A pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device and detection method

Abstract

The present invention provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device and detection method. The device includes a coupling capsule ring and a capsule ring base. The coupling capsule ring includes an outer ring membrane, an inner ring membrane, and two flexible ring edges. The two flexible ring edges are respectively arranged on both sides of the capsule ring and are bonded and integrated with the capsule ring membranes on both sides to support and protect the two sides of the capsule ring. A coupling agent is filled in the coupling capsule ring. The two capsule ring bases are arranged on the capsule membranes on both sides of the detection probe and are firmly bonded thereto. The base is also fixedly connected to the detector to ensure that the connection between the capsule ring and the detector is firmly fitted. The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the capsule ring is arranged between the detection probe and the wall of the pipeline to be detected and is fixed to the detector through the capsule ring base. The capsule ring is filled with coupling agent, so that the capsule ring fits and fills the gap between the detection probe and the wall of the pipeline to be detected, forming a medium for efficient transmission of ultrasonic waves between the probe and the material to be detected, and protecting the detection probe and the pipeline to be detected from wear and scratches, thereby solving the problem of pipeline detection coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic detection equipment, and in particular to a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device and a detection method. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic testing technology is widely used to detect internal defects in various materials, including metals and non-metals. The principle of ultrasonic testing is as follows: ultrasonic waves are generated by an acoustic wave generator (typically a piezoelectric crystal) within the detection probe and directed into the material being tested. Upon encountering a heterogeneous interface or defect, the ultrasonic waves are reflected or refracted. The resulting reflected or refracted waves are received by the sensor within the detection probe and analyzed to identify and detect the heterogeneous area or defect within the material being tested. During this testing process, if there is gas between the detection probe and the material being tested, the ultrasonic waves often cannot be effectively transmitted between the probe and the material being tested. To improve this transmission link and enhance detection effectiveness, methods such as immersion in liquid or application of coupling agents are commonly used. For example, when conducting external testing on a specific area of ​​a pipeline, spraying coupling agents can be used to ultrasonically couple the detection probe to the test area to prevent significant attenuation of the ultrasonic wave transmission caused by the gap between the probe and the test area. However, the application of these ultrasonic inspection methods is limited in certain applications where invasive methods or the application of coupling agents are not feasible. For example, when conducting in-pipeline inspections, spraying coupling agent is no longer suitable when the pipe length exceeds a certain limit. Furthermore, direct contact with the pipe wall as the pipe detector slides within the pipe can cause wear on both the probe and the pipe wall, something that is often desirable to avoid. Therefore, addressing the coupling issues between the probe (or probe belt) and the pipe wall, as well as the associated wear protection, is key to achieving ultrasonic in-pipeline inspections. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, in order to solve the coupling problem between the detection probe of an ultrasonic detector in a pipeline and the inner wall surface of the pipeline, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device and a detection method.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device, comprising:

[0005] A coupling capsule ring, comprising an outer ring membrane, an inner ring membrane, two flexible ring edges and two capsule ring bases, wherein the outer ring membrane is the outer ring portion of the coupling capsule ring, the inner ring membrane is the inner ring portion of the coupling capsule ring, the two flexible ring edges are respectively arranged on both sides of the coupling capsule ring, each flexible ring edge is bonded and integrated with the side ring edge membrane of the coupling capsule ring on the corresponding side, a sealed space is formed inside the coupling capsule ring, the coupling capsule ring is filled with coupling agent, the two capsule ring bases are bonded and fixed to the outer ring membrane or the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring, and the capsule ring base can also be fixedly connected to an ultrasonic detector to prevent the coupling capsule ring and the ultrasonic detector from falling off and shifting;

[0006] When the ultrasonic detector is an internal ultrasonic detector, the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring can be sleeved on the surface of the detection probe of the internal ultrasonic detector, so that the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe and the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected;

[0007] When the ultrasonic detector is an external ultrasonic detector, the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring can be sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline to be tested, so that the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe of the external ultrasonic detector and the outer wall of the pipeline to be tested.

