Method for monitoring changes in defects in a structure over time

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for monitoring a portion of a pressurized piece of equipment using a control station (100) configured to control at least one ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) through a remote network (200), the method comprising the steps of: - A) sending a first measurement request to the non-destructive testing device (300); - B) receiving a first plurality of measurement data from the non-destructive testing device (300); - C) creating a first mapping of the portion from the first plurality of measurement data; - D) sending a second measurement request to the non-destructive testing device (300); - E) receiving a second plurality of measurement data from the non-destructive testing device (300); - F) creating a second mapping of the portion from the second plurality of measurement data; and - G) comparing between the first mapping and the second mapping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention is ultrasonic nondestructive testing, particularly the testing of the structural integrity of structures such as pressurized equipment. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the safety of structures such as pressurized vessels under operating conditions, structural integrity tests are performed periodically over time. The purpose of these tests is to determine the appearance of defects or monitor their changes over time. Examples of such defects include cracks resulting from load conditions, porous regions, corrosion in contact with active products, or delamination between layers of composite materials. To avoid interfering with the structure's use under operating conditions, the testing methods employed are non-destructive, such as ultrasonic mapping.

[0003] A mapping method for realizing a portable ultrasonic nondestructive testing device is known from the prior art, comprising a multi-element ultrasonic sensor, enabling on-site measurement and analysis of the measurement data. This type of device typically includes a user interface such as a screen for real-time display of measurement data or indicators derived from the analysis of the measurement data.

[0004] However, this type of portable equipment requires on-site operator intervention near the structure, including the defect, to perform measurements and process the measurement data. The extent of the defect in the structure may compromise the operator's safety, and this harm will only become apparent once the operator has mapped the defective section and analyzed the measurement data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To monitor changes in defects, this invention provides a solution to the problems previously discussed by allowing for more efficient and safer real-time mapping of structures under operating conditions.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for monitoring a portion of a structure using a control station configured to control at least one ultrasonic nondestructive testing device via a remote network, each ultrasonic nondestructive testing device including a multi-element ultrasonic sensor disposed on a surface of the portion of the structure, the method for each ultrasonic nondestructive testing device comprising the following steps:

[0007] -A) The control station sends the first measurement request to the non-destructive testing equipment;

[0008] -B) The control station receives a first plurality of measurement data from the non-destructive testing equipment, which is measured by the multi-element ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment;

[0009] -C) The control station constructs the first part of the structure from the first multiple measurement data;

[0010] -D) After sending the first measurement request, the control station sends a second measurement request to the non-destructive testing equipment;

[0011] -E) The control station receives a second set of measurement data from the non-destructive testing equipment, which is measured by the multi-element ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment;

[0012] -F) The control station constructs a second mapping of the structure from a second set of multiple measurement data; and

[0013] -G) The control station compares the first and second surveys.

[0014] The sending of the first measurement request can be triggered by the operator on demand. Furthermore, step A does not include any measurement preparation or preliminary calculations that might delay sending the first measurement request to one of the ultrasonic nondestructive testing devices. Therefore, the operator obtains at least one first map from step C without any waiting time other than the specific time the ultrasonic nondestructive testing device performs the measurement.

[0015] Obtaining the time interval between the first and second surveys allows observation of how a portion of the structure indicated by the second survey changes over time relative to the initial state indicated by the first survey.

[0016] With the implementation of a remote network, the operator interacts with a control station that differs from each ultrasonic nondestructive testing device to obtain mapping data. Therefore, the operator can operate remotely from structures containing at least one defect that could pose a risk to his / her safety.

[0017] Another advantage of implementing a remote network is the ability to share a control station among several ultrasonic nondestructive testing devices located at different sites. Therefore, operators can test for variations in multiple parts of a structure without having to travel to different sites.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the remote network is wireless.

[0019] One advantage of wireless networks is their mobility, allowing operators to maintain connectivity between the control station and each ultrasonic nondestructive testing device. This enables operators to perform initial tests near the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment to determine if it is properly positioned, before moving away to perform subsequent tests.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the first measurement request includes at least one first piece of information for selecting a measurement mode.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the first measurement request includes at least one first operating parameter of the measurement mode.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the second measurement request includes at least one second piece of information for selecting a measurement mode.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the second measurement request includes at least one second operating parameter of the measurement mode.

[0024] The measurement mode describes the steps within an ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus that lead to the acquisition of measurement data. In some cases, the steps require the provision of operating parameters.

