Ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus and ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the same

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic phased array device that can inspect a tube highly accurately and an ultrasonic phased array method using the same.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 includes flexible boards 2, 3, array probes 4, 5, and a connector 6. The flexible boards 2, 3 extend along an inner periphery surface of a tube P. The array probes 4, 5 are arranged in the flexible boards 2, 3 and send or receive ultrasonic waves by using a phased array technique. The array probes 4, 5 have a predetermined number of piezoelectric element groups 40, 50 arranged in an inner peripheral direction of the pipe P. The connector 6 is connected to the flexible boards 2, 3. The connector 6 has pulling target units 61 and 62 pulled in an axial direction of the pipe P as a power reception unit for receiving power to move in the axial direction of the pipe P.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic phased array inspection device and an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Inspection devices using ultrasonic waves, such as ultrasonic phased array inspection devices, are used for inspecting pipes, that is, for detecting defects in pipes and measuring the wall thickness of pipes. As a conventional inspection device (pipe inspection device), one that does not require a special sensor attachment has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, a large number of groove portions are formed along the axial direction of the pipe in the fins. These large number of groove portions are for dealing with the case where there are obstacles inside the pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, due to the obstruction of a large number of grooves along the axial direction of the pipe, the piezoelectric element group required for phased array technology cannot be arranged in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the pipe. For this reason, the inspection device described in Patent Document 1 cannot use phased array technology, and thus there is a problem that inspections such as highly accurate detection of pipe defects and measurement of pipe wall thickness cannot be performed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic phased array inspection device capable of inspecting a pipe with high accuracy and an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus comprises a flexible plate, an array transducer, and a connector. The flexible plate is aligned with the inner circumferential surface of a pipe. The array transducer is positioned on the flexible plate and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using phased array technology. The array transducer has a group of piezoelectric elements arranged in a predetermined number in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe. The connector is connected to the flexible plate. The connector has a force receiving portion that receives a force for movement in the axial direction of the pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus and ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the present invention, pipes can be inspected with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view from above of an ultrasonic phased array inspection device inserted inside a tube. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from the side of an ultrasonic phased array inspection device inserted inside a tube. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the VV section. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of either the forward-side winding machine or the reverse-side winding machine. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, showing the step prior to the connector installation process. [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, showing the later stage of the connector installation process. [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an ultrasonic phased array inspection method, showing the pre-inspection movement process, which involves moving to the inspection start position. [Figure 10] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, showing the preliminary stage of the inspection process. [Figure 11] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, showing the later stages of the inspection process. [Figure 12] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the end of the ultrasound phased array examination method. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the protective film used to protect the array probe of an ultrasonic phased array inspection device. [Figure 14] This is a bottom view of the protective film. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view of a modified ultrasonic phased array inspection device. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view showing the traction jig C of an ultrasonic phased array inspection device. [Figure 17] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using a traction jig, and represents the step preceding the connector installation process. [Figure 18] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using a traction jig, and represents the later stage of the connector installation process. [Figure 19] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic phased array inspection method in which a traction jig is used, and it shows the pre-movement process, which is the process of moving to the inspection start position.

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated in the description. Furthermore, even if terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," or "back" are used in the following description to mean specific positions and directions, these terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the embodiments and are not related to the actual directions in which they are implemented.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view from above of the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 inserted into the inside of the pipe P. It is a longitudinal sectional view from the side of the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 inserted into the inside of the pipe P.

[0011] The ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 is a device that performs inspection, that is, detects defects in the pipe P and / or measures the wall thickness of the pipe P. The pipe P to be inspected is not particularly limited, and is various pipes such as a pipe of a heat exchanger, a pipe in the shape of a test tube, or a boiler tube.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 includes flexible plates 2 and 3, array probes 4 and 5, and a connector 6. The flexible plates 2 and 3 are along the inner peripheral surface of the target pipe P. The array probes 4 and 5 are arranged on the flexible plates 2 and 3 and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves using phased array technology. The array probes 4 and 5 have piezoelectric element groups 40 and 50 arranged in a predetermined number (the number required for phased array technology) in the circumferential direction of the pipe P. The connector 6 is connected to the flexible plates 2 and 3. The connector 6 has traction portions 61 and 62 that are tractioned in the axial direction of the pipe P. Hereinafter, among the axial directions of the pipe P, the direction in which inspection is performed is referred to as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as the backward direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction is referred to as the left-right direction.

