Abstract: Acoustic emissions are detected so that the amount of wear on the interior of a conduit can be directly determined. The acoustic emissions arise from plastic deformations and fractures caused by the fluid and particulate substances therein flowing through the conduit and impinging upon the interior surface of the conduit or by cavitation. The apparatus as disclosed has the capability to detect and also locate the surface area where wear is occurring.

Abstract: A probe for detecting wear of a refractory wall, including plural sheathed probe elements of different lengths each consisting of a pair of high melting point wires disposed in parallel and insulated from each other except at least the fore end portions of the wires which form a normally closed or normally open sensing point, a sheath enclosure accommodating the probe elements such that the sensing points of the respective probe elements are located at different positions along the length of the sheath enclosure and holding the probe elements in parallel relation and out of contact with each other, and a number of dummy elements formed of a material similar to the probe elements and connected to the fore ends thereof in a manner to complement the lengths of the shorter of the probe elements. There is also disclosed a detection circuit for monitoring wear of a refractory wall in a molten metal processing apparatus in a simple and accurate manner by the use of the probe.

Abstract: In accordance with the centrifugal erosion testing method of the invention, a material specimen is rotated with a flat surface facing the direction of rotation and a narrow stream of an abrasive particle slurry is concurrently flowed at a preselected rate in a radial direction across the flat surface, the rotating step being at sufficiently high angular velocity to urge the abrasive particles by Coriolis acceleration into a compacted mass against the flat surface and erode material therefrom by scouring type action as the particles flow radially outward. The rotating and flowing steps are continued for a sufficient preselected duration to erode material to a measurable depth, and the depth to which the flat surface is worn by the abrasive particles is measured as an indication of the erosion resistance of the specimen material.

Abstract: A thermal sensor for detecting temperature distribution in a deposit layer on the refractory walls of a blast furnace or the like, including a temperature probe assembly having temperature sensing areas at different points along the length thereof, an outer protective casing for accommodating the probe assembly, a number of annular fin members fitted on the temperature sensing areas of the probe assembly and secured to the outer protective casing, and an insulating material filled between the outer protective casing and the probe assembly for thermally insulating the fine members from each other.

Abstract: A system to monitor the amount of erosion taking place within a pipe in which a point of reduced strength of the pipe is made by drilling a hole or notch to a preselected depth in a selected portion of the pipe wall. A hollow casing is provided around the point of reduced strength to provide a sealed zone. A conduit in the hollow casing is connected to a sensing device to monitor pressure changes when pipe failure occurs at the hole or notch.

Abstract: An erodible sonde for detecting sand in the gas conveyed through a pipe. Such a sonde is constituted by a thin aluminium tube, one end of which communicates with a device for measuring the pressure outside the pipe and the other end of which is closed, the inner wall of this tube being in contact with a discontinuous prop or support means such as a steel spring with contiguous coils. Such a device allows early detection of the intrusion of sand in the gas.

Abstract: A metallurgical container has a refractory lining for containing a molten metal. A plurality of combination electrodes are provided at various positions of the refractory lining. Each combination electrode includes a refractory body having the property of high electrical conductivity at normal temperatures of the molten metal, and at least one electrical conductor embedded within the refractory body. Refractory material having a low electrical conductivity is positioned between the combination electrodes. A power source is connected to the electrical conductors of the plurality of combination electrodes to achieve first electrical resistances through the refractory bodies from the interior of the metallurgical container to the electrical conductors and second electrical resistances between the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the wear of refractor walls of a blast furnace wherein temperature is sensed at different points across the thickness of the furnace walls and various electric representations of the internal phenomena of the blast furnace are derived as trigger signals. Analysis is carried out as to the correlation between the trigger signals and variations in the temperatures at the furnace walls in terms of the time delay, thus predicting the present status of the wear of the furnace walls. A temperature probe assembly is also disclosed which is useful in sensing the temperature distribution of the refractory walls. The temperature probe assembly includes a plurality of parallel sheath type thermocouples or thermometers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel mobile apparatus and process therefor including a heat transfer test assembly and related conduit and valve assemblies for connection in fluid flow communication to a heat transfer apparatus for in-situ testing of the fluid passing therethrough and including monitoring and recording apparatus. The heat transfer test assembly includes a heating member for controlled heat input and thermocouples to measure the surface temperature of the heating member to permit fouling deteminations at varying flow rates with simultaneous monitoring and recording thereof together with data, such as corrosion, pH, conductivity, and the like.