[0025] Selecting a measurement mode for obtaining a second set of multiple measurement data, which is different from the measurement mode used to obtain the first set of multiple measurement data, allows the monitoring method to adapt to changes in the defects being monitored.

[0026] Furthermore, selecting a measurement mode from either the first or second measurement request allows for remote selection of the measurement mode without requiring the operator to travel to the measurement site.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, if at least one parameter representing a comparison between a first mapping and a second mapping deviates from a threshold, the method includes the step of triggering an indicator.

[0028] One advantage of triggering an indicator relative to a predetermined threshold is that it reveals damage to that part of the structure without requiring a nondestructive testing expert to interpret the results of step H.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the time period between sending the first measurement request and sending the second measurement request is predetermined.

[0030] One advantage of pre-defined time periods is that the entire monitoring method can be reproducibly triggered upon the operator's initial request, without requiring further operator interaction.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the execution time of step A is programmed.

[0032] One advantage of programming time is that it allows the entire monitoring approach to be executed programmatically without operator interaction, such as performing nighttime tests.

[0033] Programming execution times based on a time list allows for continuous autonomous testing without operator interaction.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for measuring a portion of a structure, the method employing an ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus configured to be remotely controlled by a control station via a network, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus including a multi-element ultrasonic sensor mounted on the surface of the portion of the structure, the method comprising the following steps:

[0035] -I) The ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment receives the first measurement request from the control station;

[0036] -J) Multi-element ultrasonic sensor measures multiple measurement data;

[0037] -K) The ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment sends multiple measurement data to the control station;

[0038] -L) After receiving the first measurement request, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment receives the second measurement request from the control station;

[0039] -M) Multi-element ultrasonic sensor measures multiple measurement data;

[0040] -N) The ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment sends a second set of measurement data to the control station.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the remote network is wireless.

[0042] According to one embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the first measurement request includes at least one first piece of information for selecting a measurement mode.

[0043] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the first measurement request includes at least one first operating parameter of the measurement mode.

[0044] According to one embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the second measurement request includes at least one second piece of information for selecting a measurement mode.

[0045] According to one embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, the second measurement request includes at least one second operating parameter of the measurement mode.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, measurement steps J and M include the following sub-steps:

[0047] -For each ultrasonic element of a multi-element ultrasonic sensor:

[0048] -U) The ultrasonic element of the multi-element ultrasonic sensor generates incident ultrasonic waves that propagate in a portion of the structure.

[0049] -V) All ultrasonic elements of the multi-element ultrasonic sensor measure multiple measurement data, which correspond to the reception of ultrasonic waves reflected from each ultrasonic element of the multi-element ultrasonic sensor.

[0050] The measurement mode performed sequentially by steps U and V for each ultrasound element is called the full matrix capture measurement mode. The full matrix capture mode provides data to construct a wider map than standard measurement modes (e.g., sector scan), with optimal spatial resolution and focusing at any point.

[0051] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control station configured to perform steps of the method according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0052] The fourth aspect of the invention relates to an ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus, which includes a multi-element ultrasonic sensor and is configured to perform the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0053] The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a control station according to the third aspect of the invention and at least one ultrasonic nondestructive testing device according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0054] Defects such as fatigue cracks caused by pressure changes in equipment can propagate rapidly. The phenomenon of "hydrogen-enhanced fatigue" can be accelerated in the presence of hydrogen. The invention, according to a sixth aspect, provides a solution that allows for the monitoring of changes in fatigue defects in pressurized equipment.

[0055] Therefore, a sixth aspect of the invention relates to the use of a system according to a fifth aspect of the invention, wherein a multi-element ultrasonic sensor is mounted on the surface of a portion of a pressurized boiler device, such as an adsorber.

[0056] The system according to the sixth aspect of the invention particularly enables the monitoring of defect changes during pressure variations in order to determine the effect of load variations on crack propagation. The system also allows for monitoring of the degree of hydrogen fatigue of the crack through repeated mapping over time.

[0057] A better understanding of the invention and its various applications will be gained after reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The accompanying drawings are illustrated for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the invention.

[0059] Figure 1 A schematic representation of the system according to the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 2 A schematic representation of the ultrasonic testing and measurement method according to the present invention is shown.

[0061] Figure 3 A schematic representation of a multi-element ultrasonic sensor is shown.