[0013] Next, an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 will be described.

[0014] The ultrasonic phased array inspection method includes an inspection step. The inspection step performs defect detection by the array probes 4 and 5 while moving the connector 6 by tractioning the traction portions 61 and 62 of the connector 6. Note that the inspection step may also measure the wall thickness of the pipe P by the array probes 4 and 5.

[0015] Thus, in the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 and ultrasonic phased array inspection method, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received using phased array technology from array transducers 4 and 5 positioned on flexible plates 2 and 3 along the inner surface of the pipe P, allowing for high-precision inspection of the inner surface of the pipe P. Furthermore, the connecting body 6 connected to the array transducers 4 and 5 has its tractioned portions 61 and 62 pulled in the axial direction of the pipe P, allowing for high-precision inspection of the inner surface of the pipe P along its axial direction. Therefore, the ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 and ultrasonic phased array inspection method can inspect the pipe P with high precision.

[0016] The ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus 1 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the forward winding machine 101 or the reverse winding machine 102.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, there are two (or more) flexible plates 2 and 3. Each flexible plate 2 and 3 has a handle portion 21 and 31 and a spatula portion 22 and 32. The front end of each handle portion 21 and 31 is connected to the connector 6, and the rear end is connected to each spatula portion 22 and 32. Each spatula portion 22 and 32 is made of a material that can bend along the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P. For example, each spatula portion 22 and 32 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. Each spatula portion 22 and 32 has a portion that widens to the left and right towards the rear, and a rectangular portion. The array probes 4 and 5 are arranged in the rectangular portion of the spatula portion 22 and 32. The array probes 4 and 5 are electrically connected to the probe cable 10. The array probes 4 and 5 can freely change the propagation direction and range of the ultrasonic waves by controlling the oscillation timing of the piezoelectric element groups 40 and 50. The array probes 4 and 5 are capable of both linear scanning and sector scanning.

[0018] The two handles 21 and 31 are of different lengths. Therefore, the array probe 4, which is positioned on the flexible plate 2 having the shorter handle 21, and the array probe 5, which is positioned on the flexible plate 3 having the longer handle 31, are located at different positions in the axial direction of the pipe P. In other words, the two array probes 4 and 5 are located at different positions in the front-to-back direction. The distance between the two array probes 4 and 5 in the front-to-back direction is appropriately determined according to the inner diameter of the pipe P and the curvature of the U-bend section of the pipe P.

[0019] Therefore, the two array probes 4 and 5 do not interfere with each other even when passing through the U-bend section of pipe P. As a result, even pipe P with a U-bend section can be inspected with high precision.

[0020] Preferably, the spatula portion 22 connected to the shorter handle portion 21 and the spatula portion 32 connected to the longer handle portion 31 are located at different positions in the axial direction of the pipe P. In other words, the two spatula portions 22 and 32 are located at different positions in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] Therefore, the two spatula sections 22 and 32 do not interfere with each other even when passing through the U-bend section of the pipe P. As a result, even pipes P with U-bend sections can be inspected with higher precision.

[0022] The towed portions 61 and 62 of the connecting body 6 have a forward-to-backward towed portion 61 and a backward-to-backward towed portion 62. The forward-to-backward towed portion 61 is towed in one axial direction (forward) of the pipe P. The backward-to-backward towed portion 62 is towed in the other axial direction (rearward) of the pipe P.

