A high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection device, system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an automatic ultrasonic detection device, system and method for high-temperature superconducting strands. The device includes a probe assembly and a probe fixture. The probe assembly includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes, which are arranged circumferentially along the superconducting strands, and the detection range of the plurality of ultrasonic probes can at least cover one circle of the superconducting strands. The probe fixture is used to install the probe assembly and automatically adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe to ensure that all ultrasonic probes are always in contact with the superconducting strands during the detection process. At the same time, the probe fixture can also automatically spray liquid coupling agent at the front end of the ultrasonic probe during the detection process, so that it enters the gap between the ultrasonic probe wedge and the superconducting strands, and keeps the coupling agent uniform in thickness. The present invention adopts ultrasonic flaw detection technology, and can continuously detect internal defects of superconducting strands during the production process of high-temperature superconducting strands to ensure the quality of superconducting strands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of high-temperature superconducting strand production, and in particular to an ultrasonic automatic detection device, system and method for high-temperature superconducting strands. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, superconducting technology is increasingly used in scientific research. Among them, the second-generation high-temperature superconducting tape is a coated superconductor produced by the vacuum coating technology and multi-layer packaging method. The current carrying capacity of a single high-temperature superconducting tape is limited. In order to produce a larger current carrying capacity in engineering applications, it is often necessary to combine multiple superconducting tapes together to make superconducting strands, such as Figure 1 As shown, the high-temperature superconducting strand is composed of a multi-layer superconducting tape 1, a metal foil 2, and a metal sheath 3, wherein the metal sheath 3 may be a copper tube with a diameter of 4.0 mm, and 20 layers of superconducting tape 1 are stacked inside the tube. The gap between the superconducting tape 1 and the metal sheath 3 is filled with a metal foil (for example, a tin layer) and packaged by drawing and extrusion. During the production process, lamellar or point defects are generated, which affect the performance of the superconducting strand. Therefore, it is necessary to perform defect detection on the superconducting strand during the drawing and forming process of the superconducting strand to ensure the quality of the superconducting strand. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to detect defects of superconducting strands during the drawing and forming process of superconducting strands to ensure the quality of superconducting strands, the present invention provides an automatic ultrasonic detection device for high-temperature superconducting strands. The present invention adopts ultrasonic technology to continuously detect internal defects of superconducting strands during the production process of high-temperature superconducting strands to ensure the quality of superconducting strands.

[0004] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0005] An automatic ultrasonic detection device for high-temperature superconducting strands, comprising a probe assembly and a probe fixture;

[0006] The probe assembly includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes, which are arranged along the circumference of the superconducting strand, and the detection range of the plurality of ultrasonic probes can at least cover one circumference of the superconducting strand;

[0007] The probe fixture is used to install the probe assembly and automatically adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe to ensure that all ultrasonic probes are always in contact with the superconducting strands during the detection process;

[0008] At the same time, the probe fixture can also automatically spray liquid coupling agent at the front end of the ultrasonic probe during the detection process, so that the liquid coupling agent enters the gap between the ultrasonic probe wedge and the superconducting strand, and maintains a uniform thickness of the coupling agent.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the probe assembly of the present invention includes 6 ultrasonic probes;

[0010] The six ultrasonic probes are divided into three groups, each group includes two ultrasonic probes, the two ultrasonic probes in each group are arranged symmetrically along the radial direction of the superconducting strand, and each ultrasonic probe covers a range of 75°;

[0011] The three groups of ultrasonic probes are arranged alternately along the axial direction of the superconducting strand, and there is a 15° overlap area between each group.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic probe of the present invention is a high-frequency probe that independently transmits and receives pulsed ultrasonic waves.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, the probe fixture of the present invention includes a position adjustment module and a coupling agent spraying module;

[0014] The position adjustment module detects the straightness and ellipticity of the superconducting strand after drawing in real time, and adjusts the position of the ultrasonic probe according to the straightness and ellipticity of the superconducting strand;