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic representation of multiple digital measurement data is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Unless otherwise stated, the same elements appearing in different figures have a single reference numeral.

[0064] Figure 1 A testing system 400 is described for testing changes in part 3 of structure 1, and for monitoring the appearance or changes of defects 2 in part 3. The system 400 includes a control station 100 and an ultrasonic non-destructive testing device 300, which includes a multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310.

[0065] When the presence of defect 2 is identified in part 3 through preliminary inspection steps, ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 is deployed near structure 1 and multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 is positioned to contact the surface of part 3.

[0066] According to one embodiment, structure 1 can be a pressurized boiler device, such as an adsorber.

[0067] The connection between the control station 100 and the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 is made via a remote network 200. The remote network 200 allows the transmission of data such as commands or measurement data. The remote network 200 can be wired, for example via cable, or wireless, for example implementing Wi-Fi or 4G communication, or a combination of all these means.

[0068] With the help of the remote network 200, the control station 100 can be located away from the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment 300 and thus away from the part 3 including the defect 2. Therefore, regardless of the degree of damage to structure 1, the operator interacting with the control station 100 can initiate the test method from a safe environment.

[0069] The testing system 400 may include another ultrasonic nondestructive testing device 300, which is deployed at the same structure 1, or at another structure 1, to test another part 3 including another defect 2. The connection between the control station 100 and the other ultrasonic nondestructive testing devices 300 is made via a remote network 200. This testing method can be performed simultaneously between the control station 100 and each ultrasonic nondestructive testing device 300 without interaction.

[0070] The two structures 1 can be located at geographically distant test sites, for example, hundreds of kilometers apart. With the implementation of a remote network 200, control stations can be shared between different sites, such as in a test room. Therefore, operators do not need to personally travel to each control station to perform tests on the structures.

[0071] The ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus 300 is configured to perform the steps of the ultrasonic measurement method detailed below in part 3 of structure 1. For this purpose, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing apparatus 300 includes:

[0072] - Multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310; and

[0073] - Multi-component electronic board 340.

[0074] The multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 includes multiple ultrasonic elements 311. Each ultrasonic element 311 is a transducer (also called a transducer) used to convert electrical signals into sound waves and vice versa. The number of ultrasonic elements 311 included in the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 can reach several hundred elements, typically ranging from 8 to 256 elements.

[0075] The ultrasonic element 311 is made of a material used to generate incident sound waves 11 with frequencies in the ultrasonic range, preferably in the range of 0.2 MHz to 20 MHz. The ultrasonic element 311 may be made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, such as, lead zirconate titanate (PZT).

[0076] Multiple ultrasonic elements 311 are used to generate multiple incident ultrasonic waves 11 from multiple electrical drive signals, each of which actuates the ultrasonic element 311.

[0077] Similarly, multiple ultrasonic elements 311 are used to generate multiple electrical measurement signals, each corresponding to the amplitude of the reflected wave 12 received by the ultrasonic elements 311.

[0078] Multiple ultrasonic elements 311 can be arranged in a linear configuration, preferably with a constant pitch. Therefore, when the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 receives the reflected ultrasonic wave 12, the resulting multiple electrical measurement signals correspond to the spatial discretization of the reflected ultrasonic wave 12 by the multiple ultrasonic elements 311.

[0079] To ensure good mechanical contact between the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 and the surface of part 3, as well as the reproducibility of the measurement, the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 can be attached to the surface of part 3 via an attachment system. This attachment system includes, for example, magnetized studs, adhesive, or suction cups.

[0080] The mechanical contact between the multi-element ultrasonic transducer 310 and the surface of structure 1 is improved by a couplant. The couplant ensures good acoustic impedance matching between the multi-element ultrasonic transducer 310 and the propagating material, and allows ultrasonic waves to propagate without attenuation. The couplant can be a liquid, such as water, a gel, or an grease, such as EKOSCAN. TM The company manufactures high-temperature grease EKOGREASE-HT TM .

[0081] To facilitate the propagation of the incident ultrasonic wave 11 to the defect 2 of part 3, a substrate 320 can be inserted between the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 and the surface. The substrate 320 is a solid, angular component that allows ultrasonic wave propagation. The angle formed by the substrate 320 is typically between 45° and 60°, allowing the incident ultrasonic wave to be directed in a direction different from that perpendicular to the surface of structure 1. The substrate 320 can be made of, for example, Rexolite. TM It is made of polymer materials such as polymers.

