the pig. The locations of the various magloggers are known in a north/east/down coordinate system through a differential global positioning satellite process. Finally, a postprocessing off-line computer system receives downloaded maglogger, inertial measurement, and odometer data and through the use of several Kalman filters, derives the location of the detected defects in the north/east/down coordinate frame. Consequently, a task of identifying sites for repair activity is much simplified.

Abstract: A nondestructive method for inspecting steel pipelines for plastically deformed regions caused by mechanical damage to the pipeline. The invention is a method and system that uses nonlinear harmonic detection methods to detect mechanical damage in pipelines. The invention uses a time-varying magnetic field to sense magnetic properties of the pipeline. The odd-numbered harmonic frequencies are detected and their amplitudes are related to the magnetic condition of the material under test to determine areas of mechanical damage. This technique can be used for rapidly surveying stress states in pipelines where nonlinear harmonic sensing devices are attached to a pigging device moving through a pipeline at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: A pipeline pigging device including a vehicle movable within a pipeline having shape deformations is provided. The vehicle provides a predetermined axial length and outside diameter to define an exterior surface. A plurality of floating backing bar systems are circumferentially mounted on the external surface along the axial length of the vehicle. The floating backing bar system radially extends by a compression force away from the vehicle to contact and introduce a consistent force on the inside pipeline wall as the device moves through the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A system for inspecting in-service gas distribution mains is disclosed. Coiled tubing technology and magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology are integrated to produce a new inspection system for low pressure, in-service distribution pipelines. The coiled tubing provides the means by which an inspection module employing MFL technology is inserted into, moved through, and removed from an in-service pipeline. A portable inspection system can thereby be moved to a desired location on a trailer. The sensor module comprises a plurality of magnet assemblies each having a Magnet N out, a Magnet S out and a magnet core, the magnet assemblies being conical in shape and being arranged into a circular array. The magnet array diameter is smaller than that of a pipe to be inspected, thus defining a radial air gap. The magnet array being constructed and arranged to provide a magnetic circuit having sufficient strength so as to be operable through the radial air gap.

Abstract: A method for detecting breaks in a prestressed wire, rod or bar embedded in concrete surrounding a metal pipe is described. A remote field eddy current probe is traversed axially internally through the pipe so as to create an energy flow path externally of the pipe and a transformer coupling through the pipe, and generate a signal in a detector coil axially spaced from an exciter coil. As the exciter coil traverses the wire, rod or bar containing the break a signal change is generated, regardless of the radial position of the detector coil relative to the break.

Abstract: Apparatus for status detection, in particular leak detection, in pipelines for the transportation of media, in particular, steam or hot water. The pipeline respectively comprises an inner medium-carrying pipe (1), an adjoining heat-insulating layer (2), and a outer protective pipe (3). Disposed in the region of the heat-insulating layer (2) is at least one sensor unit (4) with an induction coil (5) and a moisture and/or temperature dependent sensor (7). An interrogation device (20), which includes an exciter coil (25) with a transmitting device (22), a receiving device (23), and an evaluation device (24), permits interrogation of the condition of the sensor unit (4). The interrogation device can be portable, coupled to a lap-to, or can be in the form of a stationary fitment above the sensor unit (4).

Abstract: An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle comprises a train of modules 11-16 interlinked by suspension units 17 to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in respective modules. A detector module 14 determines the presence of a service junction and a manipulative module 13 allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline whilst providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This can include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules.

Abstract: A helically movable system for the detection of cracks in a pipeline, capable of moving inside this pipeline, produces a magnetic flux that passes into a portion of the pipeline. Detectors measure local magnetic fields on the inner surface of the pipeline. These measurements are provided for processing and storage. The system is driven by the fluid flowing in this pipeline. Devices for the generation of flux and the measuring are arranged within at least one cylindrical housing having wheels to make this housing follow a substantially helical path inside the pipeline.

Abstract: A device is taught for inspecting the integrity of water distribution pipelines. The device is constructed of housing units, for housing inspection circuitry. The housing units are connected by flexible connectors which permit the units to move out of axial alignment to pass bends. In some embodiments, communication ports are provided between the units. As such, the device is able to negotiate bends and pass through openings of reduced size in the pipeline. The device can be used with various inspection technologies including remote field eddy current inspection technology. A method for inspecting the integrity of a water pipeline system is disclosed wherein water hydrants can be used to access the system.