[0015] The coupling agent spraying module detects the forward speed of the superconducting strand in real time, and adjusts the injection amount of the liquid coupling agent at the front end of the ultrasonic probe according to the forward speed of the superconducting strand.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an automatic ultrasonic detection system for high-temperature superconducting strands, wherein the detection system uses the automatic detection device described above to perform internal defect detection on the high-temperature superconducting strand to be detected.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the detection system of the present invention further includes a data acquisition and processing device;

[0018] The data acquisition and processing device is used to obtain the electrical signal of the probe assembly and automatically mark the defect position.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present invention proposes a detection method based on the above-mentioned high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection system, the method comprising:

[0020] The probe assembly emits a pulse ultrasonic signal, the ultrasonic signal encounters a defect interface in the workpiece to be measured and is reflected, and the reflected pulse ultrasonic signal is converted into an electrical signal in the probe assembly;

[0021] The echo electrical signal of the probe assembly is acquired by a data acquisition and processing device, and is compared with a threshold value to automatically mark the defect position.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention further comprises:

[0023] By prefabricating defects in standard specimens and simulating various typical defects existing in actual workpieces, the defect types can be automatically identified through comparative testing and data analysis.

[0024] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0025] The detection technology provided by the present invention utilizes ultrasonic technology to perform online automatic continuous nondestructive detection of internal defects of superconducting strands, thereby ensuring the quality of the superconducting strands.

[0026] The detection technology provided by the present invention can automatically mark the defect position and record its waveform without the need for manual judgment by an operator, thereby reducing the risk of missed detection and false detection and improving reliability.

[0027] The detection technology provided by the present invention can achieve a detection accuracy of 0.1 mm, and through data analysis, it can automatically distinguish defects such as bubbles / pores in the filling tin layer, local delamination of the copper tube and the superconducting tape, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, constitute a part of this application, and do not constitute a limitation of the embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the high-temperature superconducting wire structure.

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a probe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the probe fixture structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of test results of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a waveform diagram without defects, and (b) is a waveform diagram with defects.

[0033] Marks and corresponding parts names in the attached drawings:

[0034] 1-superconducting tape, 2-metal foil, 3-metal sheath, 4-superconducting strand, 5-ultrasonic probe, 6-position adjustment module, 7-coupling agent spraying module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the term "include" or "may include" used in various embodiments of the present invention indicates the presence of the invented function, operation or element, and does not limit the addition of one or more functions, operations or elements. In addition, as used in various embodiments of the present invention, the terms "include", "have" and their cognates are intended only to indicate specific features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations of the foregoing items, and should not be understood as first excluding the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations of the foregoing items or the possibility of adding one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations of the foregoing items.

[0036] In various embodiments of the present invention, the expression "or" or "at least one of A or / and B" includes any combination or all combinations of the words listed at the same time. For example, the expression "A or B" or "at least one of A or / and B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0037] The expressions (such as "first", "second", etc.) used in various embodiments of the present invention may modify the various constituent elements in various embodiments, but may not limit the corresponding constituent elements. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The above expressions are only used for the purpose of distinguishing an element from other elements. For example, the first user device and the second user device indicate different user devices, although both are user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of various embodiments of the present invention, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0038] It should be noted that if it is described that one component element is “connected” to another component element, the first component element may be directly connected to the second component element, and a third component element may be “connected” between the first component element and the second component element. Conversely, when one component element is “directly connected” to another component element, it can be understood that there is no third component element between the first component element and the second component element.

[0039] The terms used in various embodiments of the present invention are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit various embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise limited, all terms used here (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments of the present invention belong. The terms (such as the terms defined in the dictionary generally used) will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and will not be interpreted as having an idealized meaning or an overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their description are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] In order to detect internal defects of existing high-temperature superconducting strands, this embodiment provides an automatic ultrasonic detection device for high-temperature superconducting strands. The detection device of this embodiment mainly consists of two parts: a probe assembly and a probe fixture.