[0082] The incident ultrasonic wave 11 emitted by the ultrasonic element 311 is a compressed wave and is longitudinal. The transversely incident ultrasonic wave 11 can be emitted in the portion 3 by means of the substrate 320. The angle formed by the incident ultrasonic wave 11 at the interface between the substrate 320 and the portion 3 divides the wave into a longitudinal component and a transverse component. By adjusting the angle of the incident wave 11, for example by changing the angle formed by the substrate 320, one component can be made superior to the other.

[0083] The multi-component electronic board 340 includes:

[0084] -Generate module 341;

[0085] - Converter 342; and

[0086] - Network interface 343 is configured to communicate with remote network 200; and

[0087] - Bus, the bus is used to interconnect the components of the multi-component electronic board 340 with each other.

[0088] Multiple electrical drive and measurement signals are transmitted between the multi-element electronic board 340 and the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 via an electrical link 330, such as a cable.

[0089] The generation module 341 is configured to generate multiple electrical drive signals. Each electrical drive signal actuates one of the multiple ultrasonic elements 311 of the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310.

[0090] Each of the multiple ultrasonic elements 311 can be actuated by a single electrical drive signal to emit a single incident ultrasonic wave 11. This mode of emitting a single incident ultrasonic wave 11 is particularly implemented in the so-called full-matrix capture measurement mode.

[0091] Multiple incident ultrasonic elements 11 can be actuated in parallel by multiple drive signals to emit multiple incident ultrasonic waves 11. Each electrical drive signal can be delayed by introducing multiple delay times. Therefore, the multiple delay times between each incident ultrasonic wave 11 and the resulting constructive or destructive interference form a beam of incident ultrasonic waves 11 oriented in one direction and focused at the focal point. By modifying the multiple delay times, the beam of incident ultrasonic waves 11 can be oriented in another direction, or the focusing distance can be modified. This emission mode is particularly implemented in the so-called sector scanning measurement mode.

[0092] The focusing distance is defined as the distance between the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 and the focal point.

[0093] By modifying multiple delay times, the angle formed by the incident ultrasonic wave 11 at the interface between the substrate 320 and the portion 3 can be modified. Therefore, it is possible to bias towards either the longitudinal or transverse component.

[0094] The emission of the incident ultrasonic wave 11 beam can also be performed by actuating subgroups of adjacent ultrasonic elements 311 from a plurality of adjacent ultrasonic elements 311. Therefore, by sequentially actuating each subgroup of adjacent ultrasonic elements 311 in a plurality of subgroups, the beam of the incident ultrasonic wave 11 can be translated in a direction parallel to the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310. This emission mode is particularly implemented in the so-called line scan measurement mode.

[0095] The emission of incident ultrasound 11 or the beam of incident ultrasound 11 is also referred to as firing.

[0096] The converter 342 is configured to convert each received electrical measurement signal, which is a function of time, into measurement data. The resulting multiple measurement data represent multiple amplitudes of each reflected ultrasonic wave 12 received by each ultrasonic element 311, as a function of time.

[0097] In both sector scan and line scan measurement modes, converter 342 also performs a time-shift operation corresponding to the delay time of the beam used to generate the incident ultrasonic wave 11, as well as a summation operation on multiple measurement data. The resulting measurement data represents the amplitude of ultrasonic waves propagating in the same direction as the incident ultrasonic wave 11 beam but in the opposite direction.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 is compatible with safety regulations that may be encountered at the testing site, such as ATEX regulations, which describe rules for the use of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

[0099] Control station 100 is configured to perform the steps of the method for testing part 3 of structure 1, as described below, which is specifically designed for testing variations of defect 2 in part 3. For this purpose, control station 100 includes:

[0100] -Calculator Unit 101;

[0101] - Network interface 102 is configured to communicate with remote network 200; and

[0102] - Bus, the bus is used to interconnect the components of control station 100.

[0103] Advantageously, the control station includes a human-machine interface such as a screen for displaying information to the operator, and input peripherals such as a keyboard and / or mouse.

[0104] The control station 100 can be, for example, a laptop computer or a touch-sensitive tablet computer.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the control station 100 is also configured to trigger an indicator. The indicator may be a notification sent to the operator via an electronic communication service, or, in the event of partial serious damage, a visual and / or auditory warning of the device, such as an audible (e.g., alarm) or visual (e.g., special rotating light).

