An ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of engineering testing technology, specifically to an ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes. The device includes a pipe to be tested, with multiple steel strips evenly distributed on the outer side of the pipe. Each steel strip has a hanging ring fixed to both sides. A first connecting strip is positioned between two steel strips, with hooks at both ends. A testing device is also located at the upper end of the pipe. An elastic hanging rope is threaded through the testing device, with hooks at both ends. The hooks of the elastic hanging rope hook onto the hanging ring on the side of any of the steel strips. By incorporating steel strips, connecting strips, rubber blocks, and an elastic hanging rope, this invention allows the device to be applied to different pipe diameters. Furthermore, by including a positioning protection ring and connecting strip, and filling the positioning protection ring with a coupling agent, the ultrasonic transmission efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of engineering testing technology, and specifically to an ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes. Background Technology

[0002] In engineering inspections, ultrasonic metal detectors are commonly used to inspect metal pipes. These detectors utilize the propagation characteristics of ultrasound waves in different media for detection and imaging. The probe contains one or more transmitting and receiving elements. The transmitting element converts electrical energy into mechanical vibrations, generating ultrasonic pulses. These pulses are generated in a piezoelectric element or quartz crystal within the probe and propagate into the object being inspected through the probe's coupling agent. When the ultrasound waves encounter the boundary between different media, such as the boundary between tissues or organs, sound waves are reflected, refracted, and scattered. Some of the ultrasound waves return to the receiving element on the probe. The receiving element converts the ultrasound waves into electrical signals, which are then amplified and filtered before being transmitted to ultrasonic equipment for processing and display.

[0003] Ultrasonic metal detectors are generally used to inspect metal pipes for thickness, cracks, inclusions, porosity, etc. Before installation, it is necessary to understand the pipe parameters in detail, including pipe material, wall thickness, pipe diameter, fluid type, and fluid temperature. This information is crucial for selecting the installation location.

[0004] When selecting an installation location, the following points should be noted: First, avoid interference sources. The location should be kept away from strong magnetic fields and vibration sources such as water pumps, high-power radios, and frequency converters to ensure the stability and accuracy of the ultrasonic signal. Second, ensure sufficient straight pipe length. The upstream straight pipe section should be greater than 10D (D is the pipe diameter), and the downstream section should be greater than 5D to ensure the stability of fluid flow and reduce the impact of eddies and turbulence on measurement accuracy. Third, avoid air bubbles and sediment. On horizontal pipes, the probe should generally be installed in the middle of the pipe to avoid air bubbles that may be present at the top and sediment that may be present at the bottom.

[0005] In summary, ultrasonic metal detectors are limited by the installation environment. Currently, ultrasonic metal detectors are generally installed by vertically clamping them onto the pipe using independent clamps, which is not suitable for clamping pipes of different diameters. Furthermore, in actual working conditions, due to the need to avoid air bubbles that may be present at the top of the pipe and sediment that may be present at the bottom when installing upwards, as well as the reality of obstacles near the installation point, ultrasonic metal detectors often need to be installed at an angle relative to the pipe.

[0006] Therefore, the mounting clamps of ultrasonic metal detectors need to be adjusted according to the pipe diameter to ensure that they can be stably clamped onto the pipe at any installation angle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the problems raised in the background art, the present invention provides an ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes, which will be further described below.

[0008] An ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes includes a pipe to be tested, with multiple steel strips evenly distributed on the outside of the pipe. Each steel strip has a hanging ring fixed on both sides. A first connecting strip is provided between two steel strips, and hooks are provided at both ends of the first connecting strip. A testing device is also provided at the upper end of the pipe. An elastic hanging rope is inserted through the testing device, and hooks are provided at both ends of the elastic hanging rope. The hooks of the elastic hanging rope hook onto the hanging rings on the side of any of the steel strips.

[0009] Preferably, the detection device includes a mounting box with support rods at each of the four corners of the bottom of the mounting box; the support rods abut against the outer wall of the pipe; a cylinder is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the mounting box by a fixing frame, the output end of the cylinder passes through the upper end of the mounting box and is clearance-fitted with the upper end of the mounting box; a sleeve is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder, and elastic hanging ropes are fixedly connected to both ends of the sleeve; an ultrasonic detector is built into the mounting box, and the probe of the ultrasonic detector extends to the outside of the bottom of the mounting box, facing the pipe;

[0010] Preferably, the steel strip has a rubber block on at least one side facing the pipe wall, and the rubber block has a plurality of anti-slip protrusions on the side that contacts the pipe wall.

[0011] Preferably, first guide wheels are provided on both sides of the mounting box via support frames;

[0012] Preferably, two L-shaped support plates are provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve, and mounting plates are also provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve. The mounting plates have sliding grooves on their inner sides, and the long ends of the L-shaped support plates are slidably connected to the sliding grooves. The length of the long end of the L-shaped support plate is greater than the sum of the diameters of the two elastic hanging ropes.