Abstract: In gas volume measurement apparatus employing an orifice plate, wear on the edges of the orifice affect its area and hence the accuracy of the volumetric measurement. In order to correct for the effects of such wear, a probe element is inserted into the same flow path as the orifice. The probe element itself wears to change a fundamental characteristic, typically resistance, which can be related to the orifice wear and thus provide a correction factor to the volumetric calculations.

Abstract: An erosion probe for monitoring erosion of a component of a turbomachine by fluid flow therepast comprising a shell having a predetermined erosion rate proportional to the erosion rate of the component, and an electric inductance sensor encapsulated secured within the shell for generating an electric signal indicative of shell erosion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holder which may be used for mounting equipment, such as sensing apparatus, within an otherwise closed environment. The holder is anchored and sealed to a landing device and may extend a mounting section into the interior of such a container. The mounting section is releasably attached to a seal section of the holder, which is selectively oriented by cooperation between an orienting device, fixed to the seal section, and a contoured surface within the landing device. The seal section is connected to an anchor section of the holder by a projection of the seal section into the anchor section. A washer spring operates as a clutch between the seal and anchor sections.

Abstract: Abrasion testing, and hence particle content of fluids including liquids and gases is carried out by abrading a thin film 25 of an electrical conductor with the fluid, and measuring the resulting change in electrical resistance of the film.The method can be used to monitor metal particles in oil, and hence the state of wear of oil-lubricated metal parts, and the level of particulate pollution in the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting variations in the internal dimensions of a pipe includes a plurality of cantilever members for engaging the internal surface and strain gauges mounted on the cantilever members which are responsive to the flexing of the cantilever members. A Wheatstone bridge is utilized to measure changes in resistance of the strain gauges and hence the amount of flexing of the cantilevers due to undulations in the internal surface. The apparatus is particularly useful in detecting and measuring dents in tubes of nuclear power plant steam generators caused by corrosion of steel support plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of detecting and measuring the presence and degree of corrosion damage in pipe by using a probe which forms a capacitor with the wall of the pipe is disclosed. The probe is moved interior to and longitudinally of the pipe, and the variation in capacitance occuring whenever the probe passes a corrosion portion of the interior pipe wall is detected.

Abstract: A gauge for use with a test specimen that is made of a preselected ablative material to be tested, and that is in a high temperature gaseous flow (i.e., a hot environment) which is capable of ablating the test specimen, and which also is capable of inducing, and of exerting on the test specimen, a resultant shear force (i.e., a shear force vector) that comprises constituent axial and lateral forces. The test specimen is bonded on the mounting surface of a block member (of the gauge) that is positioned on bearings, within a housing, for movement in axial and lateral directions. A plurality of force sensors are positioned around the perimeter of the block member, and the constituent axial and lateral forces of the resultant shear force that is acting on the test specimen are transmitted to these sensors. The components of the gauge are protected from shock by their structure and positional relationship, and are protected from overheating by the water-cooling of the housing.

Abstract: A monitor assembly for monitoring the effectiveness of a method and apparatus for electrochemical crevice corrosion protection by electrochemical potential control of a stainless steel vessel containing a corrosive washing solution, e.g. bleach plant washer equipment used in the pulp industry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holder which may be used for mounting equipment, such as sensing apparatus, within an otherwise closed environment, and an extractor tool for inserting and retrieving the holder and attached equipment. In an operating configuration the holder is double-sealed to a landing nipple mounted on the container against communication of high pressure fluid out of the container. With the extractor tool mounted and sealed on the landing nipple also, a placement member within the extractor tool may engage the top of the holder to extract the holder from sealing engagement with the landing nipple. Two independent gear boxes are provided whereby translational and rotational motions may be separately imparted to the placement member. The holder is anchored to the landing nipple by threaded engagement between the landing nipple and a drive screw section of the holder. A separate seal section of the holder is rotated during the insertion procedure until a preselected orientation of the seal section is achieved.