[0023] The towed portions 61 and 62 of the connecting body 6 have a forward-to-backward towed portion 61 and a backward-to-backward towed portion 62, allowing them to be towed in the forward and backward directions. In this case, when the connecting body 6 is being towed forward inside the pipe P, it may become clogged inside the pipe P. In this case, towing the connecting body 6 backward will clear the blockage by causing it to move backward. Similarly, when the connecting body 6 is being towed backward inside the pipe P, it may become clogged inside the pipe P along with the enlarged diameter members 81 and 82 described later. In this case, towing the connecting body 6 forward will clear the blockage by causing it to move backward. Therefore, the forward-to-backward towed portion 61 and the backward-to-backward towed portion 62 make it easy to clear blockages of the connecting body 6 and the enlarged diameter members 81 and 82 inside the pipe P.

[0024] The ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus 1 further includes a traction device 7 for traction of the tractioned parts 61 and 62. The traction device 7 includes a frame holder 70, a forward-side chain 71 (an example of a forward-side traction member), a reverse-side chain 72 (an example of a reverse-side traction member), a first flange portion 91, a second flange portion 92, and the aforementioned diameter-expanding members 81 and 82. Specifically, the diameter-expanding members 81 and 82 are the first diameter-expanding member 81 and the second diameter-expanding member 82.

[0025] The frame holder 70 is a frame that surrounds and holds the connecting body 6 from the front, back, left, and right. The frame holder 70 abuts against the rear surface 61 and front surface 62 of the connecting body 6. Therefore, the frame holder 70 transmits forward force to the rear surface 61 of the connecting body 6 and backward force to the front surface 62 of the connecting body 6. Thus, the rear surface 61 of the connecting body 6 corresponds to the forward-towed portion 61, and the front surface 62 of the connecting body 6 corresponds to the backward-towed portion 62.

[0026] The forward-facing chain 71 is connected to the front end of the frame holder 70. The reverse-facing chain 72 is connected to the rear end of the frame holder 70. Both the forward-facing chain 71 and the reverse-facing chain 72 are, for example, roller chains. The forward-facing chain 71 and the reverse-facing chain 72 have the same direction for their respective pin groups, that is, they bend in the same direction. The reverse-facing chain 72 is provided with a first flange portion 91, a second flange portion 92, a first diameter-expanding member 81, and a second diameter-expanding member 82.

[0027] Because the forward-facing chain 71 and the reverse-facing chain 72 are roller chains, they bend along the U-bend of pipe P, allowing them to pass through the U-bend smoothly. Therefore, even pipes P having a U-bend can be inspected with high precision.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first flange portion 91 abuts against the rear end of the spatula portion 22 connected to the short handle portion 21. Therefore, the first flange portion 91 transmits forward force to the flexible plate 2 having the short handle portion 21. As shown in Figure 4, the first flange portion 91 has a space formed therein for the long handle portion 31 to pass in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second flange portion 92 abuts against the rear end of the spatula portion 32 connected to the long handle portion 31. Therefore, the second flange portion 92 transmits forward force to the flexible plate 3 having the long handle portion 31.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the first diameter-expanding member 81 presses its spatula portion 22 against the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P at the position where the array probe 4 is positioned. Similarly, as shown in Figure 5, the second diameter-expanding member 82 presses its spatula portion 32 against the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P at the position where the array probe 5 is positioned. For this reason, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first diameter-expanding member 81 and the second diameter-expanding member 82 each have three pressing portions 83 and three compression springs 84. All three pressing portions 83 have an outer circumference shape that follows the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P. The three compression springs 84 bias the three pressing portions 83 from the retraction chain 72 against the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the array probe 4 positioned on the spatula section 22 extends from the lower right, through the top, to the lower left in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe P. As shown in Figure 5, the array probe 5 positioned on the spatula section 32 extends from the upper right, through the bottom, to the upper left in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe P. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the two array probes 4 and 5 constitute at least the entire circumference in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe P. In other words, the two array probes 4 and 5 are positioned around the entire circumference in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe P. Thus, the inner surface of the pipe P is inspected around its entire circumference by the two array probes 4 and 5. As a result, the pipe P can be inspected with higher precision.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus 1 further comprises a forward-side winding machine 101 and a reverse-side winding machine 102. The forward-side winding machine 101 winds up the forward-side chain 71. The reverse-side winding machine 102 winds up the reverse-side chain 72.