[0043] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the probe assembly of this embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes 5, which are arranged along the superconducting strand 4 and around the high-temperature superconducting strand 4, and the detection range of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 5 can at least cover one circle of the superconducting strand 4. The probe fixture is used to install the probe assembly, and automatically adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe 5 according to the straightness and ellipticity of the superconducting strand 4, to ensure that all ultrasonic probes are always well fitted with the superconducting strand during the detection process (that is, the fit meets the preset value). During the detection process, the probe fixture can also automatically spray liquid coupling agent at the front end of the ultrasonic probe, so that it enters the gap between the probe wedge position and the superconducting strand, and keeps the coupling agent uniform in thickness.

[0044] The ultrasonic probe 5 of this embodiment is a high-frequency probe capable of independently transmitting and receiving pulsed ultrasonic waves with a frequency exceeding 10 MHz.

[0045] This embodiment of Figure 2 Six ultrasonic probes are used as an example for illustration, but this is not a limitation. Figure 2 As shown, the arrangement of the six ultrasonic probes 5 along the superconducting strand 4 is as follows: the six ultrasonic probes are divided into three groups, each group includes two ultrasonic probes 5, and the two ultrasonic probes 5 in each group are arranged radially symmetrically along the superconducting strand 4, and the coverage range of each ultrasonic probe is 75°. The three groups of ultrasonic probes are staggered along the axial direction of the superconducting strand 4, and there is a 15° overlap area between each group. The six ultrasonic probes ensure that the strand can be covered for one circle without missing any area. Each ultrasonic probe independently transmits and receives pulsed ultrasonic waves. The pulsed ultrasonic waves are reflected at the defect interface in the workpiece, and the reflected waves are converted into electrical signals in the probe and uploaded to the data acquisition and processing device for processing and display.

[0046] The ultrasonic probe 5 of this embodiment is fitted to the surface of the superconducting strand through the fan-shaped wedge at its front end (the end of the ultrasonic probe 5 close to the superconducting strand), and liquid coupling agent is injected into the empty space between the front wedge and the superconducting strand, and the thickness of the coupling agent is kept uniform.

[0047] like Figure 3As shown, the probe fixture of this embodiment includes a position adjustment module 6 and a coupling agent spraying module 7. Among them, the position adjustment module can detect the straightness and ellipticity of the superconducting strand 4 after drawing in real time, and then adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe 5 to ensure that the wedge block at the front end of the probe is well fitted with the surface of the superconducting strand; during the detection process, the coupling agent spraying module 7 monitors the forward speed of the superconducting strand 4 in real time, adjusts the injection amount of the liquid coupling agent at the front end of the probe, so that it fills the pores between the probe wedge block and the superconducting strand, and keeps the coupling agent thickness uniform.

[0048] The working principle of the detection device of this embodiment is specifically as follows:

[0049] The probe fixture is opened and in a state ready for loading the strands, the superconducting strands are loaded into the prefabricated position, and the probe fixture is closed;

[0050] The six ultrasonic probes installed on the probe fixture fit the strands just right, the coupling agent spraying module is started, and the superconducting strands start moving and testing;

[0051] The workpiece only needs to move in the forward direction without any rotation, reducing the risk of false detection and missed detection caused by poor coupling caused by rotation.

[0052] This embodiment proposes that the automatic detection device can realize online automatic continuous detection, and can automatically adjust the detection speed according to the forward speed of the superconducting strand to ensure that the probe is fixed in position during the test process.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment proposes an automatic ultrasonic detection system for high-temperature superconducting strands. The system uses the detection device proposed in the above embodiment 1 to perform defect detection on the superconducting strand to be tested. The ultrasonic probe emits pulsed ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the defect interface in the workpiece. The reflected sound waves are converted into electrical signals by the ultrasonic probe and uploaded to the data acquisition and processing device for processing, and the defect position is automatically marked and displayed.

[0055] The specific processing process includes:

[0056] By setting the threshold, the echo defect position is automatically marked and the waveform is recorded.

[0057] The pulsed ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic probe is reflected at the defect interface in the workpiece. The reflected sound wave signal is received at the ultrasonic probe and converted into an electrical signal and uploaded to the data acquisition and processing device. The digital signal is converted into an ultrasonic waveform diagram, and then the presence, type and location of defects are judged based on the waveform diagram.

