Abstract: An ultrasonic-assisted heat press machine, includes a frame, a material tank, an extruder, an ultrasonic wave generator, and a heater. The material tank is disposed on the frame and includes a cavity for accommodating an oil-bearing raw material. The extruder is extended in the cavity. The ultrasonic wave generator is disposed on the frame and adjacent to the material tank. The heater is disposed on the frame and adjacent to the material tank. The heater is configured to produce heat to heat the cavity and the ultrasonic wave generator, and regulate the working frequency of the ultrasonic wave generator. When in use, the heater, the extruder, and the ultrasonic wave generator cooperate to separate oil from the oil-bearing raw material in the material tank.

Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting a weld bead deposited in a plurality of passes in a chamfer formed between two parts by performing the following steps: positioning at least one emission electromagnetic acoustic sensor on one side of the chamfer and at least one reception electromagnetic acoustic sensor on an opposite side of the chamfer, the ultrasound wave emission sensor being configured to emit Rayleigh surface waves; while depositing a pass, automatically moving the sensors to follow the movement of welding electrodes along the chamfer; activating the sensors while they are moving to enable the emission sensor to generate and emit Rayleigh waves towards the pass of the weld bead that is being deposited, the reception sensor receiving the ultrasound signals transmitted and/or reflected in said pass; and reiterating the operation for the entire pass of the weld bead.

Abstract: System and methods for traversing an obstacle with an inspection robot are disclosed. An example system may include an inspection robot including an obstacle sensor to interrogate an inspection surface. The example may further include an obstacle sensory data circuit to interpret obstacle sensory data provided by the obstacle sensor, an obstacle processing circuit to determine refined obstacle data, and an obstacle notification circuit to generate and provide obstacle notification data to a user interface device. The example system may further include a user interface circuit to interpret a user request value from the user interface device, and to determine an obstacle response command value in response to the user request value; and an obstacle configuration circuit to provide the obstacle response command value to the inspection robot during the interrogating of the inspection surface.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for providing an inspection map are disclosed. An apparatus for performing an inspection may include an inspection data circuit to interpret inspection data, a robot positioning circuit to interpret position data, and a processed data circuit to link the inspection data with the position data to determine position-based inspection data. The apparatus may further include a user interaction circuit to interpret an inspection visualization request for an inspection map and an inspection visualization circuit to determine the inspection map based on the position-based inspection data, and a provisioning circuit structured to provide the inspection map to a user device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for rapid development of an inspection scheme for an inspection robot are disclosed. An apparatus may include an inspection definition circuit to interpret an inspection description value, and a robot configuration circuit to determine an inspection robot configuration description in response to the inspection description value. The apparatus may further include a configuration implementation circuit, communicatively coupled to a configuration interface of an inspection robot, to provide at least a portion of the inspection robot configuration description to the configuration interface.

Abstract: An inspection robot, and methods and a controller thereof are disclosed. An inspection robot may include an inspection chassis including a plurality of inspection sensors and coupled to at least one drive module to drive the robot over an inspection surface. The inspection robot may also include a controller including an inspection data circuit to interpret inspection base data, an inspection processing circuit to determine refined inspection data, and an inspection configuration circuit to determine an inspection response value in response to the refined inspection data. The controller may further include an inspection response circuit to, in response to the inspection response value, provide an inspection command value while the inspection robot is interrogating the inspection surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for rapid development of an inspection scheme for an inspection robot are disclosed. An apparatus may include an inspection definition circuit to interpret an inspection description value, and a robot configuration circuit to determine an inspection robot configuration description in response to the inspection description value. The apparatus may further include a configuration implementation circuit, communicatively coupled to a configuration interface of an inspection robot, to provide at least a portion of the inspection robot configuration description to the configuration interface.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for providing an inspection map are disclosed. An apparatus for performing an inspection may include an inspection data circuit to interpret inspection data, a robot positioning circuit to interpret position data, and a processed data circuit to link the inspection data with the position data to determine position-based inspection data. The apparatus may further include a user interaction circuit to interpret an inspection visualization request for an inspection map and an inspection visualization circuit to determine the inspection map based on the position-based inspection data, and a provisioning circuit structured to provide the inspection map to a user device.