[0032] The ultrasonic phased array inspection device 1 is equipped with a forward-side winding machine 101 and a reverse-side winding machine 102, so that the forward-side chain 71 and the reverse-side chain 72 are taut during inspection. Therefore, the pipe P can be inspected with higher precision.

[0033] The forward winding machine 101 and the reverse winding machine 102 may have the same configuration. For example, the forward winding machine 101 and the reverse winding machine 102 each have a housing 103, a sprocket 104, large and small gears 109, a manual handle 105 with a handle 105h, a small encoder 106, an air picker 107 fixed to a Y-shaped jig 107y, and a circumferential position adjuster 108.

[0034] The housing 103 rotatably houses the sprocket 104 and the large and small gears 109. The sprocket 104 is fitted with either the forward chain 71 or the reverse chain 72. By rotating, the sprocket 104 feeds the forward chain 71 or the reverse chain 72, turning it from the front-to-back direction to the up-and-down direction. The manual handle 105 is located outside the housing 103. The manual handle 105 transmits manual rotation to the sprocket 104. The manual handle 105 is small, meaning the distance of the handle 105h from the axis of rotation is 130% or less of the radius of the sprocket 104. A small encoder 106 measures the rotational speed of the sprocket 104, as the rotation of the sprocket 104 is transmitted by the large and small gears 109. The air picker 107 can be fixed to a pipe other than the pipe P to be inspected. The circumferential position adjuster 108 adjusts and fixes the position of the Y-shaped jig 107y (the circumferential position centered on the forward-side chain 71 or the reverse-side chain 72 in the front-rear direction). The Y-shaped jig 107y adjusts and fixes the position of the air picker 107 (a position that approaches or moves away from the forward-side chain 71 or the reverse-side chain 72 in the front-rear direction).

[0035] With the air picker 107 fixed to a pipe other than the pipe P to be inspected, when the manual handle 105 is rotated manually, the sprocket 104 also rotates, causing the forward chain 71 or the reverse chain 72 to be moved forward or backward.

[0036] Next, the ultrasonic phased array inspection method will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 to 12. The ultrasonic phased array inspection method comprises a connector installation step and a pre-movement step before the inspection process described above.

[0037] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, indicating the stage before the connector installation process. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, indicating the stage after the connector installation process. Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, indicating the pre-movement process. Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, indicating the stage before the inspection process. Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the ultrasonic phased array inspection method, indicating the stage after the inspection process. Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the end of the ultrasonic phased array inspection method.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, as part of the connection installation process, the retraction chain 72 is passed through the pipe P to be inspected. The pipe P to be inspected is a heat exchanger pipe P (an example of a pipe P having a U-bend), and is connected to the pipe sheet PL and adjacent to multiple pipes P1 and P2. The direction in which the retraction chain 72 is passed through the pipe P may be from the end side E (one end) to the start side S (the other end), or from the start side S (the other end) to the end side E (one end).