[0106] Figure 2 The ultrasonic measurement method in part 3 of structure 1 is illustrated schematically. The method includes steps I, J, K, L, M and N performed sequentially.

[0107] Step 1: Receive the first measurement request

[0108] Step I of the measurement method includes the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment 300 receiving a first measurement request sent by the control station 100.

[0109] The first measurement request is a command that the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 can understand. Receiving the first measurement request triggers step J.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the first measurement request includes first information for programming the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 and selecting the measurement mode implemented in step J. When a sector scan is selected, the first measurement request advantageously includes several additional pieces of information, such as minimum angle, maximum angle, angular pitch, or focusing distance. The first information may also allow selection of the type of incident ultrasonic wave 11 propagating in section 3, biased towards the longitudinal or transverse component.

[0111] Step J: Obtain the first set of multiple measurement data.

[0112] Step J includes obtaining the first plurality of measurement data 500.

[0113] The first multiple measurement data points (500) can be obtained through full matrix capture mode. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the full-matrix acquisition mode, where the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310 includes four ultrasonic elements 311. In this example, the second ultrasonic element 311 acts as a transmitter and is represented by symbol E2, while all ultrasonic elements 311 act as receivers and are represented by symbols R1, R2, R3, and R4. The full-matrix acquisition mode comprises two steps, U and V.

[0114] In step U, the transmitting ultrasonic element E2 generates an incident ultrasonic wave 11 that propagates in section 3. In step V, the receiving ultrasonic elements R1, R2, R3, and R4 receive reflected ultrasonic waves 12 reflected from the incident ultrasonic wave 11 by defect 2 and generate multiple electrical measurement signals. Steps U and V are repeated sequentially by selecting another ultrasonic element 311 as the transmitter until all transmitting ultrasonic elements E1, E2, E3, and E4 have been implemented in step U.

[0115] Multiple measurement data points (500) can be presented in matrix form, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. In this case, the matrix comprises multiple rows and columns. Each row, labeled R1, R2, R3, R4, corresponds to one of the receiving ultrasonic elements R1, R2, R3, R4, and each column, labeled E1, E2, E3, E4, corresponds to one of the transmitting ultrasonic elements E1, E2, E3, E4. For each transmitting ultrasonic element E1, E2, E3, E4, multiple measurement data derived from the conversion of multiple electrical measurement signals associated with the transmitting ultrasonic element E1, E2, E3, E4 are stored in the column corresponding to the transmitting ultrasonic element E1, E2, E3, E4.

[0116] The first plurality of measurement data 500 can be obtained through sector scanning. Data acquisition is performed by scanning the orientation of the incident ultrasonic beam 11 at multiple angles, defined by a minimum angle, a maximum angle, and an angular pitch. The first plurality of measurement data 500 is therefore formed by multiple measurement data related to the multiple angles.

[0117] The first plurality of measurement data 500 can also be obtained through a so-called line scan measurement mode. The first plurality of measurement data 500 is therefore formed by a plurality of measurement data associated with each subgroup of adjacent ultrasonic elements 311.

[0118] Step K: Send the first set of multiple measurement data

[0119] Step K includes the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment 300 sending a first plurality of measurement data 500 to the control station 100 via a remote network 200.

[0120] Step L: Receive the second measurement request

[0121] Step L involves the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 receiving a second measurement request from the control station 100. The second measurement request may take the same form as the first measurement request described above. Receiving the second measurement request triggers step M.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the second measurement request includes second information for programming the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 and selecting a measurement mode. The measurement mode implemented in step M may differ from the measurement mode implemented in step J. The second information may also enable selection of the type of incident ultrasonic wave 11 propagating in section 3.

[0123] Step M: Obtain the second set of measurement data

[0124] Step M includes obtaining a second set of multiple measurement data 500.

[0125] The measurement mode implemented to obtain the second plurality of measurement data 500 can be defined by the second measurement request and is one of the previously described measurement modes.

[0126] Step N: Send the second set of measurement data

[0127] Step N includes the ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment 300 sending a second set of measurement data to the control station 100 via a remote network 200.

[0128] Figure 2 The method of monitoring (also known as testing) structure 1 described below is illustrated schematically, and this monitoring method is specifically designed to monitor changes in defect 2.

[0129] The monitoring method includes steps A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, which are performed sequentially.

