ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GAUGE FOR SUBMERGED STRUCTURES

Description

1 / 12 ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GAUGE FOR SUBMERGED STRUCTURES Utility model field

[001] The present utility model falls within the technical field of submerged structure inspection. More specifically, the present utility model refers to an ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge. Fundamentals of the utility model

[002] In general, submerged equipment or structures are exposed to harsh conditions, such as saltwater, high pressure, and abrasive substances, which can cause wear due to corrosion and erosion, for example, requiring constant maintenance and the use of inspection and monitoring technologies for the structural integrity of these submerged equipment or structures, aiming to identify potential problems before compromising their safety and / or proper functioning.

[003] One of the main techniques for monitoring structural integrity is inspection using ultrasonic waves, by measuring the thickness of the structure's material.

[004] Ultrasonic thickness measurement in submerged equipment or structures represents a fundamentally important non-destructive testing method, as it allows monitoring structural integrity by evaluating the thickness of the construction material of the structure or equipment, such as ship hulls, offshore platforms, submarine pipelines, tanks, and support structures, for example. Ultrasonic thickness measurement assists in the detection and monitoring of wear, corrosion, erosion, or any other form of deterioration that may occur. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 32 / 49 2 / 12 compromise structural integrity.

[005] Early detection of the examples of problems listed above allows for the implementation of corrective actions before failures occur.

[006] Furthermore, ultrasonic thickness measurement also brings benefits in terms of safety and accident prevention. Specifically, deterioration in material thickness can lead to structural failures, leaks, or ruptures, posing risks to the safety of people and the environment.

[007] Furthermore, ultrasonic thickness measurement helps to identify critical areas that require replacement or repair, ensuring the continued safety of submerged installations and preventing potential accidents.

[008] Additionally, by obtaining accurate measurements of material thickness, it is possible to establish a reliable history of measurement data, which can be used for predictive maintenance analysis and planning, for example. In this sense, based on the measurement data obtained, maintenance intervals can be defined, equipment service life conditions can be evaluated, and repair or replacement interventions can be scheduled before problems occur. This helps to optimize resources, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.

[009] Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that there are regulations and standards that require regular measurement of material thickness as part of safety and compliance requirements. Therefore, failure to comply with these regulations may result in legal penalties, damage to the company's reputation, and possible operational shutdowns. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 33 / 49 3 / 12

[010] Therefore, ultrasonic thickness measurement in submerged or underwater environments and equipment plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and integrity of submerged structures. Furthermore, this technique allows for the early identification of problems and the implementation of corrective actions, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of underwater equipment and extending its service life.

[011] However, in submerged or underwater environments, some barriers or problems may be identified for performing ultrasonic thickness measurement, due to the location of the equipment and adverse conditions, such as movement or current, for example.

[012] With regard to possible barriers or problems, one can mention the use of human divers to carry out underwater inspections, where such activity presents safety risks, especially in hostile or difficult-to-access environments, as divers may be exposed to frequent decompression conditions, strong currents and confined spaces, which may cause serious or fatal accidents.

[013] In addition to the associated risks, as indicated above, inspections carried out by human divers require a high operational cost and can be time-consuming, resulting in increased expenses and downtime for operations.

[014] Additionally, the use of large ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) has limitations regarding accessibility to underwater or submerged locations, especially in confined spaces or between complex structures or in areas difficult to maneuver. For example, there is no possibility of accessing ballast tanks of Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 34 / 49 4 out of 12 offshore units with large ROVs. Therefore, the operating cost of this type of resource is high.

[015] In particular, the use of large ROVs requires a support vessel for transport and operation, which increases the logistical complexity and operational costs of this operation. In view of this, the need for a support vessel can result in slower mobilization times, which can be problematic in emergencies or when speed in inspection is essential.

[016] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows measuring the thickness of submerged structures using ultrasound, in hard-to-reach locations, ensuring stability during movement and enabling precise positioning of the gauge, which will make the structural integrity inspection operation more efficient, practical and safe. State of the art

[017] In the state of the art, there are documents that describe means for measuring the thickness of submerged structures. In particular, we highlight the following documents listed below.