Abstract: A method for measuring the thickness of a refractory laid-up against the interior surface of the steel shell of a metallurgical apparatus includes placing at least one monitoring device in a critical wear area of the apparatus in a manner such that the free end of the device is at a known distance from the hot face of the refractory and the confined end extends beyond the outer surface of the steel shell. The device is connected to an electronic time-domain reflectometer by electrical connecting means. Timed pulses are generated and impressed in the device by the instrument and reflections of the pulses are received by and are visually displayed on the reflectometer. The length of the device appears on the display as a straight line bounded by two inflections. The straight line is indicative of the thickness of the refractory.The device includes a metallic conductor coaxial with an outer metallic sheath and separated therefrom by a refractory having a desired dielectric constant.

Abstract: In repairing a blast furnace wall by injecting and solidifying a refractory material on the inside wall of the furnace from outside the furnace, a line consisting of metallic coaxial lines or metallic parallel lines insulated from each other is embedded in the refractory material and the variation of the length of this line is measured through an electric signal to detect the remaining thickness of the injected and solidified refractory material in the furnace wall part.By such detection, the damage of the repaired part of the blast furnace can be known with the lapse of time.

Abstract: A combined temperature control is an integral part of a corrosion probe. The probe includes a corrosion measuring element as one part thereof. The integral temperature control portion acts to provide a desired temperature at the measuring element. And, the result permits creation of the worst corrosive conditions at the measuring element of the probe, irrespective of the location of the probe in the corrosive environment.

Abstract: A portable device is provided for determining the physical qualities, such as amount, ullage, temperature, etc., of liquids in closed tanks containing the liquid and vapors of the liquid and/or an inert gas above the liquid without lowering the pressure or allowing the pressurizing gas or vapors to escape to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to compensate for temperature variations in an electrical resistance corrosion measuring system. Sacrificial probes are inserted into a corrosive atmosphere at significant points, and corrosion-related losses from these probes are measured by monitoring changes in probe resistance. By comparing these changes to a reference probe, accurate determinations of corrosion are made. A novel method of automatic temperature compensation removes essentially all degrading effects of changes in temperature on the corrosion measurement system, by obtaining a reference signal which varies proportionately with temperature and counteracting instantaneous and extended temperature changes by subtracting the reference signal due to temperature variations from the uncompensated system output signal due to the combined effects of corrosion and temperature.

Abstract: A pipeline corrosion coupon holder apparatus for large diameter pipelines which has a coupon housing assembly mounted adjacent the pipeline with the coupon housing assembly allowing access to a coupon withdrawn from the pipeline for removal and replacement of the coupon through the coupon housing assembly without removal of the coupon through a shaft housing assembly which has a reciprocally mounted shaft for insertion and retrieval of the coupon from the large diameter pipeline.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring probe comprising a body member, preferably a tubular body member, a seal within the body member, and a metallic probe element which is contained in part within the body member and which in part projects beyond the seal, at least that part of the probe element which projects beyond the seal being corrodable, in which the seal is in the form of at least one gasket made of an electrically insulating compressible material and in which the probe is provided with means for compressing the gasket(s) to cause the gasket(s) to form a seal between the probe element and the body member.

Abstract: Corrosion at the interface of concrete and reinforcing steel in a concrete structure is determined by placing a hollow hydrogen-permeable probe in the concrete, connecting a getter-ion pump to the probe, and monitoring the output current of the getter-ion pump. An increase in output current is indicative of corrosion occurring at the probe-concrete interface, which in turn is indicative of corrosion at the interface of concrete and steel reinforcing members at comparable locations in the structure.

Abstract: A refractory erosion indicator gage for use in blast furnaces and other equipment which require an indication of the erosion wear in the refractory or other lining. The erosion indicator comprises a structural plate member having a configuration preferably triangular. The member is welded within the refractory lining of the equipment in which it is employed. This may be accomplished by welding the plate member to the equipment shell before the refractory lining insulation is installed or alternatively, it may be provided within the refractory lining per se and secured to the shell with the refractory. As the new refractory surface wears or erosion takes place, the exposed portion of the triangle is determinative of the remaining actual thickness of the refractory lining or of the amount of lining eroded away, depending on the orientation of the plate. This permits an easy determination to be made of the remaining refractory life.