Abstract: A flexible probe for insertion into an auxiliary pipe indicates the proximity of the auxiliary pipe to a device within a main pipe. The probe includes an apparatus for generating a magnetic field for detection within the main pipe. An indicator associated with the probe generates a signal when the probe is adjacent the main pipe. The magnetic field generating apparatus includes a coil with an electronic circuit for generating an alternating current signal and also includes a switch operable when the probe contacts the main pipe.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting the inside of a large diameter, substantially vertical, limited access pipe. The probe includes an elongated probe housing having a series of flexible joint along its length to permit the probe to be positioned within the pipe. A plurality of radially extendable guide arms are attached to the lower end of the probe housing for positioning the probe within the pipe and, in the preferred embodiment, a stabilizer weight is attached to the elongated housing adjacent to the guide arms for preventing unstable movement of the probe much like a tail on a kite. In the preferred embodiment, the probe further includes a rotational drive for rotating the plurality of radially extendable guide arms with respect to the elongated housing. In addition, sensors are located on the ends of each guide arm to permit the inside surface of the pipe to be more completely inspected for defects.

Abstract: A pneumatic jacking device is used to measure radial movement of stator bars in their slots while the generator is in-situ. The jacking device is designed to pass through the radial gap between the field retaining ring and stator end winding, requiring a minimum entrance gap of 2.625". The device is placed between the retaining ring and the stator bar, and radial movement is measured by the application of a force such as by a pneumatic ram or the like. Radial movement is measured by a linear voltage displacement transducer and is transmitted to a measuring unit for further processing.

Abstract: Products with a wall (1) comprising at least one layer (11) of ferromagnetic material may be tested by magnetising said layer using magnetising means (30) to generate therein a remanent magnetisation (H) parallel to the wall surface, then moving magnetic field sensors (2) along the wall and measuring, in the presence of said remanent magnetisation (H) alone, the magnetic field adjacent to the product surface, whereby changes in the field measured along said wall indicate defects (22) in said layer of magnetic material. The method is particularly suitable for testing elongate products in which the layer to be tested is not on the surface. Specifically, the method is suitable for testing pipelines or tubes for transporting petroleum.

Abstract: An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle includes a train of modules interlinked by suspension units to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in the modules. A detector module determines the presence of a service junction using magnetic field information. A manipulative module allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline while providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This may include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules. A remote probe typically containing a magnetic field generator can be used to assist in service junction location by the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pipeline feature or defect location system including an in-line inspection tool, an inertial navigation system (INS), control points for use with a global positioning system (GPS) and an INS, and a computer programmed with post processing software. Once the longitude, latitude and elevation of the pipeline feature or defect is identified using the in-line inspection system of this invention. The longitude latitude, and elevation of the pipeline feature or defect can be identified by the INS. An efficient method for improving the accuracy of the identified longitude, latitude and elevation of the pipeline feature or defect is by adjusting the geographic coordinates to those determined by using a GPS.Data collected from the pipeline feature or defect location system may be incorporated into geographic information service software.

Abstract: A method for determining changes in the average wall thickness or the mean radius of a pipe or tube using ultrasonic and/or magnetostrictive wave probes by analyzing the dispersive behavior of waves traveling in the tube wall volume. The method examines certain wave propagation modes and identifies a cut-off frequency that is characteristic for a particular wall thickness or tube diameter. This method permits the rapid and accurate inspection of a length of pipe or tube from a single location on the inside diameter of the pipe and permits a comparison of data gathered with similar data for the structure in its original condition. Changes in the cut-off frequency, indirectly determined by the method of the present invention are inversely related to changes in the wall thickness and/or the mean radius for the cylindrical structure. In this manner the method of the present invention provides a mechanism for determining the remaining service life for such pipes and tubes.

