A piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and coupling stabilization method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and coupling stabilization method, which belongs to the field of piezoelectric ultrasonic corrosion detection technology, and comprises: a stabilizer base; a walking portion arranged at the lower end of the stabilizer base; a hollow stabilizer cylinder, fixedly connected to the upper end of the stabilizer base; a probe located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder, wherein the first end of the probe passes through the stabilizer base to fit with the measuring surface of the object to be measured; a spring limiting column is provided near the end of the first end of the probe; an elastic force adjustment nut, which is adjustable and connected to one end of the stabilizer cylinder away from the stabilizer base; a spring, which is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder and sleeved on the outside of the probe; one end of the spring abuts against the elastic force adjustment nut, and the other end abuts against the spring limiting column. Compared with the traditional detection method of coupling the probe, the present invention saves a lot of time and improves the inspection efficiency by using the coupling stabilizer.

Description

[0001] (This application claims priority from application number: 202210982272.0, filing date: August 16, 2022) Technical Field

[0002] The invention belongs to the technical field of piezoelectric ultrasonic corrosion detection, and in particular relates to a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and a coupling stabilization method. Background Art

[0003] Ultrasonic waves are sound waves with frequencies exceeding 20,000 Hz. They have excellent directivity, strong penetrating power, and are easy to obtain concentrated sound energy. Because they are easy to process and have good directivity, they are often used to measure the wall thickness of various plates, pipes, boilers, and containers, as well as localized corrosion and rust. They play a major role in the safe operation and modern management of equipment. Ultrasonic thickness measurement is based on the principle of ultrasonic pulse reflection. When an ultrasonic pulse emitted by a probe passes through the object being measured and reaches the material interface, the pulse is reflected back to the probe. The thickness of the material is determined by accurately measuring the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in the material.

[0004] For example, patent number CN105737771A discloses an ultrasonic thickness gauge probe and method for metal pipes, and patent number CN112361949A discloses an eddy current and ultrasonic composite thickness gauge probe and method. Both use piezoelectric ultrasonic probes to measure thickness. During thickness measurement, a coupling agent is used to remove air between the probe and the surface being measured, allowing the ultrasonic probe and the surface to achieve good coupling. In this way, the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic probe can be smoothly transmitted into the interior of the measured object. At the same time, the ultrasonic wave reflected from the interior of the measured object can also be smoothly received by the probe, thereby achieving the purpose of thickness measurement.

[0005] However, the diameter of the ultrasonic probe's contact surface is generally around 6-12 mm, and the surface of the object being measured is not always completely flat; some surfaces may even have certain curvatures and pits. For the outer surface of a pipe, manual operation alone makes it difficult for the ultrasonic probe to achieve and maintain a good coupling state in a short period of time. Consequently, accurate thickness measurements cannot be quickly detected, and repeatability is also poor. At room temperature, inspectors can spend a certain amount of time to achieve a good coupling state for the ultrasonic probe and obtain an accurate thickness value. However, at high temperatures, since inspectors generally wear protective equipment such as scald-proof gloves, achieving a good coupling of the probe in a short period of time is not easy. The longer the operation time, the greater the labor intensity of the inspector and the lower the detection efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and a coupling stabilization method is an urgent problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and coupling stabilization method, which ensures that the probe always remains perpendicular to the surface of the object being measured. The probe, coated with coupling agent, is quickly and firmly coupled to the surface of the object being tested with a certain constant pressure, achieving a good coupling state in a short time, thereby quickly obtaining accurate thickness measurement values, improving inspection efficiency, and reducing labor intensity.

[0008] In order to achieve the purpose of the present invention, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0009] A piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer, comprising:

[0010] stabilizer base;

[0011] a walking portion provided at the lower end of the stabilizer base;

[0012] a hollow stabilizer cylinder, wherein the stabilizer cylinder is fixedly connected to the upper end of the stabilizer base;

[0013] A probe is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder, wherein the first end of the probe passes through the stabilizer base to fit the measuring surface of the object to be measured; a spring limit column is provided near the end of the first end of the probe;

[0014] an elastic force adjustment nut, the elastic force adjustment nut being adjustably connected to an end of the stabilizer cylinder away from the stabilizer base;

[0015] A spring is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder and is sleeved on the outside of the probe; one end of the spring abuts against the elastic force adjustment nut, and the other end abuts against the spring limiting column.

[0016] Furthermore, the walking part is a strong magnetic wheel, and there are four strong magnetic wheels. The four strong magnetic wheels are rotatably arranged at the lower end of the stabilizer base and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the stabilizer base.

[0017] Furthermore, a coupling agent is included, and the coupling agent is adhered to the coupling surface of the probe; wherein the measuring surface of the object to be measured and the probe are adhered via the coupling agent.