Abstract: An inspection robot, and methods and a controller thereof are disclosed. An inspection robot may include an inspection chassis including a plurality of inspection sensors and coupled to at least one drive module to drive the robot over an inspection surface. The inspection robot may also include a controller including an inspection data circuit to interpret inspection base data, an inspection processing circuit to determine refined inspection data, and an inspection configuration circuit to determine an inspection response value in response to the refined inspection data. The controller may further include an inspection response circuit to, in response to the inspection response value, provide an inspection command value while the inspection robot is interrogating the inspection surface.

Abstract: An inspection system comprises a sensor array and a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is configured to provide a fluid coupling environment between the sensor array and a structure. The fluid chamber comprises a bellows having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side is a flexible lip.

Abstract: A device for identifying the location of pipe is disclosed. The device includes a motor shaft attached at one end to a motor and attached at the other end to a weight; a flexible push rod attached at one end to a tip assembly and attached at the other end to a reel; a power source for powering the motor; and a tip assembly. The tip assembly is threaded into one end of a pipe. As the motor turns the motor shaft, the motor shaft causes the weight to oscillate. As the weight oscillates it causes the tip assembly to vibrate. As the tip assembly vibrates it emits auditory sounds.

Abstract: A system for inspecting an interior surface of a girth weld region of a pipeline includes a robot that includes a scanner mounted on a carriage for scanning the interior surface of the girth weld region to generate surface profile data. A profile analyzer receives the surface profile data and outputs an indication of whether the interior surface of the girth weld region is suitable for being coated. In some embodiments, an imaging system captures images of the girth weld region as it is being scanned. In a method of coating the girth weld regions of a pipeline, the images of a girth weld region found to be unsuitable for being coated based on the scanning data are used to certify whether the girth weld region is suitable for being coated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic matrix phased array inspection system can include a plurality of curved matrix phased array probes surrounding a test chamber through which a longitudinal test object passes. Fluid injectors can provide a rotating fluid jacket around the longitudinal test object to ultrasonically couple the plurality of curved matrix phased array probes to the longitudinal test object. The plurality of curved matrix phased array probes can remain in a fixed position during inspection and can inspect the longitudinal test object by transmitting ultrasonic sound waves at various angles to identify flaws of any orientation.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus comprising first, second, and third wheel assemblies, and a clamping mechanism configured to apply a force for urging the second wheel and the third wheel to pivot in opposing directions towards a plane of the first wheel for securing the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel to the pipe, each wheel assembly including an alignment mechanism for adjusting an orientation of the wheels to allow the robotic apparatus to move along a straight path or a helical path on the pipe. A method for navigating an obstacle on a pipe comprising advancing the robotic apparatus along a helical pathway on the pipe to position an open side of the robotic apparatus in longitudinal alignment with the obstacle, and advancing the robotic apparatus along a straight pathway on the pipe such that the obstacle passes unobstructed through the open side of the robotic apparatus.

Abstract: A rod positioning device for aligning a drilling rod with a rod string having complementary mating threads, comprising a base, an arm mounted to the base about a first rotation axis, and a rod-gripping device mounted on the arm. The arm is for displacement about the first rotation axis between a rod loading position and a rod alignment position. The rod-gripping device is for operating between a rod-gripping configuration and a rod-releasing configuration. The rod-gripping device comprises jaws for gripping the drilling rod while the rod-gripping device is in the rod-gripping configuration and the arm is in the rod loading position, and guiding elements mounted on the jaws, the guiding elements aligning the drilling rod with the rod string and enabling longitudinal displacement of the drilling rod to contact the rod string.

Abstract: A sensor-clamp device for clamping a pipe of different outer-diameters promptly without having to do a time-consuming sensor-position adjustment includes a pair of ultrasonic-sensors incorporating an ultrasonic-transducer for sending and receiving ultrasonic-waves ‘So’ and further includes a supporting-plate on which is provided a sliding-mechanism. The pair of ultrasonic-sensors clamps the outer-wall of the pipe in which flows a fluid W1. Of the supporting-plate, the pair of ultrasonic-sensors used in irradiating the ultrasonic-waves ‘So’ obliquely to the pipe are offset in the axial-line direction of the pipe and firmly placed face to face. The sliding-mechanism slides one of the pair of ultrasonic-sensors obliquely with respect to the axial-line direction of the pipe, thus making the sliding-mechanism to clamp the pipe of various outer-diameters.