Abstract: A radially focused eddy current sensor detects longitudinal flaws in a metal tube. A drive coil induces eddy currents within the wall of the metal tube. A pick-up coil is spaced apart from the drive coil along the length of the metal tube. The pick-up coil is positioned with one end thereof lying adjacent the wall of the metal tube such that the pick-up coil's longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the wall of the metal tube. To isolate the pick-up coil from the magnetic flux of the drive coil and the flux from the induced eddy currents, except the eddy currents diverted by a longitudinal flaw, an electrically conducting material high in magnetic permeability surrounds all of the pick-up coil except its one end that is adjacent the walls of the metal tube. The electrically conducting material can extend into and through the drive coil in a coaxial relationship therewith.

Abstract: For the nondestructive testing of an electrically conductive part (T), an eddy current sensor (22a) is proposed having two transmitter windings (26) and one receiver winding (28). These three windings are arranged symmetrically with respect to a reference plane (P1) oriented perpendicular to the surface of the part (T). The receiver winding (28) is placed between the active portions (26a) of the emitter windings (26) and perpendicular to the plane (P1), whereas the transmitter windings (26) are substantially parallel to said plane. The coils and connections of the transmitter windings are such that the receiver winding is not traversed by any current in the absence of a fault. A tool for testing a tube (T), such as a steam generator tube, has two sensors oriented at right angles to one another.

Abstract: A method for checking heat exchanger tubes of metallic material includes drying inner surfaces of the heat exchanger tubes. A compressed air-abrasive mixture is then led through the heat exchanger tubes. An eddy-current integrity test of the heat exchanger tubes is then performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing anomalies such as cracks, corrosion and the like in a pipeline wall is provided. The apparatus is formed of one or more cylindrical body sections. A series of magnetizing units are mounted around the circumference of the body. Each magnetizing unit is formed by a backing bar, brushes which are capable of inducing a magnetic field, sensors which are capable of measuring magnetic flux leakage caused by anomalies in the wall and bearing wheels which reduce wear on the brushes and sensors. The backing bar is flexibly mounted on the body so that it can follow the contour of the pipeline wall as the apparatus moves through the pipeline. The backing bar has steel-containing brushes mounted on either end atop magnets of opposite polarities such that a magnetic field may be transmitted to the pipeline wall. The brushes are ideally formed by steel cables encased in polyurethane and mounted on a steel shell. The sensors are mounted in the central part of the backing bar, between the brushes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position size and shape of defects in a bundle of heat exchanger tubes are described. An AC current exciter coil is placed in one tube and a detector coil is placed in an adjacent tube. This configuration of exciter and detector coils reduces the blind spot effect caused by interference by tube support plates and allows the inspection multiple or finned heat exchanger tubing.

Abstract: A portable three axis scanner is usable to inspect a gas turbine engine spool in situ upon removing a fan module from the engine. The scanner includes a drive assembly mountable to a forward end of the spool, and a support assembly mountable to an aft end of the spool. A support beam extends between the drive and support assemblies, and a carriage assembly is mounted thereon. The carriage assembly includes a probe support for mounting a removable scanner probe for inspecting the inside of the spool by ultrasonic or eddy current inspection. The drive assembly includes means for axially translating the carriage assembly, means for rotating the carriage assembly, and means for radially translating the probe support and probe thereon so that the probe has three-axis movement including axial, circumferential, and radial, respectively, for being selectively positioned inside the spool between the forward and aft ends thereof for inspecting the spool.

Abstract: The work cell is divided into a plurality of calibration zones, and calibration is made with only one measured point in each zone. The calibration zones are set up such that the calibration error in each zone remains within an acceptable tolerance. Within each zone, calibration is preferably made according to a linear calibration algorithm. The method according to the invention includes the steps of storing a first database, of the coordinates of all the tube openings in the tube sheet coordinate system. Each coordinate of the first database is assigned to one of a plurality of calibration zones.