[0058] By prefabricating defects in standard specimens and simulating various typical defects existing in actual workpieces, the defect type and location in the workpiece can be automatically identified through comparative testing and data analysis. Specifically: different types of defects are prefabricated in comparison test blocks, and different defect waveforms are recorded to form a defect ultrasonic waveform database suitable for high-temperature superconducting strands. By comparing the peak height, width, position, etc. of the reflected wave between the test piece and the comparison test block, it is determined whether a defect exists, and the defect location and type are automatically identified and the corresponding waveform is recorded. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the vertical axis is the reflected wave intensity, and the horizontal axis is the distance between the corresponding internal defect position and the test block surface. The short horizontal line in the figure is the defect judgment gate set. If the reflected wave intensity at the gate position is higher than the gate value, such as Figure 4 (b), then it is considered that there is a defect at the reflected wave. This embodiment performs automatic defect judgment and display, without the need for operator judgment, thereby reducing the risk of missed detection and false detection.

[0059] This embodiment can achieve a detection accuracy of 0.1mm. Through comparison testing and data analysis of prefabricated defect inspection test blocks, it can automatically distinguish defects such as bubbles / pores in the filling tin layer, local delamination of the copper tube and the superconducting tape, etc. Figure 4 Figure (b) in .

[0060] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection device, characterized in that: Includes a probe assembly and a probe fixture; The probe assembly comprises a plurality of ultrasonic probes (5), the plurality of ultrasonic probes (5) being arranged along the circumference of the superconducting strand (4), and the detection range of the plurality of ultrasonic probes (5) being able to cover at least one circumference of the superconducting strand (4); The probe fixture is used to install the probe assembly and automatically adjust the position of the ultrasonic probe (5) to ensure that all ultrasonic probes (5) are always in contact with the superconducting strand (4) during the detection process; At the same time, during the detection process, the probe fixture can also automatically spray liquid coupling agent on the front end of the ultrasonic probe (5), so that the coupling agent enters the gap between the wedge block of the ultrasonic probe (5) and the superconducting strand (4), and maintains a uniform thickness of the coupling agent; the probe assembly includes 6 ultrasonic probes (5); The six ultrasonic probes (5) are divided into three groups, each group includes two ultrasonic probes (5), the two ultrasonic probes (5) in each group are arranged symmetrically along the radial direction of the superconducting strand (4), and the coverage range of each ultrasonic probe is 75°; The three groups of ultrasonic probes (5) are arranged alternately along the axial direction of the superconducting strand (4), and there is a 15° overlap area between each group; The probe fixture comprises a position adjustment module (6) and a coupling agent spraying module (7); The position adjustment module (6) detects the straightness and ovality of the superconducting strand (4) after drawing in real time, and adjusts the position of the ultrasonic probe (5) according to the straightness and ovality of the superconducting strand (4); The coupling agent spraying module (7) detects the forward speed of the superconducting strand (4) in real time, and adjusts the injection amount of the liquid coupling agent at the front end of the ultrasonic probe (5) according to the forward speed of the superconducting strand.

2. The high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic probe (5) is a high-frequency probe that independently transmits and receives pulsed ultrasonic waves.

3. A high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection system, characterized in that: The detection system uses the ultrasonic automatic detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 2 to perform internal defect detection on the high-temperature superconducting strand to be tested.

4. The high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a data acquisition and processing device; The data acquisition and processing device is used to obtain the electrical signal of the probe assembly and automatically mark the defect position.

5. A detection method based on a high-temperature superconducting strand ultrasonic automatic detection system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The method includes: The probe assembly emits a pulse ultrasonic signal, the ultrasonic signal encounters a defect interface in the workpiece to be measured and is reflected, and the reflected pulse ultrasonic signal is converted into an electrical signal in the probe assembly; The echo electrical signal of the probe assembly is acquired by a data acquisition and processing device, and is compared with a threshold value to automatically mark the defect position.

6. The detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The method further includes: By prefabricating defects in standard specimens and simulating various typical defects existing in actual workpieces, the defect types can be automatically identified through comparative testing and data analysis.

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