[0008] Furthermore, the total thickness d2 of the coupling capsule ring after the coupling agent is filled matches the required transmittance, so that its transmission effect for the design wavelength λ2 is optimal. After the ultrasonic wave penetrates the organic glass with an acoustic impedance of Z1, the coupling capsule ring with an equivalent acoustic impedance of Z2, and the pipeline to be detected with an acoustic impedance of Z3, the transmittance is:

[0009]

[0010] Furthermore, the outer ring membrane of the capsule ring and the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring are both made of a deformable wear-resistant composite material membrane.

[0011] Furthermore, the acoustic impedance values ​​of the outer ring membrane of the capsule ring and the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring both match the acoustic impedance value of the coupling agent.

[0012] Furthermore, the coupling agent is gel or liquid.

[0013] Furthermore, the detection probes are arranged into a ring-shaped detection probe belt.

[0014] Furthermore, the flexible ring edge is made of flexible rubber or flexible plastic.

[0015] Furthermore, based on the above pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection method, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. Install the coupling capsule ring between the pipeline to be tested and the ultrasonic detector:

[0017] When the ultrasonic detector is an ultrasonic internal detector, the ultrasonic internal detector is spherical or cylindrical, the capsule ring base is mounted on the surface of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane is sleeved on the surface of the detection probe of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring base fixes the coupling capsule ring at a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane is tightly fitted to the surface of the detection probe, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe and the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected;

[0018] When the ultrasonic detector is an ultrasonic external detector, the ultrasonic external detector is annular, the capsule ring base is mounted on the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane can be sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline to be measured, the capsule ring outer ring membrane is fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector, so that the coupling capsule ring is fixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic external detector, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe of the ultrasonic external detector and the outer wall of the pipeline to be measured;

[0019] S2. The coupling capsule ring is driven to move along the pipeline to be tested by moving the ultrasonic detector, and the coupling capsule ring is kept filling the gap between the pipeline to be tested and the ultrasonic detector, thereby achieving ultrasonic coupling between the pipeline to be tested and the detection probe. When the coupling capsule ring passes through a defect, protrusion, or deformation on the inner or outer wall of the pipeline to be tested, the coupling capsule ring can adaptively deform to facilitate the passage of the ultrasonic detector.

[0020] S3. When the ultrasonic detector moves along the pipeline to be tested, the ultrasonic detector performs ultrasonic nondestructive testing to obtain ultrasonic testing data, and determines whether there are defects or damages on the wall of the pipeline to be tested based on the ultrasonic testing data.

[0021] Furthermore, the method further includes S4: acquiring positioning data of the ultrasonic detector during its movement along the pipeline to be tested, and determining the location of the defect or damage on the inner wall of the pipeline to be tested.

[0022] Furthermore, the step S1 further includes: performing a preliminary test on the ultrasonic detector after the coupling capsule ring is installed to determine coupling compensation;

[0023] The step S3 further includes: compensating the ultrasonic detection data according to coupling compensation.

[0024] The beneficial effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0025] The present invention provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device and detection method. A coupling capsule ring is arranged between the detection probe of the ultrasonic detector and the wall of the pipeline to be detected, and is fixed to the ultrasonic detector through a capsule ring base. The coupling capsule ring is filled with a coupling agent, so that the coupling capsule ring fits and fills the gap between the detection probe and the wall of the pipeline to be detected, forming a medium for efficient transmission of ultrasonic waves between the detection probe and the material to be detected, and protecting the detection probe and the pipeline to be detected from wear and scratches, thereby solving the problem of pipeline detection coupling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a stereoscopic diagram of a coupling device for ultrasonic detection of pipelines according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a side view of a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device of the present invention installed on a spherical ultrasonic detector;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the spherical ultrasonic detector after the pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device is installed;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working of a cylindrical ultrasonic detector after installing a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device of the present invention passing through a protrusion or defect in a pipeline to be tested;

[0033] Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a matching curve diagram of the total thickness of the coupling capsule ring after the coupling agent is filled and the transmittance.