Abstract: A magnetic inspection device for detecting structural faults in elongated magnetically permeable objects has two primary and opposite poles which induce a magnetic flux to place the object at least near magnetic saturation. At least one auxiliary pole is positioned on the inspection device between the primary poles and serves to change the level of the magnetic flux induced by the primary poles so as to induce eddy currents during relative movement of the inspection device and the object. At least one sensor positioned on the inspection device detects eddy current changes which are representative of structural faults.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting anomalies in ferrous pipe structures is presented. An electrical current is passed through the ferrous pipe structure so as to create a magnetic field in the pipe. A sensor having one or more sensor shoe members is placed in the interior of a ferrous pipe structure to be inspected. Each sensor shoe member has one or more magnetometer elements for detecting the magnetic fields in the region of the ferrous pipe structure adjacent to which the sensor shoe member is placed.

Abstract: A method of electromagnetically measuring the distance between adjacent tube elements in a heat exchanger. A cylindrical, high magnetic permeability ferrite slug is placed in the tube adjacent the spacing to be measured. A bobbin or annular coil type probe operated in the absolute mode is inserted into a second tube adjacent the spacing to be measured. From prior calibrations on the response of the eddy current coil, the signals from the coil, when sensing the presence of the ferrite slug, are used to determine the spacing between the tubes.

Abstract: A device is taught for inspecting the integrity of water distribution pipelines. The device is constructed of housing units, for housing inspection circuitry, which are generally spherical in shape. The housing units are connected by flexible connectors which can, in some embodiments, allow for communication between the units. As such, the device is able to negotiate bends and pass through openings of reduced size in the pipeline. The device can be used with various inspection technologies including remote field eddy current inspection technology. A method for inspecting the integrity of a water pipeline system is disclosed wherein water hydrants can be used to access the system.

Abstract: A flaw sensor for a metal pipe has an exciting coil for generating remote field eddy currents in the pipe. First and second groups of receiving coils are spaced from the exciting coil by respective distances along the axis of the pipe in a region of the generated remote field eddy currents. The first and second groups have respective pluralities of receiving coils with axes perpendicular to the pipe axis and disposed circumferentially about the pipe axis at predetermined angular increments wherein the receiving coils of the second group are staggered relative to the receiving coils of the first group. A third receiving coil is disposed coaxially with the pipe at still another distance from the exciting coil along the pipe axis but also in the region of the generated remote field eddy currents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system, method and apparatus for the external ultrasonic inspection of fluidized tubulars and tanks. The apparatus utilizes couplantless, contactless, computer controlled, Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) probes for the external, longitudinal, scanning process. Thereby, detecting thin spots and other flaws along the circumferential belts of a pipe or tank without the need to encircle the pipe or tank with an array of transducers. The invention discloses a method of operation whereby the probe detects flaws in welds and the pipe walls by launching and receiving simultaneous ultrasonic signals, circumferentially around a pipe, from the same transducer.

Abstract: A sheet inducer carrying a uniformly distributed ac current induces a sheet eddy current generally parallel to a generally smooth surface of an electrically conductive object. A magnetometer, preferably a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer, detects the component of a magnetic field generally perpendicular to the generally smooth surface resulting from disturbances in the sheet eddy current caused by a flaw. Through appropriate selection of the phase angle between the detector signal and the applied current, the response can be adjusted to suppress surface flaws and enhance detection of flaws below the surface. The sheet eddy current is induced in multiple directions to detect flaws of all orientations and at multiple frequencies to refine determination of the size, shape, and depth of a flaw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic pipes, tubes or other cylindrical shell structures utilizing the magnetostrictive effect to detect defects such as corrosion pits, wall thinning, and cracks within the structure under evaluation. The apparatus and method constitute an active testing application, wherein 1) a transmitting coil element generates a mechanical pulse within a cylindrical shell structure through the magnetostrictive effect and a second coil detects reflected mechanical waves within the pipe, this by the inverse magnetostrictive effect, or 2) a single sensor functions as both transmitter and detector. The present invention also anticipates a passive monitoring application with a detection coil that continuously monitors ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic tubes, pipes, etc.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scan assembly is adapted to efficiently scan a surface and cross-section of a wall of an elongated cylindrical object. The ultrasonic scan assembly has a rotatable sensor section capable of rotating as the scan assembly is advanced axially along the elongated cylindrical object. In operation, the scan assembly is advanced in an axial direction along elongated cylindrical object, and the sensor section of the scan assembly is rotated so as to create a helical scan pattern. For at least a portion of the cylindrical object, the angular velocity of the sensor section is modulated. As a result, that portion of the cylindrical object is scanned at more than one scan rate.