[0018] Furthermore, two openings are radially symmetrically provided at one end of the stabilizer cylinder close to the stabilizer base, and the spring limiting column is located in the opening and extends to the outside of the stabilizer cylinder.

[0019] A piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method, using any of the piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizers described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] The strong magnetic wheel is used to fix the probe on the object to be measured, and the probe is kept perpendicular to the surface of the object to be measured;

[0021] The spring is adjusted by the elastic force adjustment nut to apply a vertical constant pressure to the probe;

[0022] A coupling agent is applied on the surface of the object to be measured, and the coupling agent is adhered to the coupling surface of the probe, so that the probe can achieve stable measurement under the action of the coupling agent.

[0023] Furthermore, the compression length of the spring is adjusted by the elastic force adjusting nut.

[0024] Furthermore, for non-ferromagnetic materials, the strong magnetic wheel plays a supporting role.

[0025] Furthermore, the method further includes: using the strong magnetic wheel to make the probe slide on the object to be inspected to achieve ultrasonic scanning corrosion detection.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0027] It can be seen from the above technical solution that compared with the existing technology, the present invention discloses a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and a coupling stabilization method. Compared with the traditional detection method of coupling the probe, the use of this coupling stabilizer can save a lot of time and improve inspection efficiency.

[0028] Especially when the present invention is used in a high temperature environment, the inspection work of one inspection point can be completed in 3-5 seconds, which greatly reduces the labor intensity of the inspection personnel and improves the working environment of the inspection personnel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention in a measuring state;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the present invention in a measuring state;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention in an unmeasured state (the spring is in an initial elastic state);

[0032] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention in the measuring state (spring compression state);

[0033] Wherein: 1. Measured object; 2. Strong magnetic wheel; 3. Stabilizer cylinder; 4. Spring limit column; 5. Probe; 6. Elastic force adjustment nut; 7. Spring; 8. Stabilizer base; 9. Couplant; D0, initial spring length; D1, compressed spring length; L, probe stroke; E, compressed spring length; F, external thrust; F1, compressed spring pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention provides a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and coupling stabilization method. The technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to make it easier to understand and grasp.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] refer to Figure 1-4 , a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer, based on a measured object 1, comprising:

[0037] Stabilizer base 8;

[0038] A walking portion provided at the lower end of the stabilizer base 8;

[0039] A hollow stabilizer cylinder 3, which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the stabilizer base 8;

[0040] The probe 5 is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder 3, and the first end of the probe 5 passes through the stabilizer base 8 to fit the measuring surface of the object 1 to be measured; a spring limit column 4 is provided near the end of the first end of the probe 5;

[0041] An elastic force adjustment nut 6 , which is adjustably connected to an end of the stabilizer cylinder 3 away from the stabilizer base 8 ;

[0042] Spring 7 is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder 3 and is sleeved on the outside of the probe 5; one end of the spring 7 abuts against the elastic force adjustment nut 6, and the other end abuts against the spring limit column 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the walking part is a strong magnetic wheel 2 , and there are four strong magnetic wheels 2 . The four strong magnetic wheels 2 are rotatably arranged at the lower end of the stabilizer base 8 and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the stabilizer base 8 .

[0044] The strong magnetic wheel 2 is made of high temperature resistant magnets.

[0045] Specifically, in order to prevent the demagnetization phenomenon, the strong magnetic wheel is provided with a high temperature resistant magnet material, which can be used at a high temperature below 350°C.

[0046] In other embodiments, for products under test with a temperature greater than 350° C. or stainless steel products, the walking part is replaced with non-magnetic stainless steel wheels in this embodiment. In this case, the wheels only serve as a support.

[0047] The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer provided in this embodiment further includes a coupling agent 9, which is adhered to the coupling surface of the probe 5; wherein the measuring surface of the object to be measured 1 and the probe 5 are adhered to each other through the coupling agent 9.

[0048] In this embodiment, two openings are radially symmetrically provided at one end of the stabilizer cylinder 3 close to the stabilizer base 8 , and the spring limiting column 4 is located in the opening and extends to the outside of the stabilizer cylinder 3 .

[0049] In the piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer provided in this embodiment, for measuring the thickness of ferromagnetic objects, the stabilizer base 8 is firmly fixed to the ferromagnetic object 1 to be measured via the strong magnetic wheel 2 (for non-ferromagnetic materials, the strong magnetic wheel 2 only serves as a support), and the probe 5 is maintained perpendicular to the surface of the object 1 to be measured.