Abstract: A flow meter includes a meter body including a passageway therethrough and an outer surface having a curved portion, a transducer assembly coupled to said meter body, a shroud on said outer surface of said meter body and covering said transducer, said shroud including a pair of shell portions, each shell portion including a pair of ends and a pair of edges, a fastener disposed between one end of each of said shell portions and configured to draw said shell portions toward one another, and a wireway defined by said outer surface of said meter body and said shell portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate and detect guided-waves and a mechanical device adapted to reach into a tube bundle and clamp the sensor onto an interior tube selected for inspection. The mechanical device includes a housing adapted to contain the sensor and an air cylinder adapted to actuate the housing to allow the housing to clamp onto the interior tube.

Abstract: The present invention employs an object information acquiring apparatus that receives an acoustic wave generated from an object, on which light is irradiated, and generates property information. The apparatus includes a housing including an aperture into which, when the acoustic wave is received, the object, which is a part of an examinee, is inserted and, when performance evaluation for the apparatus is performed, a calibration device corresponding to a type of the performance evaluation is inserted, the housing being capable of holding the examinee; a holding unit configured to hold the object; a positioning unit configured to specify an attachment position of the calibration device correspondingly to a position specifying member of the calibration device; and a detecting unit configured to detect the type of the performance evaluation performed using the inserted calibration device.

Abstract: Inspection of circumferential sections of pipe or other conduit using an ultrasonic scanning apparatus is provided, wherein axial drift of the ultrasonic scanning apparatus is prevented using a guide track assembly. The guide track assembly is rigidly coupled to the ultrasonic scanning apparatus in the axial direction, but allows rotational motion of the ultrasonic scanning apparatus directly along the outer surface of the conduit using a drive chain that is driven by a circumferential drive. Secure rotational motion without drift between the guide track assembly and the ultrasonic scanning apparatus is maintained by the rigid coupling and by a spring-loaded wheel housing assembly that maintains contact of wheels that travel along the guide track. The ultrasonic scanning apparatus includes a transducer with spring-loaded gimbaling that maintains optimal proximity with the conduit surface. The transducer is translated axially along linear journals that extend along the conduit with a linear actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting ultrasonic test data from a railway wheel with an ultrasonic testing apparatus is described. The railway wheel is supported by two drive rollers, each having an indentation which engages with and rotates the wheel. An indexing transducer moves across the rotating wheel, collecting ultrasonic test data while a fixed transducer correlates a reference position on the wheel to the collected test data. To maintain the accuracy of the reference position to the collected test data, it is desirable to maintain the rotational stability of the wheel, minimizing any dynamic instability caused by dimensional tolerances in the wheel. To mitigate instabilities resulting from dimensional tolerances, the indentation of the drive rollers, which engage and drive the flange of the wheel, are variably spaced using a resilient member to maintain frictional contact between the wheel and the drive roller.

Abstract: A non-destructive examination pipe scanner that employs a main carriage on which a sensor is mounted, a tensioner carriage and an idler carriage. The main carriage and the tensioner carriage are positioned around the pipe at spaced locations and connected on either side by a spring band. The idler carriage is slidably supported by the spring band in between the main carriage and the tensioner carriage. The sensor on the main carriage collects data about a circumferential weld on the pipe as the main carriage drives the tensioner carriage and the idler carriage around the circumference. The tensioner carriage has a variable length connection that adjusts the tension on the spring band to urge the main carriage, idler carriage and tensioner carriage into contact with the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic inspecting a substantially circular circumferential weld which connects an inner pipe and an outer pipe which are aligned coaxial relative to each other, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning at least one ultrasonic probe inside the inner pipe; b) moving the at least one probe in tangential direction relative to the inner pipe a while emitting at least one ultrasonic beam towards the weld and receiving ultrasonic signals by means of the at least one probe.

Abstract: A pipe scanner for non-destructively scanning an extended length of the circumference of a pipe along an axial dimension. The pipe scanner includes a collar sized to fit around the outer circumference of the pipe. Wheels supported on the collar ride on the surface of the pipe while maintaining a space between the inner surface of the collar and the outer surface of the pipe. A track extends circumferentially around the collar for guiding a circumferential drive unit that rides on the track and carries a non-destructive sensor for monitoring the surface of the pipe as the circumferential drive unit moves around the track. An axial drive unit is connected to the collar, having a plurality of circumferentially spaced drive wheels in contact with the pipe for moving the collar along the extended length.

Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

Abstract: In a method for the ultrasonic testing of a workpiece (2) in a curved area of its surface, in particular of a workpiece (2) made of a fiber composite material, an ultrasonic test head (10) is acoustically coupled to the workpiece in this area, and includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement (12) comprising a plurality (N) of individually driveable transducer elements (20i) which are arranged next to one another. In chronologically successive test cycles, a number (n) of transducer elements (20i) are respectively combined to form a group and are driven in a plurality of test pulses within this test cycle in a time delayed manner with respect to one another such that the transmitted ultrasound beam (30a-d) in this test cycle is swept within a predetermined angular range (?1, ?2), so that one of the number of echo signals, corresponding to the number of test pulses, for each group is received from different directions of the workpiece (2).

Abstract: A motorized bracelet assembly for ultrasonic crack detection in a pipe. The bracelet has a motorized frame adapted for installation around the pipe and a sliding arrangement slideably mounted onto the frame. The sliding arrangement guides a displacement of sensor modules in periphery of the pipe. A first driving device controllably drives the sliding arrangement and thereby displacing the sensor modules in periphery of the pipe at desired operating positions. The bracelet comprises biasing devices for biasing the sensor modules against the pipe and a second driving device for controllably driving the frame along the axial direction of the pipe at a desired operating position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a finite clearance space between two parts under blind assembly conditions involves threading an elongated sensor into a housing containing the part to be sensed by first placing a spacer element on an operative surface of the sensor wherein the spacer element has a radial thickness equal to the finite clearance space. The sensor is screwed unto the housing in a radial direction towards the operative surface of the sensor until the spacer element engages the operative surface, thereby specifically locating the operative surface a precise radial distance from the operative surface.

Abstract: Automated inspection assemblies for scanning pipes of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting subassembly and a scanning subassembly. The mounting subassembly includes a clamp configured to be mounted to selected pipes in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and the scanning subassembly is movably coupled to the mounting subassembly. The scanning assembly includes a scanning head configured to scan at least a portion of the circumference of the pipe to be inspected, and the scanning head includes a substantially “U” shaped transducer support assembly sized to receive the pipe. Transducer elements are coupled to the transducer support assembly legs, and the transducer support assembly is configured to rotate about the pipe to inspect the pipe.

Abstract: The latent stress in both flat and curved materials can be measured using critically refracted longitudinal ultrasonic technique. The system uses a frame to hold a hydraulic piston. The piston is used to apply an adjustable force against the probes. A signal is initiated by a transmitting probe. The signal is angled against the piece under test so as to create a critically refracted wave along the piece. Wedge-shaped probe pads allow placement of the probes on both flat and curved surfaces with various radii and arc lengths. The delay time to receive the wave at a first and second receiving probe is measured. The delay time correlates to a stress in the piece.

Abstract: Scan methods of inspecting piping and welds of a pipe elbow in a reactor pressure vessel of a boiling water reactor are disclosed. The scan apparatus includes a motor connected to a scan head having two ultrasonic transducer probes each including an ultrasonic transducer, a transducer arm connected to each transducer probe, a scan platform having an arcuate cutout, and a connector connecting each transducer arm to the scan platform. The scan head allows the transducer probes to remain substantially in contact with the pipe elbow while the scan head traverses the pipe elbow. The scan apparatus further includes a pivot arm connecting the scan platform to a pivot pin. The method includes the steps of positioning the scan head and the transducer probe such that the ultrasonic transducer is substantially in contact with the pipe elbow surface. Then moving the scan head axially along the pipe elbow in a first direction while maintaining the ultrasonic transducer in substantial contact with the pipe elbow surface.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic inspection of a tubular member using an ultrasonic inspection unit having a platform, a guide member with a longitudinal axis, a wheel connected to the platform and contacting a surface of the tubular member for moving the platform along and around the tubular member relative to a rotation of the tubular member, and a bearing support connected to the platform at a location spaced from the wheel. The bearing support contacts the guide member for supporting the platform on the guide member and allowing the platform to move longitudinally in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the guide member in response to the moving of the guide wheel. A tubular member rotation mechanism receives the tubular member and rotates the tubular member around a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: An openable ring assembly is externally centered around and moved parallel to the centerline of a stationary pipe. As a low-frequency EM source signal is applied to the ring assembly, the time and/or frequency shifts of a detected EM signal from the source signal can be correlated to pipe wall thickness without removal of external pipe insulation and metal cladding, if present. The ring assembly may be opened or expandably segmented to allow pipe thickness detection around obstructions or larger diameter pipe. Centering is preferably accomplished by using rollers circumferentially attached to the ring assembly.