Abstract: An electrode probe for accurate corrosion current measurement of metals in ionically conducting liquids. Electrode, and insulator to probe holder, are cylindrical surfaces of the same diameter, to combine minimum disturbance of liquid flow past electrode surfaces with substantially uniform density of current passed between the electrodes. Elastic outside shields form water-repellent interfaces that substantially exclude crevice corrosion and define exposed electrode length and area with precision.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring parameters within an environment which is not readily accessible, for example for monitoring corrosion or deposition within industrial plant, comprises a vibratory element which is resiliently mounted in said environment and vibrated from outside said environment. The apparatus may be used by monitoring the resonant frequency of the vibratory element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for readily determining the wear experienced in the interior conical section of a hydrocyclone during use of the hydrocyclone.In the practice of this invention, the apparatus is inserted into the hydrocyclone interior until it is flush with the conical interior section of the hydrocyclone after which the length of the tip of the apparatus protruding from the hydrocyclone is measured. As the conical interior section of the hydrocyclone wears during use, the length of the protruding tip of the apparatus will increase upon measurement. A rejection criteria is developed based on independent measurements while maintaining the desired particle size distribution in the overflow product and the desired flow split ratio of overflow to underflow of the fluid hydrocyclone feed material to determine at what point a hydrocyclone should be rejected as no longer suitable to achieve the desired hydrocyclone separation while maintaining the desired flow split ratio.

Abstract: A method for simulating cavitation on models by hydraulic testing with seate micro-bubbles which produce effects similar to those of a prototype operating at the same cavitation number wherein the micro-bubble content of the test liquid around at least a predetermined part of the model is adjustable in number per unit volume and the bubbles are homogeneously distributed thereabout and have dimensions of less than 200 microns.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing pressure pulses developed by the collapse of bubbles in a liquid flow system to enable measurement of the rate of erosion caused to material by cavitation. A sonic transducer, immersed in flowing liquid, generates voltages in response to pressure pulses developed by the collapse of bubbles in the liquid. The voltage representing each bubble collapse is transmitted to electronic equipment. The electronic equipment measures the magnitude of each voltage signal and counts the number of voltage signals representing the number of bubble collapses sensed by the sonic transducer thereby providing data from which the rate of erosion can be calculated.

Abstract: A method for protecting the prepared surface of a corrosion test specimen from a contaminating environment while the specimen is being placed in an environment to be tested. After the surface has been prepared, the specimen is encapsulated in ice which protects it from exposure to the contaminating environment. The ice melts after the ice-encapsulated specimen has been placed into the environment to be tested, thereby exposing the prepared surface.

Abstract: A cyclically stressed, hollow hydrogen sensor probe for evaluating the corrosion fatigue performance of corrosion inhibitors. A portion of the probe is contained in a jacket having an inlet and outlet for circulating a corrosive fluid containing an inhibitor over the outer surface of the probe. Corrosion at the outer surface of the probe produces hydrogen which permeates to the evacuated inner portion of the probe and produces a current reading in an ion pump in communication with the probe interior, which current reading is indicative of inhibitor performance.

Abstract: The pressure measurement system utilizes two bourdon tubes with an active side connected to a test specimen and a reference side connected to an outside source. The tubes are attached to a single extensometer measuring relative displacement. The active side deflects when gases vent a specimen failure. The reference side is independently pressurized to a test pressure and provides a zero reference while providing a pressure calibration reference for the active side. The deflection noted by the active side at specimen failure is duplicated on the reference side by venting until an appropriate magnitude of pressure versus deflection is determined. In this way the pressure which existed inside the specimen prior to failure can be determined.

Abstract: A static monitoring device (such as a corrosion coupon) manipulating apparatus for petroleum pipelines is described which allows the monitoring device to be run in and later pulled out without depressurizing the pipeline. Part of the apparatus can be removed while the monitoring device is in the pipeline, thus greatly reducing the likelihood of damage to the apparatus and pipeline. The removal of a portion of the apparatus also allows this portion to be reused to manipulate monitoring devices at different locations.