[0050] In this embodiment, an external thread is provided at one end of the stabilizer cylinder 3 away from the stabilizer base 8, and the external thread is threadedly engaged with the elastic force adjustment nut 6; by adjusting the relative position of the elastic force adjustment nut 6, the distance between the elastic force adjustment nut 6 and the spring limit column 4 in the unmeasured state can be changed, and the initial state length D0 of the spring can be changed, thereby changing the initial elastic force of the spring 7.

[0051] When not measuring, under the action of the initial elastic force of the spring 7, the head of the probe 5 is pushed out of the cylinder 3 of the stabilizer, and its extended length is longer than that during measurement, that is, the spring compression length E.

[0052] During measurement, when the head of the probe 5 contacts the object to be measured 1, the strong magnetic wheel 2 firmly adsorbs the stabilizer base 8 of the stabilizer on the object to be measured 1, so that the front and rear strong magnetic wheels 2 and the head of the probe 5 are kept in a straight line or a concave arc (relative to the circumferential direction of the detection pipeline). At this time, the elastic force of the spring 7 is less than the suction force of the strong magnetic wheel 2, so the probe 5 cannot lift up the stabilizer base 8 of the stabilizer. On the contrary, the object to be measured 1 can only press the probe 5 into the stabilizer cylinder 3 of the stabilizer.

[0053] Since the spring limit column 4 is fixed on the probe 5 as a whole, as the probe 5 moves toward the inside of the stabilizer cylinder 3, the spring limit column 4 compresses the spring 7 to generate a larger elastic force, and this elastic force is applied to the probe 5 to form an outward pushing force, which is the coupling force applied to the probe 5.

[0054] During the measurement process, the tester does not apply any other force to the probe 5 except for the external thrust of the spring 7. After adjusting the position of the elastic force adjustment nut 6, the spring compression length E (i.e., the initial spring length D0 minus the compressed spring length D1) is a relatively fixed value, so the external thrust force is also a relatively fixed value.

[0055] During each measurement, the depth S to which the probe 5 is pressed into the stabilizer cylinder 3 is also a relatively constant value, namely, the probe stroke L (taking into account that the contact surface between the probe 5 and the measured object 1 and the strong magnetic wheel 2 are not necessarily always on the same plane). That is, a relatively constant and stable (no shaking) force generated by the spring 7 is applied to the probe 5, thereby enabling the thickness measurement value to be obtained quickly and accurately.

[0056] In this embodiment, the spring limit column 4 has three functions: 1) applying the elastic force of the spring 7 to the probe 5; 2) preventing the probe 5 from being pushed out of the stabilizer cylinder 3 by the spring 7; 3) limiting the telescopic range of the probe 5 (because the spring limit column 4 is located in the opening).

[0057] The principles for adjusting the elastic force of the spring 7 are as follows: 1) During measurement, the elastic force of the spring 7 cannot lift the stabilizer base 8 and separate it from the object 1 to be measured, that is, it cannot be greater than the suction force between all the strong magnetic wheels 2 of the stabilizer and the object 1 to be measured; 2) Under the condition of meeting the above 1), provide appropriate coupling force to the probe 5.

[0058] In other embodiments, when measuring non-ferromagnetic objects such as stainless steel, the strong magnetic wheel 2 cannot be attracted to the object 1, and the stabilizer base 8 cannot be fixed to the object 1. In this case, an external thrust F is required to be applied to the stabilizer cylinder 3 or the elastic adjustment nut 6. In this case, the strong magnetic wheel 2 only serves as support, and the external thrust F (the external thrust F should be greater than the pressure F1 after the compression spring is compressed) maintains stable contact between the stabilizer and the object 1. The probe 5 will also receive a constant coupling force, thus achieving the same measurement effect as on magnetic objects.

[0059] In other embodiments, under high-temperature conditions, when the temperature of the measured object exceeds the applicable temperature of the strong magnetic wheel 2, the applicable temperature of the strong magnetic wheel 2 of the present stabilizer is below 350 degrees Celsius. When this temperature is exceeded, the strong magnetic wheel 2 will demagnetize. In this case, to avoid the strong magnetic wheel 2 being scrapped due to demagnetization, the strong magnetic wheel 2 is simply replaced with a stainless steel wheel. Since the stainless steel wheel cannot be adsorbed to the measured object, this situation is similar to the aforementioned measurement of non-ferromagnetic materials such as stainless steel, and an external thrust F is also required to be applied to the stabilizer cylinder 3 or the elastic adjustment nut 6 (the external thrust F should be greater than the pressure F1 after the compression spring is compressed). Similarly, the thickness measurement value can be quickly and accurately obtained.