[0039] Next, as shown in Figure 8, as part of the connection assembly installation process, the connection assembly 6 is installed at the end E of the inspection in pipe P. The forward-side chain 71 and the reverse-side chain 72 are then connected to the connection assembly 6. The connection between the connection assembly 6 and the forward-side chain 71 and the reverse-side chain 72 may also be achieved by holding the connection assembly 6 in the frame holder 70 of the traction device 7. Furthermore, the reverse-side winding machine 102 is fixed to pipe P2 adjacent to (or nearby) the start side S of the inspection in pipe P. The reverse-side chain 72 is then passed through the reverse-side winding machine 102 so that the reverse-side chain 72 can be wound up. The excess portions of the forward-side chain 71 and the reverse-side chain 72 may be stored in the chain collection box R.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 9, as a pre-movement step, the reverse-side winding machine 102 winds up the reverse-side chain 72. This pulls the connecting body 6 backward, moving it to the inspection start side S on pipe P. In other words, by pulling the reverse-side towed portion 62 of the connecting body 6, the connecting body 6 is moved from one end E on pipe P to the other end S. The forward-side winding machine 101 is then fixed to pipe P1 adjacent to (or near) the inspection end side E on pipe P. The forward-side chain 71 is then passed through the forward-side winding machine 101 so that it can be wound up.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the forward-side winding machine 101 winds up the forward-side chain 71 as part of the inspection process. This pulls the connecting body 6 forward, and as the connecting body 6 moves to the end of the inspection at E in the pipe P, defects are detected by the array probes 4 and 5. In other words, by pulling the forward-side pulled portion 61 of the connecting body 6, the connecting body 6 is moved from the other end S to the first end E of the pipe P, while defects are detected by the array probes 4 and 5. Once the connecting body 6 has moved to the first end E, the defect detection is completed. Here, the inspection process may also include measuring the wall thickness of the pipe P using the array probes 4 and 5, in addition to defect detection. If the connecting body 6 becomes stuck inside the pipe P during defect detection, the reverse-side winding machine 102 winds up the reverse-side chain 72. This clears the blockage of the connecting body 6 inside the pipe P.

[0042] Finally, as shown in Figure 12, the forward-side chain 71 is removed from the connector 6, and the forward-side winding machine 101 is removed from the pipe P1. Then, the reverse-side chain 72 is removed from the connector 6. After that, the reverse-side chain 72 is wound up with the reverse-side winding machine 102. Once the reverse-side chain 72 is wound up and removed from the other end S of the pipe P, the reverse-side winding machine 102 is also removed from the pipe P2.

[0043] The ultrasonic phased array inspection method includes a connector installation step and a pre-movement step before the inspection process. This allows the connector 6 to pass through the pipe P before defect detection, making it less likely for the connector 6 to become clogged inside the pipe P during defect detection. Therefore, the pipe P can be inspected with higher accuracy.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. The drawings schematically show each component in order to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions due to the convenience of drawing creation. Furthermore, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the configuration of the present invention.

[0045] In the embodiments described, the protection of the array probes 4 and 5 was not explained. Here, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus 1 may further include a protective film 110 that protects the array probes 4 and 5 together with the spatula portions 22 and 32. The protective film 110 has an outer transparent film 111, an inner transparent film 112, and an adhesive portion 113. The outer transparent film 111 is preferably a hydrophilic film. This is because if the outer transparent film 111 is a hydrophilic film, water droplets are less likely to form from the outer transparent film 111, and as a result, the reflection of ultrasonic waves from water droplets, which cause noise, is suppressed. The adhesive portion 113 adheres the outer transparent film 111 and the inner transparent film 112. The adhesive portion 113 is, for example, an adhesive or double-sided tape. The double-sided tape is preferably waterproof.

[0046] As shown in Figure 13, the outer transparent film 111 covers the entire surface of the spatula portions 22 and 32 on the side where the array probes 4 and 5 are located. As shown in Figure 14, the inner transparent film 112 covers the side of the spatula portions 22 and 32 on which the array probes 4 and 5 are not located. The inner transparent film 112 does not cover the central portion of the spatula portions 22 and 32 that extends from the handle portions 21 and 31. Therefore, the portion of the inner transparent film 112 that does not cover the spatula portions 22 and 32 becomes an opening for removing or inserting the spatula portions 22 and 32.