Abstract: A spiral pig apparatus is provided for axial movement through a pipe of the type having a cylindrical interior surface defining a central axis. The spiral pig apparatus includes a first and a second section coupled to each other for axial movement of both sections and for relative rotation between the first and second sections. A first plurality of wheels is attached to the first section. Each of the first plurality of wheels is attached at a first rolling angle, relative to the pipe axis for rolling contact with the interior surface of the pipe, and for supporting the first section spaced inward from the interior surface of the pipe. A second plurality of wheels is attached to the second section. Each of the second plurality of wheels is attached at a second rolling angle, relative to the pipe axis for rolling contact with the interior surface of the pipe. The second rolling angle is different from the first rolling angle of the first set of wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting anomalies in ferrous pipe structures is presented. A sensor having one or more sensor shoe members is placed in the interior of a ferrous pipe structure to be inspected. Each sensor shoe member has one or more magnetic field generating apparatus, with a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer for detecting magnetic fields in the region of the ferrous pipe structure adjacent to which the sensor shoe member is placed. Any magnetic fields in the pipe structure, whether imposed externally, or remnant, which are detected, are sensed and resolved into components in three mutually orthogonal directions for enhanced accuracy.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is a segmented pig body having an electrical instrumentation subassembly mounted thereto. The subassembly consists of a plurality sensors for electromagnetically coupling to the inner surface of the pipeline, each of which generates a signal that varies as the localized relative permeability of the pipeline metal; an odometer assembly for generating correlating data; and an instrument for recording the signal and data for later analysis. The method of the invention comprises passing the pig through the pipeline while it is electromagnetically coupled by the sensors to the inner surface of the pipeline. During the pass, signals varying with the localized magnetic permeability of the pipeline wall and correlative data are generated and recorded. After the pass, the correlative data is used to correlate the signals to wall locations to locate stress occurrences.

Abstract: An eddy current probe for insertion into a tube to be inspected includes a transmitter coil and a pair of sensing coils. The pair of sensing coils have opposite polarity relative to one another and are series connected to provide a differential output. The pair of sensing coils and the transmitter coil are disposed on the surface of the probe. The pair of sensing coils being equally spaced from the transmitter coil and separate from each longitudinally on the probe. Each sensing coil in the pair of sensing coils is thereby angularly displaced from a plane transverse to the probe as measured from the transmitter coil with which a multi-coil unit is formed. Bracelets of coils are formed from plural multi-coil units aligned around the probe to improve sensitivity of the probe. Additional bracelets of coils may be added to the probe, offset rotationally, to improve coverage of the tube.

Abstract: A personal computer is operated in conjunction with an in line flow computer to provide real time flow data on the personal computer screen. Pipeline flow can be regulated and directed from the personal computer by flow control valves and by motor operated valves via a programmable logic controller and by the flow computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the inner surface (8a) of a hole includes a rotor shaft (12) supported rotatably (14, 16) around its lengthwise axis and movably along the axis and a sensor assembly (7) which is linked by a tilting mechanism (1) with the rotor shaft so that it can be inclined with respect to the axis of the rotor shaft and rotates and moves as the rotor shaft rotates and moves. The sensor assembly selectively assumes the upright position in which its axis coaligns with the lengthwise axis of the rotor shaft, which is necessary for inserting the sensor assembly through a hole (9a) into the hole in the object being inspected, and a titled position in which its axis is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotor shaft, which is necessary for scanning the inner surface (8c) of the hole, by tilting mechanism (1). The rotor shaft is connected to a rotating mechanism (3) and a lifting mechanism (2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting anomalies in ferrous pipe structures is presented. An electrical current is passed through the ferrous pipe structure so as to create a magnetic field in the pipe. A sensor having one or more sensor shoe members is placed in the interior of a ferrous pipe structure to be inspected. Each sensor shoe member has one or more magnetometer elements for detecting the magnetic fields in the region of the ferrous pipe structure adjacent to which the sensor shoe member is placed.