[0060] In other embodiments, the strong magnetic wheel 2 can also be used to make the probe slide on the object to be inspected. As long as the matching ultrasonic thickness gauge or flaw detector has a scanning function, ultrasonic scanning corrosion detection can be achieved.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] This embodiment is a piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method, using the piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer provided in Example 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0063] The probe 5 is fixed on the object 1 through the strong magnetic wheel 2, and the probe 5 is kept perpendicular to the surface of the object 1;

[0064] Adjust the spring 7 by the elastic force adjustment nut 6 to apply a vertical constant pressure to the probe 5;

[0065] A coupling agent 9 is applied to the surface of the object to be measured 1 , and the coupling agent 9 is in contact with the coupling surface of the probe 5 , so that the probe 5 can achieve stable measurement under the action of the coupling agent 9 .

[0066] In this embodiment, the compression length of the spring 7 is adjusted by the elastic force adjusting nut 6 .

[0067] In other embodiments, for non-ferromagnetic materials, the strong magnetic wheel 2 plays a supporting role.

[0068] In other embodiments, the strong magnetic wheel 2 is used to make the probe 5 slide on the object to be inspected, thereby realizing ultrasonic scanning corrosion detection.

[0069] The working principle of the present invention is as follows: The stabilizer is firmly fixed to the ferromagnetic object 1 to be measured (for non-ferromagnetic materials, the strong magnetic wheel 2 serves as a support), and the probe 5 is maintained perpendicular to the surface to be measured. The stabilizer's internal spring 7 applies a constant downward pressure to the probe 5, thereby achieving stable and good coupling with the coupling agent 9, resulting in accurate, stable, and repeatable thickness measurements. The applied pressure can be adjusted using the elastic adjustment nut 6. Furthermore, the magnetic wheel (strong magnetic wheel 2) allows the probe 5 to slide on the object to be tested, thus achieving ultrasonic scanning corrosion detection.

[0070] It can be seen from the above technical solution that compared with the existing technology, the piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer and coupling stabilization method provided by the present invention can save a lot of time and improve inspection efficiency compared with the traditional detection method of coupling the probe.

[0071] Especially when the present invention is used in a high temperature environment, the inspection work of one inspection point can be completed in 3-5 seconds, which greatly reduces the labor intensity of the inspection personnel and improves the working environment of the inspection personnel.

[0072] The above fully describes the technical solution of the present invention. It should be noted that the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above description. All technical solutions formed by ordinary technicians in this field using equivalent or equivalent transformations in structure, method or function based on the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer, characterized in that: include: stabilizer base (8); A walking portion provided at the lower end of the stabilizer base (8); A hollow stabilizer cylinder (3), wherein the stabilizer cylinder (3) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the stabilizer base (8); A probe (5) is located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder (3), wherein the first end of the probe (5) passes through the stabilizer base (8) to fit the measuring surface of the object (1) to be measured; a spring limiting column (4) is provided near the end of the first end of the probe (5); An elastic force adjustment nut (6), the elastic force adjustment nut (6) being connected to an end of the stabilizer cylinder (3) away from the stabilizer base (8) in an adjustable manner; A spring (7), the spring (7) being located in the hollow cavity of the stabilizer cylinder (3) and being sleeved on the outside of the probe (5); one end of the spring (7) being in contact with the elastic force adjustment nut (6), and the other end being in contact with the spring limiting column (4); Wherein, two openings are radially symmetrically provided at one end of the stabilizer cylinder (3) close to the stabilizer base (8), and the spring limiting column (4) is located in the opening and extends to the outside of the stabilizer cylinder (3).

2. The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The walking part is a strong magnetic wheel (2), and there are four strong magnetic wheels (2). The four strong magnetic wheels (2) are rotatably arranged at the lower end of the stabilizer base (8) and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the stabilizer base (8).

3. The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a coupling agent (9), which is attached to the coupling surface of the probe (5); wherein the measuring surface of the object to be measured (1) and the probe (5) are attached via the coupling agent (9).

4. A piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method, characterized in that: Using the piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilizer according to claim 2, the method comprises the following steps: The probe (5) is fixed on the object to be measured (1) via a strong magnetic wheel (2), and the probe (5) is kept perpendicular to the surface of the object to be measured (1); The spring (7) is adjusted by the elastic force adjustment nut (6) to apply a vertical constant pressure to the probe (5); A coupling agent (9) is applied to the surface of the object to be measured (1), and the coupling agent (9) is fitted with the coupling surface of the probe (5), so that the probe (5) can achieve stable measurement under the action of the coupling agent (9).

5. The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The compression length of the spring (7) is adjusted by the elastic force adjustment nut (6).

6. The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method according to claim 4, characterized in that: For non-ferromagnetic materials, the strong magnetic wheel (2) plays a supporting role.

7. The piezoelectric ultrasonic thickness gauge probe coupling stabilization method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: The strong magnetic wheel (2) enables the probe (5) to slide on the object to be inspected, thereby realizing ultrasonic scanning corrosion detection.

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