[0047] The openings for removing or inserting the spatula sections 22 and 32 facilitate the replacement of the protective film 110 on the spatula sections 22 and 32. Furthermore, as the spatula sections 22 and 32 follow the inner circumferential surface of the pipe P, the inner transparent film 112 is positioned inside the curved spatula sections 22 and 32. However, because the inner transparent film 112 has openings, the occurrence of wrinkles due to curvature can be suppressed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the coupling medium necessary for ultrasonic defect detection was not described, but the coupling medium (water or glycerin, etc.) may be supplied in the space between the spatula parts 22, 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the tube P. Alternatively, the coupling medium may be supplied in the space between the spatula parts 22, 32 and the outer transparent film 111.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the flexible plates 2 and 3 were described as two (or more). However, as shown in Figure 15, there may be only one flexible plate 23. One flexible plate 23 has a handle portion 21, a left spatula portion 22, and a right spatula portion 32. The left spatula portion 22 is located in front of (or behind) the right spatula portion 32. The two array probes 4 and 5 are positioned on the left spatula portion 22 and the right spatula portion 32, respectively. Therefore, the two array probes 4 and 5 are in different positions in the front-rear direction. The left spatula portion 22 protrudes to the left from the handle portion 21. The right spatula portion 32 protrudes to the right from the rearward extension of the handle portion 21. The array probes 4 and 5 positioned on the left spatula portion 22 and the right spatula portion 32 respectively constitute at least the entire circumference in the inner circumferential direction of the inserted pipe P. In other words, the two array probes 4 and 5 are positioned around the entire circumference in the inner direction of the pipe P.

[0050] In the embodiment, the connector 6 was described as having tractioned portions 61 and 62 that are pulled in the axial direction of the pipe P. However, the connector 6 is not limited to having tractioned portions 61 and 62, and may have a force-receiving portion that receives a force for movement (including scanning) in the axial direction of the pipe P. The force-receiving portion receives, for example, a force being pushed in by a pushing member, pressurization by water pressure or air pressure, or negative pressure by water pressure or air pressure as a force for movement in the axial direction of the pipe P. The pushing member can be inserted into the inside of the pipe P and is, for example, rod-shaped. Furthermore, if the pipe P has a U-bend portion, it is preferable that the pushing member is curved.

[0051] In the embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, an example was described in which, as a connector installation step, a retraction chain 72 is passed through the pipe P and the connector 6 is connected to the retraction chain 72. Here, instead of the retraction chain 72, a towing jig 7C (an example of a towing device) may be used, as shown in Figure 16. The towing jig 7C has a shape that can be opened by having a slit in the longitudinal direction (the cross-section is C-shaped). The towing jig 7C is, for example, a corrugated tube with a slit in the longitudinal direction. When the towing jig 7C is used instead of the retraction chain 72, as shown in Figure 17, as a connector installation step, the towing jig 7C is passed through the pipe P to be inspected. Then, as shown in Figure 18, the connector 6 is inserted into the front end of the towing jig 7C at the end E of the inspection in the pipe P. The front end of the towing jig 7C may have an attachment that enables or facilitates the insertion of the connector 6. The forward-side chain 71 is connected to the connecting body 6, which is inserted into the front end of the towing jig 7C. Furthermore, the jig winding machine 102C is installed outside the inspection start side S in the pipe P so that the towing jig 7C can be wound up. The jig winding machine 102C is, for example, a winding machine for a watering hose.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 19, as a pre-movement step, the towing jig 7C is wound up with the jig winding machine 102C. This pulls the connecting body 6 backward, moving it to the inspection start side S on pipe P. In other words, by pulling the rearward towed portion 62 of the connecting body 6, the connecting body 6 is moved from one end E on pipe P to the other end S. The forward winding machine 101 is then fixed to pipe P1 adjacent to (or nearby) the inspection end side E on pipe P. The forward chain 71 is then passed through the forward winding machine 101 so that it can be wound up. Furthermore, the towing jig 7C is removed from the connecting body 6, which has moved to the other end S on pipe P, and the rearward chain 72 is connected to the connecting body 6 instead. In addition, the rearward winding machine 102 is fixed to pipe P2 adjacent to (or nearby) the inspection start side S on pipe P. Then, by passing the reverse-side chain 72 through the reverse-side winding machine 102, the reverse-side chain 72 can be wound up. The connection body installation process and pre-movement process, as explained with reference to Figures 17 to 19, make it easier to move the array probes 4 and 5 together with the connection body 6 to the inspection start side S. The inspection process, which takes place after the pre-movement process, is as explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] The present invention provides an ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus and an ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the same, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Ultrasonic phased array inspection device 2,3 Two flexible boards 4,5 Array probes 6 connectors 7 Traction device 7C towing jig 21,31 Handle 22,32 Spatula section 23 One flexible board 40, 50 Piezoelectric element group 61,62 Towed part 70 Frame holder 71 Forward chain 72 Reverse chain 81 First diameter expanding member 82 Second diameter expanding member 83 Pressing part 84 Compression spring 91 First guard section 92 Second guard section 101 Forward-side winding machine 102 Reverse side winding machine 103 cabinets 104 sprocket 105 Manual handle 105h handle 106 encoders 107 Air Picker 107y Y-shaped jig 108 Circumference Position Adjuster 109 Large and Small Gears 110 Protective Film 111 Outer transparent film 112 Inner transparent film 113 Adhesive part