[018] Document US10234375B discloses a system that can be attached to the robotic arms of an ROV to perform ultrasonic thickness measurements on underwater surfaces, including a robotic arm with a rotational actuator and two modular frames designed to accommodate the system, including a motor integrated into the robotic arm or actuator to rotate the modular frames.

[019] Document US12044525B discloses an integrated, magnetically coupled probe system attachable to the robotic arms of an ROV to perform protection voltage measurements. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 35 / 49 5 / 12 cathodic and ultrasonic test thickness measurements on an underwater surface, comprising a measuring arm with a freely rotating actuator and a motor housed in the arm or actuator.

[020] Thus, it is evident that there is a lack in the state of the art of a solution for measuring the thickness of submerged structures using ultrasound, in hard-to-reach locations, that ensures stability and precise positioning in the face of external forces.

[021] Thus, the characteristics and advantages of the present utility model compared to the state of the art will become clear from the detailed description below and with reference to the attached drawings, which are provided as a preferred, not limiting, embodiment. Brief description of the utility model

[022] The present utility model relates to an ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge comprising: - at least one articulated arm including a first end and a second end; - at least one support arranged at the first end of at least one articulated arm; - at least one ultrasound measuring probe; - at least one probe base; wherein at least one ultrasound measuring probe is mounted on at least one probe base; wherein at least one probe base is mounted on at least one support; - at least one fastening block arranged at the second end of at least one articulated arm; Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 36 / 49 6 / 12 - at least one motor connected to the mounting block via at least one rotary interface; wherein at least one mounting block and at least one motor are rotatable 360° relative to at least one articulated arm.

[023] Furthermore, the probe base has a ring shape and is made of a flexible and magnetic material; wherein the probe base includes at least one protrusion, wherein each of at least one protrusion includes at least one magnet.

[024] In addition, at least one support includes at least one extension; wherein at least one extension includes at least one ball bearing; wherein the probe base is fixed to at least one extension of the support by means of at least one ball bearing; wherein the ball bearings are made of nylon and zirconium; wherein at least one support is arranged at the first end of at least one articulated arm with an inclination of 45° relative to at least one articulated arm; and wherein at least one support is made of polymeric material from among: PETG, HDPE or nylon.

[025] The at least one articulated arm comprises at least one upper tube, at least one lower tube and at least one damping system; wherein the at least one upper tube is fixed to the at least one lower tube by means of at least one upper stop fastening means; wherein at least one lower tube includes at least one lower stop fastening means; wherein at least one upper tube includes at least one internal reinforcing insert thereto, wherein each of the at least one upper tube and of the at least one reinforcing insert includes at least one slot. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 37 / 49 7 / 12 sliding; wherein at least one damping system is at least a spring; wherein at least one top tube and at least one bottom tube are made from carbon fiber; wherein at least one spring is made from stainless steel; wherein at least one reinforcement insert is made from nylon.

[026] At least one fastening block is made from a polymeric material, including: PETG or nylon. Brief description of the figures

[027] In order to complement the present description and obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present utility model, a set of figures is presented, where, in a non-limiting manner, its preferred embodiment is represented.

[028] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge.

[029] Figure 2 details the articulated arm of the ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge. Detailed description of the utility model

[030] The present utility model relates to an ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge, as illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2.

[031] In particular, the ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge allows for the inspection of the structural integrity of submerged or underwater equipment or structures, enabling a precise analysis of the material's condition.

[032] The utility model can be used with mini ROVs, enabling access to hard-to-reach locations that would be inaccessible to divers or larger ROVs. This Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 38 / 49 In this 8 / 12 format, the equipment enables inspections in confined or highly complex areas, expanding the scope and safety of the operation.

[033] More particularly, the ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge of the present utility model comprises a novel form and arrangement of elements, which ensures the accuracy of movements and damping of mechanical shocks, for example.