[0034] In the figure: 1. Outer ring membrane of the capsule ring; 2. Inner ring membrane of the capsule ring; 3. Flexible ring edge; 4. Coupling agent; 5. Pipeline to be tested; 6. Defect; 7. Protrusion; 8. Ultrasonic detector; 9. Detection probe belt; 10. Capsule ring base; 11. Pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following describes one of the many possible embodiments of the present invention, which is intended to provide a basic understanding of the present invention but is not intended to identify the key or decisive elements of the present invention or to limit the scope of protection.

[0036] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0037] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0038] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in the subsequent drawings. At the same time, it should be understood that for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the circuits, electronic components and modules involved in the present invention are all existing technologies and can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art. Needless to say, the content protected by the present invention does not involve improvements to the internal structure and methods.

[0040] It should be further noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted" and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1-7 An embodiment of the present invention provides a pipeline ultrasonic testing coupling device 11 that can be used in conjunction with an ultrasonic detector 8 to perform ultrasonic testing on the inner wall of a pipeline. The device is particularly suitable for ultrasonic testing the inner wall of a pipeline through which fluid flows. The pipeline ultrasonic testing coupling device 11 primarily includes a coupling ring.

[0042] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, the coupling capsule ring includes an outer ring membrane 1, an inner ring membrane 2, two flexible ring edges 3 and two capsule ring bases 10.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer membrane 1 of the coupling ring is the outer portion of the coupling ring, and the inner membrane 2 is the inner portion of the coupling ring. Both the outer membrane 1 and the inner membrane 2 are deformable and are generally made of a flexible, deformable material, such as a wear-resistant composite material membrane in this embodiment. The outer membrane 1 and the inner membrane 2 provide excellent wear resistance and protection, preventing wear and tear from defects or protrusions on the pipe wall 5 of the test pipe during sliding.

[0044] Two flexible ring edges 3 are provided on either side of the coupling capsule ring, each of which is bonded and integrated with the corresponding side ring edge film of the coupling capsule ring. The flexible ring edges 3 are made of flexible rubber or plastic, exhibiting high flexibility. They are resistant to plastic deformation and firmly secure the coupling capsule ring to the sliding ultrasonic detector 8, preventing it from sliding off the ultrasonic detector 8 during measurement.

[0045] The coupling agent 4 is filled in the sealed space within the coupling capsule ring until no bubbles are present. The coupling agent 4 is typically a gel or liquid with good acoustic wave transmission properties. A certain pressure is maintained within the coupling capsule ring to ensure that the coupling agent 4 always fills the coupling capsule ring.

[0046] The acoustic impedance of the coupling agent 4 matches the material of the ultrasonic detector 8's probe and the pipe being tested, allowing ultrasonic waves to efficiently penetrate the coupling capsule. The coupling agent 4 filled within the coupling capsule effectively transmits ultrasonic waves, enabling pipeline inspection by collecting and analyzing reflected or refracted ultrasonic information.

[0047] In order to meet the requirements of ultrasonic detection transmittance, the total thickness d2 of the coupling capsule ring after the coupling agent 4 is filled matches the required transmittance, so that its transmission effect for the design wavelength λ2 is optimal. After the ultrasonic wave penetrates the organic glass with an acoustic impedance of Z1, the coupling capsule ring with an equivalent acoustic impedance of Z2, and the pipeline to be detected with an acoustic impedance of Z3, the transmittance is:

[0048]

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic frequency is 10 MHz, and the corresponding wavelength λ2 is 192.3 mm. Different total thicknesses d2 correspond to different transmittances. Therefore, the total thickness d2 of the coupling capsule ring after filling the coupling agent 4 can be determined according to the transmittance required for actual application.

[0050] like Figure 5 、 6 As shown in FIG7 , the detection probe of the ultrasonic detector 8 has a ring-shaped detection probe band 9 . In order to ensure the coupling effect of the coupling capsule ring on the detection probe, the coupling capsule ring can cover the detection probe band 9 .

