초록 ▼

A flexible, modular ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus, comprising a flexible, hollow shaft that carries a plurality of modules, including at least one rotatable ultrasonic transducer, a motor/gear unit, and a position/signal encoder. The modules are connected by flexible knuckle joints that allow

A flexible, modular ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus, comprising a flexible, hollow shaft that carries a plurality of modules, including at least one rotatable ultrasonic transducer, a motor/gear unit, and a position/signal encoder. The modules are connected by flexible knuckle joints that allow each module of the apparatus to change its relative orientation with respect to a neighboring module, while the shaft protects electrical wiring from kinking or buckling while the apparatus moves around a tight corner. The apparatus is moved through a pipe by any suitable means, including a tether or drawstring attached to the nose or tail, differential hydraulic pressure, or a pipe pig. The rotational speed of the ultrasonic transducer and the forward velocity of the apparatus are coordinated so that the beam sweeps out the entire interior surface of the pipe, enabling the operator to accurately assess the condition of the pipe wall and determine whether or not leak-prone corrosion damage is present.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for inspecting piping, said apparatus comprising:a body having an axis, said body made of a resilient material;an inspection instrument carried by said body comprising an ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of transmitting elements for generating a focus

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for inspecting piping, said apparatus comprising:a body having an axis, said body made of a resilient material;an inspection instrument carried by said body comprising an ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of transmitting elements for generating a focused single high intensity ultrasonic beam, said beam being directed by a positionable reflector for directing the focused beam across the inner-surface of a pipe in a helical path as said apparatus moves axially through said pipe;a flexible outer-surface comprising a flexible tube having a plurality of ribs formed thereon for increasing the flexibility of said body transverse to said axis so that said apparatus can pass through bends in said piping, said flexible outer surface covering said body and said ultrasonic transducer;means for connecting a plurality of consecutive modules comprising said body to one another flexibly so that said connecting means flexes to allow said modules to change a relative orientation thereof.