[034] As illustrated in figure 1, the ultrasonic underwater structure thickness gauge comprises: - at least one articulated arm (10) including a first end (101) and a second end (102); - at least one support (203) arranged at the first end (101) of at least one articulated arm (10); - at least one ultrasound measuring probe (20); - at least one probe base (202); wherein at least one ultrasound measuring probe (20) is mounted on at least one probe base (202); wherein at least one probe base (202) is mounted on at least one support (203); - at least one fixing block (301) arranged at the second end (102) of at least one articulated arm (10); - at least one motor (30) connected to the mounting block (301) via at least one rotary interface (302); wherein at least one fixing block (301) and at least one motor (30) are rotatable 360° relative to at least one articulated arm (10).

[035] More specifically, as shown in figure 1, the probe base (202) may have a ring shape. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 39 / 49 9 / 12 Furthermore, the probe base (202) includes at least one protrusion (201), wherein each of at least one protrusion (201) may include at least one magnet, preferably at least one neodymium magnet. In this way, the protrusions (201), when adhering to the metal of the object to be measured, achieve efficient contact between the object and the meter of the present utility model, with the necessary pressure, between the probe (20) and the metal of the object to be measured. Furthermore, the probe base (202) may be manufactured from a flexible and magnetic material, for example.

[036] Specifically, at least one support (203) is fixed to the articulated arm (10) by means of a fastener, which may be at least one set of nuts, bolts and washers, for example. Furthermore, at least one support (203) includes at least one extension (203.1), wherein at least one extension (203.1) includes at least one ball bearing.

[037] In this sense, the probe base (202) is fixed to at least one extension (203.1) of the support (203), by means of at least one ball bearing or any other suitable fixing means. Preferably, the ball bearings are made of nylon and zirconium.

[038] In particular, the support (203) is arranged at the first end (101) of the articulated arm (10) with an inclination of 45° relative to the articulated arm (10). Furthermore, the support (203) can be made of polymeric material, such as PETG, HDPE or nylon.

[039] In particular, the ultrasonic measuring probe (20) emits pulses of ultrasonic waves which, when they encounter a surface or a medium, are reflected back to the probe, Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pages 40 / 49 10 / 12 measuring the time it takes for sound to travel to and from the source. In this way, it is possible to calculate the distance or thickness of materials.

[040] In particular, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the articulated arm (10) comprises at least one upper tube (10.1), at least one lower tube (10.4) and at least one damping system (10.7). The at least one damping system (10.7) may be at least one spring (10.7). The upper tube (10.1) and the lower tube (10.4) are preferably made from carbon fiber. The spring (10.7) is preferably made from stainless steel.

[041] In this sense, the articulated arm (10) is designed to provide flexibility and ease of handling during underwater inspections. The articulated arm (10) allows precise positioning of the ultrasonic measuring probe (20) at different points of the structures to be analyzed, both horizontally and vertically. In addition, the damping system (10.7) incorporated in the arm ensures stable and accurate measurement, even under conditions of movement or current, ensuring reliable results.

[042] As illustrated in figure 2, the upper tube (10.1) includes at least one internal reinforcement insert (10.2) therein, wherein each of the upper tube (10.1) and reinforcement insert (10.2) includes at least one sliding slot (10.3).

[043] In particular, the reinforcement insert (10.2) serves as a sliding base for the movement of the upper tube (10.1) relative to the lower tube (10.4), providing smooth and precise stroke control. Preferably, the reinforcement insert (10.2) is made of nylon to reduce friction and wear. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 41 / 49 11 / 12

[044] Furthermore, the upper tube (10.1), reinforced with the internal reinforcement insert (10.2) therein, is fixed to the lower tube (10.4) by means of at least one upper stop fastening means (10.5), such as a stop screw, which limits the sliding stroke of the upper tube (10.1).

[045] Furthermore, the lower tube (10.4) includes at least one lower stop means (10.6) for the purpose of serving as a stop for the damping system (10.7).

[046] Thus, when the reinforcement insert (10.2) is inserted into the upper tube (10.1) and the upper tube (10.1) is fixed to the lower tube (10.4), the lower end of the upper tube (10.1) comes into contact with the spring (10.7), which is integrated into the lower tube (10.4). Thus, the stability of the measurements is maintained, even with movements or currents, ensuring better results.