[0051] like Figure 4As shown, the capsule ring base 10 is used to limit the sliding of the coupling capsule ring on the ultrasonic detector 8, so that the coupling capsule ring is fixed on the ultrasonic detector 8, and the position of the coupling capsule ring relative to the ultrasonic detector 8 remains unchanged. The capsule ring base 10 can be configured in various forms. For example, in this embodiment, the capsule ring base 10 is a retaining ring. Two retaining rings are respectively installed on the surface of the ultrasonic detector 8. When the coupling capsule ring is sleeved on the surface of the detection probe, the two retaining rings just block the inner sides of the two flexible ring edges 3, so that the coupling capsule ring is stably fixed.

[0052] And, as Figure 5 、 6 As shown in FIG7 , based on the above pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device 11, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a pipeline ultrasonic detection method, comprising the following steps:

[0053] S1. Install the coupling capsule ring between the pipe to be tested 5 and the ultrasonic detector 8:

[0054] The ultrasonic detector 8 can be an internal ultrasonic detector or an external ultrasonic detector. The internal ultrasonic detector can move inside the pipeline 5 to perform ultrasonic testing on the pipeline 5. The external ultrasonic detector can move around the pipeline 5 to perform ultrasonic testing on the pipeline 5.

[0055] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, when the ultrasonic detector 8 is an ultrasonic internal detector, the ultrasonic internal detector is spherical or cylindrical, the capsule ring base 10 is installed on the surface of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane 2 is sleeved on the surface of the detection probe of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring base 10 fixes the coupling capsule ring at a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane 2 is tightly fitted with the surface of the detection probe, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe and the inner wall of the pipe 5 to be detected;

[0056] It can be understood that when the ultrasonic detector 8 is an ultrasonic external detector, the ultrasonic external detector is ring-shaped, and the capsule ring base 10 is installed on the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector. The capsule ring inner ring membrane 2 can be sleeved on the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 5. The capsule ring outer ring membrane 1 is fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector, so that the coupling capsule ring is fixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic external detector, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe of the ultrasonic external detector and the outer wall of the pipe to be tested 5.

[0057] Taking into account the measurement error, the ultrasonic measuring instrument after the coupling capsule ring is installed can be calibrated before the test to determine the coupling compensation.

[0058] S2, by moving the ultrasonic detector 8 to drive the coupling capsule ring to move along the pipeline to be tested 5, keeping the coupling capsule ring filling the gap between the pipeline to be tested 5 and the ultrasonic detector 8, to achieve ultrasonic coupling between the pipeline to be tested 5 and the detection probe. Figure 7 As shown, when passing through a deformed position such as a defect 6 or a protrusion 7 on the inner wall or outer wall of the pipe 5 to be tested, the coupling capsule ring can undergo adaptive deformation to allow the ultrasonic detector 8 to pass through.

[0059] S3. While the ultrasonic detector 8 is moving along the pipeline 5 to be tested, the ultrasonic detector 8 performs ultrasonic nondestructive testing to obtain ultrasonic test data, and determines whether the wall of the pipeline 5 to be tested has defects 6 or damage based on the ultrasonic test data. Compensating the ultrasonic test data using coupling compensation can obtain more accurate ultrasonic test data, thereby more accurately determining whether the wall of the pipeline 5 to be tested has defects 6 or damage.

[0060] S4. Acquire positioning data of the ultrasonic detector 8 during its movement along the pipeline 5 to be tested, and determine the location of the defect 6 or damage on the inner wall of the pipeline 5 to be tested.