Abstract: A railroad wheel test apparatus for sensing and mapping the subsurface of a railroad wheel tread face has a housing assembly with a holding device, a wheel transfer arrangement, a transducer assembly, a positioning and moving table for the transducer and a control apparatus for receiving evaluation signals from the transducer and also for communicating control signals to the positioning table and wheel transfer devices as well as a drive apparatus, where the wheel is positioned in a fluid bath and while the wheel is rotated the transducer imposes an ultrasonic signal on the tread face and receives the response signal therefrom to provide a map of the tread-face subsurface structure.

Abstract: A cart for inspecting a drill pipe having a platform with an ultrasonic inspection unit thereon, a first pair of wheels connected to the platform so as to move the platform longitudinally along the drill pipe relative to a rotation of the drill pipe, and a bearing connected to the platform at a location distal of the first pair of wheels. The bearing serves to support the platform above an adjacent drill pipe and allows the platform to move longitudinally along the adjacent drill pipe in correspondence with the movement of the first pair of wheels. The first pair of wheels are canted at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe. A sensor wheel extends outwardly of the platform and rotates during the movement of the platform along the drill pipe. The platform has at least one handle extending upwardly from the platform. The bearing includes a pair of rollers that have an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent drill pipe.

Abstract: The invention is an ultrasonic surface hardness depth measurement apparatus and method permitting rapid determination of hardness depth of shafts, rods, tubes and other cylindrical parts. The apparatus of the invention has a part handler, sensor, ultrasonic electronics component, computer, computer instruction sets, and may include a display screen. The part handler has a vessel filled with a couplant, and a part rotator for rotating a cylindrical metal part with respect to the sensor. The part handler further has a surface follower upon which the sensor is mounted, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the sensor and the exterior surface of the cylindrical metal part. The sensor is mounted so that a front surface of the sensor is within the vessel with couplant between the front surface of the sensor and the part.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing one hundred percent inspection of natural gas mains under operating flow conditions. The apparatus includes a scan unit assembly which is inserted into the gas main to collect data for the production of graphic images of the wall of the gas main. The scan unit includes a plurality of scan rollers, each containing an ultrasonic transducer, which traverse the surface of the wall defining the inner diameter of the gas main. The ultrasonic transducers transmit interrogating pulses into the wall of the gas main at a pre-determined spaced apart interval resulting in a helical scan pattern of interrogating pulses. The return pulses from the surfaces defining the inner diameter and outer diameter of the gas main and any imperfections and/or flaws within the wall of the main are received by the transducer and transmitted to a display unit for a visual indication (a tomograph) of the wall of the gas main.

Abstract: A transducer assembly and method for the ultrasonic inspection of tubing. An elastic membrane is used to form a reservoir of ultrasonic fluid coupled to ultrasonic transducers with the membrane conforming to the surface of the tubing being inspected. Guide wheels maintain the membrane out-of-contact with the tubing during relative rotational movement of the assembly and tubing during inspection. Water is introduced between the membrane and the tubing to provide ultrasonic coupling of the tubing to the transducers through the fluid of the reservoir.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a machine for feeding, indexing, testing, and storing tubular goods. The machine concentrates on the end segments of the tubular goods. The machine uses the eddy current test method to test the outer surface, the inner surface, and internal and external threads. The tests may be conducted simultaneously and at each end of the pipe. The pipe is spun during the examination so that the sensors of the inner and outer surfaces, when driven, trace a helical pattern on the pipe, and the thread sensor is driven along the thread by the rotational force applied to the pipe being tested.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the detection of discontinuities in long workpieces such as pipes, tubes, rods and bars using vibrational transducer equipment transmitter pulses in separate directions about the workpiece.

Abstract: Nuclear fuel cladding tube end plug welds are ultrasonically scanned to develop data indicative of weld thickness, weld penetration, and the existence and size of any included feature, such as pores. A computer analyzes the data to determine critical weld characteristics which are then tested against established quality assurance standards to see if the end plug weld is acceptable, all on an automated production line basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for ultrasonically testing the internal neck-shoulder region of a large number of gas cylinders for radially oriented defects. The apparatus and method includes housing an ultrasonic transducer within a shoe in a predetermined orientation wherein the transducer is wedged at a wedge angle so that ultrasonic pulses travel directly through the shoulder region to the top and bottom of the internal neck-shoulder region and is also outwardly skewed within the shoe at a skew angle such that the radially oriented defects reflect the ultrasonic pulses and produce return echoes. An automated scanner moves the shoe and therefore, the transducer in a predetermined pattern such that the entire internal neck-shoulder region of the gas cylinder is scanned. The scanner is supported by a stand that allows the automated scanner to be rapidly set up on the gas cylinders being tested.