[0130] Step A: Send the first measurement request

[0131] Step A of the monitoring method includes the control station 100 sending a first measurement request, as described in step I of the ultrasonic measurement method, to the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 via a remote network 200.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the first measurement request includes first information for selecting a measurement mode performed by the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 to obtain a first plurality of measurement data. Based on preliminary information available to the operator before performing the monitoring method, the operator can therefore select the measurement mode most suitable for monitoring part 3. Therefore, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 is remotely programmable.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the execution of step A is triggered by the operator on demand. Step A does not include any measurement preparation or preliminary calculations that might delay the sending of the first measurement request; therefore, when the operator triggers the execution of step A, the first measurement request is immediately sent to the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the execution time of step A is programmable. For example, it can be programmed at a later time, such as for nighttime measurements. It can also be programmed based on a list of times to allow for continuous autonomous control modes.

[0135] Step B: Receive the first set of multiple measurement data

[0136] Step B of the monitoring method includes the control station 100 receiving first plurality of measurement data 500 from the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 via a remote network 200.

[0137] Step C: Construction of the First Map

[0138] Step C of the monitoring method includes constructing a first map of part 3 from a first plurality of measurement data 500 using a calculator unit 101.

[0139] The first measurement represents the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic wave 12, which is proportional to the change in acoustic impedance in the plane of part 3. This plane is defined as two-dimensional: the depth in part 3 and the distance along a direction tangent to the surface of part 3, parallel to the plurality of ultrasonic elements 311.

[0140] When the first set of measurement data 500 is obtained through the so-called full-matrix capture measurement mode, the construction of the first map follows the steps of the full-focusing algorithm. The steps of the full-focusing algorithm are as follows:

[0141] - The calculator unit 101 divides part 3 into a grid according to parameters to obtain multiple grid points. The grid parameters may be the depth of part 3, the expected spatial resolution, or the number of ultrasonic elements 311 of the multi-element ultrasonic sensor 310.

[0142] - For each grid point, multiple delay times are calculated by calculator unit 101. Each delay time is assigned to ultrasonic element 311 and corresponds to the time required for the incident ultrasonic wave 11 to propagate from the emitting ultrasonic element E1, E2, E3, E4 to the grid point.

[0143] - For each grid point, each column of the first plurality of measurement data 500 is delayed by the calculator unit 101 according to the delay time assigned to the transmitting ultrasonic elements E1, E2, E3, E4.

[0144] - For each grid point, the measurement data are summed by the calculator unit 101 to form the first map.

[0145] When the first plurality of measurement data 500 are obtained by sector scanning or line scanning, each measurement data is assembled by calculator unit 101 according to its corresponding angle or distance to form a first map.

[0146] Step D: Send the second measurement request

[0147] Step D of the monitoring method includes the control station 100 sending a second measurement request to the non-destructive testing equipment 300 via a remote network 200.

[0148] The second measurement request can take the same form as the first measurement request described above.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the second measurement request includes second information for selecting a measurement mode, which is implemented to obtain a second plurality of measurement data. Therefore, the operator can reprogram the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 to change the measurement mode, improve resolution, or extend the measurement to a larger area within section 3. Thus, the ultrasonic nondestructive testing equipment 300 is remotely reprogrammable.

[0150] The time interval between sending the first measurement request and sending the second measurement request allows observation of the change over time of portion 3 indicated by the second survey relative to the initial state indicated by the first survey.

[0151] The time period can vary from minutes to days depending on the characteristic time of the change in part 3. For example, if structure 1 is an adsorber and part 3 is a portion of the wall of the adsorber, then the defect 2 contained in part 3 may change during pressure changes, such as during the filling phase. Therefore, it is conceivable to perform a first mapping at the beginning of the filling phase and a second mapping at the end of the filling phase, so that the time period can be equal to the duration of the filling phase.

[0152] If defect 2 may change, for example, through hydrogen fatigue phenomena depending on a slower process, then that period could be days or weeks.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the time period is predetermined. Once the time period has elapsed, step E will be automatically triggered.

[0154] According to one embodiment, this period can be interrupted by the operator triggering step E.

[0155] Step E: Receive the second set of measurement data

[0156] Step E of the monitoring method includes the control station 100 receiving a second plurality of measurement data 500 sent by the nondestructive testing equipment 300 via a remote network 200.

[0157] Step F: Construct the second map

[0158] The monitoring method step F includes the control station 100 constructing a second map of part 3 from a second plurality of measurement data 500 via the calculator unit 101.