[047] More specifically, the lower tube (10.4) includes at least one lower stop fastening means (10.6), with the function of limiting the compression of the damping system (10.7), wherein the lower stop fastening means (10.6) may be a screw.

[048] More specifically, at least one mounting block (301) is arranged, more precisely, in the lower tube (10.4), and in which the motor (30) is connected to the mounting block (301) through at least one rotary interface (302).

[049] The motor (30) can be a servo motor (30) and serves to control the position, speed and acceleration of the articulated arm (10), transmitting the movement through the fixing block (301).

[050] The mounting block (301) is a component that connects the motor (30) to the articulated arm (10), allowing rotation of Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 42 / 49 12 / 12 360° between these.

[051] Furthermore, the fixing block (301) is connected to the articulated arm (10) by means of a set of nuts, bolts and washers. Preferably, the fixing block (301) is made from a polymeric material such as PETG or nylon.

[052] The submerged structure thickness gauge using ultrasound of the present utility model, used with mini ROV, aims to offer an efficient and precise approach, in order to overcome the limitations found in traditional systems, which involve human divers or large ROVs.

[053] Furthermore, the ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge of the present utility model was dimensioned and designed to meet the specific requirements of mini-ROVs. With a compact profile and optimized weight, the ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge of the present utility model does not compromise the operability or stability of the mini-ROV during underwater operations. This approach ensures seamless integration between the ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge of the present utility model and the mini-ROV, resulting in a fast and safe inspection.

[054] Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and will be able to reproduce the present utility model described in the preferred configuration, covered within the scope of the appended claims. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 43 / 49

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1.Submerged structure thickness gauge using ultrasound, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one articulated arm (10) including a first end (101) and a second end (102); - at least one support (203) arranged on the first end (101) of the at least one articulated arm (10); - at least one ultrasonic measuring probe (20); - at least one probe base (202); wherein the at least one ultrasonic measuring probe (20) is mounted on the at least one probe base (202); wherein the at least one probe base (202) is mounted on the at least one support (203); - at least one clamping block (301) arranged on the second end (102) of the at least one articulated arm (10); - at least one motor (30) connected to the clamping block (301) via at least one rotary interface (302); wherein at least one fixing block (301) and at least one motor (30) are rotatable 360° relative to at least one articulated arm (10).

2. Ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that the probe base (202) has a ring shape and is made of a flexible and magnetic material; wherein the probe base (202) includes at least one protrusion (201), wherein each of at least one protrusion (201) includes at least one magnet.

3. Ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one support (203) includes at least one extension (203.1); wherein at least one extension (203.1) includes at least one ball bearing; wherein the probe base (202) is fixed to at least one extension (203.1) of the support (203) by means of at least one ball bearing; wherein the ball bearings are made of nylon and zirconium; wherein at least one support (203) is arranged at the first end (101) of at least one articulated arm (10) with an inclination of 45° relative to at least articulated arm (10); and wherein at least one support (203) is made of polymeric material from among: PETG, HDPE or nylon.

4. Ultrasonic thickness gauge for submerged structures, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one articulated arm (10) comprises at least one upper tube (10.1), at least one lower tube (10.4) and at least one damping system (10.7); wherein the at least one upper tube (10.1) is fixed to the at least one lower tube (10.4) by means of at least one upper stop fastening means (10.5); wherein the at least one lower tube (10.4) includes at least one lower stop fastening means (10.6); wherein the at least one upper tube (10.1) includes at least one internal reinforcing insert (10.2) thereto, wherein each of the at least one upper tube (10.1) and of the at least one reinforcing insert (10.2) includes at least one sliding slot (10.3); wherein at least one damping system (10.7) is at least a spring (10.7); wherein at least one upper tube (10.1) and at least one lower tube (10.4) are manufactured from carbon fiber; Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 45 / 49 3 / 3 wherein at least one spring (10.7) is manufactured from stainless steel; wherein at least one reinforcing insert (10.2) is manufactured from nylon.

5. Ultrasonic submerged structure thickness gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one clamping block (301) is manufactured from a polymeric material, among: PETG or nylon. Petition 870240110861, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 46 / 49

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