Claims

1. Multiple flexible plates along the inner surface of the pipe, A plurality of array probes arranged on the flexible plate and transmitting and receiving ultrasound using phased array technology, A connector connected to the flexible plate and Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned multiple flexible plates is, The spatula section on which each of the aforementioned array probes is arranged, A handle portion having one end connected to the connecting body and the other end connected to the spatula portion. It has, The aforementioned multiple handles each have different lengths. The plurality of array probes are located at different positions in the axial direction of the tube. Each of the aforementioned array probes has a group of piezoelectric elements arranged in a predetermined number in the circumferential direction of the tube, The connecting body has a force receiving portion that receives a force for movement in the axial direction of the pipe, and is an ultrasonic phased array inspection device.

2. The ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of array probes constitutes at least the entire circumference in the inner circumferential direction of the pipe.

3. A flexible plate along the inner circumference of the pipe, An array transducer arranged on the flexible plate and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves using phased array technology, A connecting body connected to the aforementioned flexible plate, Towing equipment and Equipped with, The array probe has a group of piezoelectric elements arranged in a predetermined number in the inner circumferential direction of the tube, The connecting body has a force receiving portion that receives a force to move in the axial direction of the pipe, The traction device pulls the force-receiving portion in the axial direction of the pipe, The traction device has a diameter-expanding member that presses the flexible plate against the inner circumferential surface of the pipe at the position where the array probe is positioned. The aforementioned diameter-enlarging member is A pressing portion having an outer circumference shape along the inner surface of the aforementioned pipe, A compression spring biases the pressing portion to the inner surface of the pipe. An ultrasonic phased array inspection device having the following features.

4. The ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a hydrophilic protective film for protecting the array transducer.

5. The force-receiving part is the pulled part that is pulled in the axial direction of the pipe, The traction portion is, A forward-pulled portion that is pulled in one direction in the axial direction of the aforementioned pipe, The retracted towed portion is pulled in the other direction in the axial direction of the aforementioned pipe. An ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. A forward-side towing member that tows the forward-side towed portion, A forward-side winding machine for winding up the forward-side traction member, A rearward towing member that pulls the rearward towed portion, A reversing winding machine that winds up the aforementioned reversing traction member and The ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

7. An ultrasonic phased array inspection method using an ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An ultrasonic phased array inspection method comprising an inspection step of detecting defects and / or measuring the thickness using the array probe while moving the connected body.

8. An ultrasonic phased array inspection method using the ultrasonic phased array inspection apparatus described in claim 5 or claim 6, A connector installation step involves installing the connector on one end of the pipe, A preliminary movement step involves moving the connecting body from one end to the other end of the pipe by pulling the retracted towed portion of the connecting body, An inspection step in which the forward-facing towed portion of the connecting body is pulled, thereby moving the connecting body from the other end to the one end of the pipe, while the array probe is used to detect defects and / or measure the wall thickness. An ultrasound phased array inspection method comprising the following:

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