[0061] In this document, directional terms such as front, back, top, and bottom are defined based on the positions of components in the accompanying drawings and relative to each other, and are intended for clarity and convenience in describing the technical solution. It should be understood that these terms are relative and may vary depending on usage and placement. The use of these directional terms should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0062] The above embodiments and features of the embodiments may be combined with each other unless they conflict. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device, characterized by: It comprises a coupling capsule ring, which includes an outer ring membrane, an inner ring membrane, two flexible ring edges and two capsule ring bases. The outer ring membrane is the outer ring part of the coupling capsule ring, and the inner ring membrane is the inner ring part of the coupling capsule ring. The two flexible ring edges are respectively arranged on both sides of the coupling capsule ring. Each flexible ring edge is bonded and integrated with the side ring edge membrane of the coupling capsule ring on the corresponding side. A sealed space is formed inside the coupling capsule ring. The coupling capsule ring is filled with a coupling agent. The two capsule ring bases are bonded and fixed to the outer ring membrane or the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring. The capsule ring base can also be fixedly connected to an ultrasonic detector to prevent the coupling capsule ring and the ultrasonic detector from falling off and shifting. When the ultrasonic detector is an internal ultrasonic detector, the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring can be sleeved on the surface of the detection probe of the internal ultrasonic detector, so that the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe and the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected; When the ultrasonic detector is an external ultrasonic detector, the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring can be sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline to be tested, so that the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe of the external ultrasonic detector and the outer wall of the pipeline to be tested; The total thickness d2 of the coupling capsule ring after the coupling agent is filled matches the required transmittance, so that its transmission effect at the design wavelength λ2 is optimal. After the ultrasonic wave penetrates the organic glass with an acoustic impedance of Z1, the coupling capsule ring with an equivalent acoustic impedance of Z2, and the pipeline to be detected with an acoustic impedance of Z3, the transmittance is: ； The outer ring membrane of the capsule ring and the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring are both made of a deformable wear-resistant composite material membrane; The acoustic impedance values ​​of the outer ring membrane of the capsule ring and the inner ring membrane of the capsule ring both match the acoustic impedance value of the coupling agent.

2. The pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling agent is gel or liquid.

3. The pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection probes are arranged into a ring-shaped detection probe belt.

4. The pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible ring edge is made of flexible rubber or flexible plastic.

5. A pipeline ultrasonic detection method, characterized by: Using a pipeline ultrasonic detection coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and further comprising the following steps: S1. Install the coupling capsule ring between the pipeline to be tested and the ultrasonic detector: When the ultrasonic detector is an ultrasonic internal detector, the ultrasonic internal detector is spherical or cylindrical, the capsule ring base is mounted on the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane is sleeved on the surface of the detection probe of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring base fixes the coupling capsule ring at a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic internal detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane is tightly fitted with the surface of the detection probe, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe and the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected; When the ultrasonic detector is an ultrasonic external detector, the ultrasonic external detector is annular, the capsule ring base is mounted on the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector, the capsule ring inner ring membrane can be sleeved on the outer wall of the pipeline to be measured, the capsule ring outer ring membrane is fitted and fixed to the inner wall of the ultrasonic external detector, so that the coupling capsule ring is fixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the ultrasonic external detector, and the coupling capsule ring fills the gap between the detection probe of the ultrasonic external detector and the outer wall of the pipeline to be measured; S2. The coupling capsule ring is driven to move along the pipeline to be tested by moving the ultrasonic detector, and the coupling capsule ring is kept filling the gap between the pipeline to be tested and the ultrasonic detector, thereby achieving ultrasonic coupling between the pipeline to be tested and the detection probe. When the coupling capsule ring passes through a defect or protrusion on the inner or outer wall of the pipeline to be tested, the coupling capsule ring can adaptively deform to allow the ultrasonic detector to pass smoothly. S3. When the ultrasonic detector moves along the pipeline to be tested, the ultrasonic detector performs ultrasonic nondestructive testing to obtain ultrasonic testing data, and determines whether there are defects or damages on the wall of the pipeline to be tested based on the ultrasonic testing data.

6. A pipeline ultrasonic detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The method further includes S4: acquiring positioning data of the ultrasonic detector during its movement along the pipeline to be tested, and determining the location of the defect or damage on the inner wall of the pipeline to be tested.

7. The pipeline ultrasonic detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step S1 further includes: performing a preliminary test on the ultrasonic detector after the coupling capsule ring is installed to determine coupling compensation; The step S3 further includes: compensating the ultrasonic detection data according to coupling compensation.

Images