Abstract: A flush mounted probe assembly for monitoring the corrosion environment within a thin boundary liquid film disposed along the interior sidewall surface of a pipeline carrying fluids. The assembly comprises a probe received within a nipple secured to the pipeline. An end portion of the probe projects snugly into the opening and terminates in an end face residing substantially in alignment with the interior sidewall surface. The probe is releasably secured within the nipple and sealed thereto against fluid leakage. The probe's end face has an imperforate smooth surface which is contoured and dimensioned within the opening in the pipeline to substantially conform to the interior sidewall surface without a surface discontinuity in the pipeline to disrupt the thin boundary liquid film. The probe carries electrodes having smooth exposed surfaces merging into the end face. Electrical conductors connect with the electrodes in the probe and extend in electrical isolation to an external circuit connection.

Abstract: A flush mounted probe for corrosion testing by assembling into a nipple secured to a pipeline. The nipple is of conventional design such as employed in hot tapping installations. The probe is arranged upon assembly within the nipple to place a plurality of planar-surfaced metallic electrodes in substantially parallel alignment with the inner surface of the sidewall of the pipeline. The probe is arranged by its construction for installation and removal in the same manner as blind plugs and other assessories using the hot tapping equipment. No special tools or parts are required to install and remove the present probe, even under extremely elevated pressure conditions in a pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the depth and extent of erosion in underground gasoline storage tanks at service stations. The apparatus provides for cleaning the interior of the tank adjacent the filler pipe, casting a duplicate of the eroded area by means of a casting cup and injector depositing molding materials, and removing the negative of the eroded area. The equipment comprises a brush and extension handle, a casting cup has a cylindrical body with a rectangular opening in the wall for removing solidified casting. The injector includes an operating rod, a cylinder, a piston, and a dispensing valve. The dispenser may be used for injecting a variety of fluids into the eroded area for dispersing inhibitors, injecting molding materials, and in the repair steps after the tank has been emptied and the eroded area cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining corrosion or deposition rate of corrosive constituents in the flue gases of a boiler system. A probe loop has a coolant circulating therethrough wherein the loop includes a removable specimen that can be tested for deposition or corrosion rate. The coolant recirculates through the loop to maintain the surface temperature of the specimen substantially constant approximating the maximum corrosion temperature. Coolant is fed to the probe loop by a coolant tank which includes a liquid coolant reservoir in a lower portion thereof and a gas chamber for gaseous coolant in an upper portion thereof. The gas pressure within the gas chamber can be varied so as to vary the boiling point temperature of the liquid coolant. The gas chamber is connected to the lower end of a condenser coil which has a variable heat transfer area. Between the gas chamber and the condenser coil is located a contact bed to enhance the contact of condensed coolant and gaseous coolant.

Abstract: An upright cylindrical vessel is formed with a plurality of fittings at its upper end to receive a thermometer, a stirrer, a reflux condenser, means for evacuating or pressurizing the vessel or the like, and is open at its other end which is provided with a circular bead. A pair of clamping rings, one of which engages behind the bead, are bridged by clamping screws to secure a disk of the workpiece material to the open end of the vessel. The corrosive medium is introduced into the vessel and attacks the workpiece surface exposed therein.

Abstract: An electrode useful in measuring rate of corrosion at the inside surface of a conduit containing a corrosive atmosphere is designed to be inserted in the wall of the conduit and mounted flush with its inside surface. The electrode is formed of three pieces: an elongated cylindrical metallic conductor, a cylindrical metallic tip, and a threaded screw. The tip is shaped such that when the electrode is inserted within the wall of the conduit, the shaped surface of the tip can be positioned exactly flush with the inside surface thereof.An electrode holder is inserted into a hole cut in the conduit and held in place by a welded reinforcing plate on the outside surface of the conduit. An electrode is inserted within the holder and held in place by a retainer cap. When the electrode is to be removed, the retainer cap is taken off and the electrode stays in place by virtue of the frictional forces between it and an elastomeric sleeve which is in place between the electrode and the electrode holder.

Abstract: Pellicles of para-xylylene polymers are used as the sole support media for masses of objects supported thereon. The supported objects can be combined with the pellicle either during the formation of the pellicle or after the pellicle has been manufactured. The composite article is used wherever it is desirable to provide a support media which has as little detrimental influence as possible on the intended function of the supported object.