[0159] The second survey is constructed based on the above operating mode.

[0160] In the same manner as the first mapping, the second mapping represents the amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic wave 12, which is proportional to the change in acoustic impedance in part 3, which is a function of the first and second dimensions.

[0161] Step G: Compare the first and second surveys

[0162] The monitoring method includes step G, whereby the control station 100 compares the first and second surveys via the calculator unit 101.

[0163] According to one embodiment, a comparison between a first and a second mapping is performed for the same set of coordinates, for example, by performing mathematical operations between amplitude values, such as difference. The resulting mapping then indicates changes in acoustic impedance between the first and second plurality of measurement data 500, for example, due to the expansion of a crack or the appearance of a porous region.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the obtained mapping can be used to automatically trigger an indicator. For example, the depth value of a region with acoustic impedance variation is displayed as a function of time, allowing monitoring of defect progression. Therefore, if the depth of the region with impedance variation deviates from a predetermined threshold, the indicator is triggered.

[0165] Automatic triggering of indicators associated with predetermined thresholds allows non-expert operators in ultrasonic nondestructive testing to be alerted to the extent of damage to one of the structures under test, so as to trigger, for example, necessary maintenance or safety procedures.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a portion (3) of a structure (1), said method implementing a control station (100) configured to control at least one ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) through a remote network (200), each ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) comprising a multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) disposed on a surface of the portion (3) of the structure (1), said structure (1) being a sorber and said portion (3) being a wall of the sorber, said method comprising, for each ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300), the steps of: - A) the control station (100) sending a first measurement request to the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) at the beginning of a filling phase of the sorber; - B) the control station (100) receiving a first plurality of measurement data (500) from the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300), said first plurality of measurement data (500) being measured by the multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) of the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300); - C) the control station (100) constructing a first mapping of the portion (3) of the structure (1) from said first plurality of measurement data (500); - D) after sending the first measurement request, the control station (100) sending a second measurement request to the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) at the end of the filling phase of the sorber; - E) the control station (100) receiving a second plurality of measurement data (500) from the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300), said second plurality of measurement data (500) being measured by the multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) of the ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300); - F) the control station (100) constructing a second mapping of the portion of the structure from said second plurality of measurement data (500); and - G) the control station (100) comparing the first mapping and the second mapping.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said remote network (200) is wireless.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first measurement request comprises at least one first information selecting a measurement mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said first measurement request comprises at least one first operating parameter of the measurement mode.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second measurement request comprises at least one second information selecting a measurement mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said second measurement request comprises at least one second operating parameter of the measurement mode.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein if at least one parameter representative of a comparison between the first mapping and the second mapping deviates from a threshold value, said method comprises a step of triggering an indicator.

8. A method of measuring a portion (3) of a structure (1), said method implementing an ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) configured to be controlled by a control station (100) through a remote network (200), said ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) comprising a multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) disposed on a surface of said portion (3) of said structure (1), said structure (1) being a sorber and said portion (3) being a wall of a sorber, said method comprising the following steps: - I) said ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) receiving a first measurement request from said control station (100) at the beginning of a filling phase of said sorber; - J) said multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) measuring a first plurality of measurement data (500); - K) said ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) transmitting said first plurality of measurement data to said control station (100); - L) said ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) receiving a second measurement request from said control station (100) at the end of a filling phase of said sorber, after receiving said first measurement request; - M) said multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) measuring a second plurality of measurement data (500); - N) said ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) transmitting said second plurality of measurement data to said control station (100).

9. The method of measuring according to claim 8, wherein said measuring steps J) and M) comprise the following sub-steps: - for each ultrasonic element (311) of said multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310): o U) the ultrasonic element (311) of said multi-element ultrasonic sensor generates an incident ultrasonic wave (11) propagating in said portion (3) of said structure (1); o V) all ultrasonic elements (311) of said multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) measure a plurality of measurement data (500) corresponding to the reception of a reflected ultrasonic wave (12) on each ultrasonic element (311) of said multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310).

10. A control station (100) configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. An ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) comprising a multi-element ultrasonic sensor and configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 9.

12. A testing system (400) comprising a control station (100) according to claim 10 and at least one ultrasonic non-destructive testing device (300) according to claim 11.

13. Use of a testing system (400) according to claim 12, wherein a multi-element ultrasonic sensor (310) is disposed on a surface of a wall of a sorber.

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