Abstract: Pipe inspection apparatus comprising transducers for transmitting pulsed beams of ultrasonic energy longitudinally, transversely and obliquely into the wall of the pipe for detection of flaws. The apparatus includes a motor driven chuck 18 for rotating the transducers about the a pipe P and motor driven roller 12 for axial movement of the pipe whereby the transducers move in a helical scanning path. A control system 60 maintains the axes of the pipe and circle array of transducers in coincidence and with hydraulic controls 80 maintains each transducer at fixed distance to the pipe for sonically coupling thereto by a flowing liquid whereby a shear wave is generated by each beam in the tubular wall. The transducers comprise multiple pairs, the members of which are diametrically opposed and transmit in opposite directions, for transmitting longitudinally at angles of 12.degree., 27.degree. and 42.degree.

Abstract: According to the method of the invention concerning tubes, of which the plating to be checked is at least 0.4 mm thick and in which the acoustic impedance differs by at least 1% relative from that of the core of the tube, a properly dampened transducer is selected which has a frequency of 4 to 10 MHz. The position of the transducer in respect to the tube is adjusted experimentally, and its parameters of distance and orientation are differently adjusted in order to increase the "signal-to-noise" ratio. For determining the thickness of the plating, at least one double echo from the interface between the plating and the tube core is used, or alternatively, a triple echo from this interface. Also, there is a corresponding ultrasonic measuring apparatus as well as an application of the method to the ultrasonic measuring of the thickness of the plating of Zr alloy tubes. The tubes are plated with non-alloyed Zr or with some other Zr alloy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall thickness measuring device for pipes and the like, more particularly of extruded plastics, having a measuring head (15) connected to measuring and supply leads. The measuring head is mounted to be reversed around an opening of passage A for the pipe to be measured by means of a guide (14) attached to a frame having the opening of passage. The measure and supply leads (22-25) are acommodated in two guide chains (20, 21) which extend in opposite directions, partly on an inner guideway (18) and the other part on a guideway (19), connected thereto, of a guide core member (17). The guide core member (17) is basically constructed in the form of a portion of a circle and is disposed concentrically of the opening of passage (5) and can be moved therearound.

Abstract: A swinging-type apparatus for automatically examining pipes includes first and second clamping devices provided at the ends of an extendible body. The first clamping device is made to clamp a first pipe, the second clamping device is made to unclamp the first pipe, is lifted up away from the first pipe, swung to an adjacent second pipe to be examined, lowered down to the second pipe and made to clamp the same. Next, the first clamping device is made to unclamp the first pipe, is lifted up away from the first pipe, swung to the second pipe, lowered down to the second pipe and made to clamp the same. Sensors provided on at least one of the clamping devices then examine the second pipe. By repeating these operations, the apparatus can be made to travel from one pipe to another to examine a cluster of pipes. The apparatus can also be made to move along a pipe axially thereof by extending and shortening the length of the extendible body.

Abstract: A real-time ultrasonic pipe inspection system is provided which utilizes computer processing methods in real-time to create a user-friendly interactive environment achieving ease of operation as well as a combination of consistency, thoroughness and speed in flaw and thickness detection. Two computers are utilized in a distributed processor configuration wherein one of the computers is dedicated to user input/output, while the second controls real-time processing of ultrasonic data with the two computers being connected via a communications highway. Simultaneous dual level sensitivity inspection of a plurality of separate probed areas is possible. Data input is provided via a touch sensitive CRT, while pipe status can be indicated with automatic color-coding, graphic presentation on a system CRT or hard copy. The system is provided with ultrasonic wheel probes comprising rotably mounted transducer block and yoke assemblies for rapid adjustment of helical scan angle for different sized pipe.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the ultrasonic detection and evaluation of flaws in annular test objects including an arrangement of ultrasonic transducers that are rotated about the outer surface of the test object and provide an ultrasonic indication fo flaws in the object, and for electronically collecting, storing, and analyzing the flaw data gathered by the ultrasonic transducers, to further provide a predetermined objective indicia of acceptablility concerning the structural integrity of the test object.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the structural integrity of drill collars used in the drilling of oil and gas wells.