[0013] Preferably, a second guide wheel is also provided at the bottom of the mounting plates on both sides;

[0014] Preferably, circular mounting cylinders are provided on both sides inside the mounting box. Each circular mounting cylinder has lugs on both sides and is fixed to the bottom of the mounting box by bolts. A spring is provided inside the circular mounting cylinder. The support rod passes through the bottom of the mounting box and is clearance-fitted with the bottom of the mounting box. A stop plate is provided at the upper end of the support rod. The stop plate is located inside the circular mounting cylinder and is slidably connected inside the circular mounting cylinder. One end of the spring abuts against the upper end of the circular mounting cylinder, and the other end abuts against the stop plate.

[0015] Preferably, a positioning protection ring is provided below the probe, and the positioning protection ring is connected to the support rod through a second connecting band, and the positioning protection ring is located directly below the probe; the second connecting band is elastic, and the positioning protection ring is positioned at the center of the rectangle formed by the four support rods through the connection of the second connecting band;

[0016] Preferably, a rotatable roller is provided at the lower end of the support rod;

[0017] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by setting steel belts and connecting belts, rubber blocks and elastic hanging ropes, makes the device applicable to different pipe diameters, and by setting positioning protection rings and connecting belts, and filling the positioning protection rings with coupling agent, the ultrasonic transmission efficiency can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 : Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B of this invention;

[0020] Figure 3 : Enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point A of this invention;

[0021] Figure 4 : Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point C in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 : A top enlarged view of the storage frame of this invention;

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Pipeline; 2. Steel strip; 3. Hanging ring; 4. First connecting strip; 5. Detection device; 6. Elastic hanging rope; 7. Rubber block; 8. Mounting box; 9. Cylinder; 10. Sleeve; 11. Ultrasonic detector; 12. Probe; 13. First guide wheel; 14. Support rod; 15. Circular mounting cylinder; 16. Lug; 17. Spring; 18. Stop plate; 19. Positioning protection ring; 20. Second connecting strip; 10. Mounting plate; 11. Second guide wheel; 12. L-shaped support plate; 13. L-shaped support plate; 14. L-shaped support plate; 15. L-shaped support plate; 16. L-shaped support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Next, we will combine the appendix Figure 1-5 A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0025] An ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes, as shown in the attached document. Figure 1-2As shown, the system includes a pipe 1 to be inspected (hereinafter referred to as "pipe"). Multiple steel strips 2 are evenly distributed on the outer side of the pipe 1. Hanging rings 3 are fixed to both sides of each steel strip 2. A first connecting strip 4 is provided between two steel strips 2, with hooks at both ends. The steel strips 2 are hooked into the hanging rings 3 via the hooks at both ends of the first connecting strip 4, allowing them to be wrapped and fixed around the outer side of the pipe 1. A detection device 5 is also provided at the upper end of the pipe 1. An elastic hanging rope 6 passes through the detection device 5, with hooks at both ends. The hooks of the elastic hanging rope 6 hook onto the hanging rings 3 on the side of any of the steel strips 2. The number of steel strips 2 wrapped around the pipe is selected according to the pipe diameter.

[0026] The detection device 5 is used to emit ultrasonic waves to detect thickness, cracks, slag inclusions, porosity, etc., in the pipeline. It should be noted that the number of steel strips 2 and first connecting strips 4 is sufficient; that is, for pipelines of any diameter, an appropriate number of steel strips and connecting strips can be selected. In this invention, by setting the first connecting strips 4 between multiple steel strips 2 that lack tensile elasticity, the length of each individual steel strip 2 and first connecting strip 4 can be minimized, thereby allowing them to fit as closely as possible to the pipeline.

[0027] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the steel strip 2 has a rubber block 7 on at least one side facing the pipe wall. After the steel strip 2 is wrapped around the pipe, the rubber block 7 is pressed tightly against the outer wall of the pipe under the contraction force of the elastic hanging rope 6. The compression between the rubber block 7 and the pipe wall creates a great frictional force between the rubber block and the outer wall of the pipe. Preferably, the rubber block 7 has multiple anti-slip protrusions on the side that contacts the pipe wall, that is, the contact surface between the rubber block 7 and the pipe wall is a rough surface, which is intended to enhance the frictional force between the rubber block 7 and the pipe wall, so that the detection device can be installed more firmly.

[0028] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the detection device 5 includes a mounting box 501, with support rods 507 at each of the four corners of the bottom of the mounting box 501. The support rods 507 abut against the outer wall of the pipe 1. A cylinder 502 is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the mounting box 501 by a fixing frame. The output end of the cylinder 502 passes through the upper end of the mounting box 501 and is clearance-fitted with the upper end of the mounting box 501. A sleeve 503 is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder 502. The elastic hanging rope 6 is fixedly connected to both ends of the sleeve 503. That is, the elastic hanging rope 6 inside the mounting box 501 is divided into two ends and fixedly connected to both ends of the sleeve 503. Furthermore, first guide wheels 506 are provided on both sides of the mounting box 501 by a support frame. The setting of the first guide wheels 506 can make the elastic hanging rope 6 stretch or loosen more smoothly.

[0029] With the above settings, it can be ensured that the elastic ropes 6 at both ends are at the same level and the same height, so that when the elastic ropes 6 are not at the same level and different heights during the upward process, torque will be generated between the elastic ropes 6 on both sides, which will prevent the installation box 501 from being placed vertically on the outside of the pipe 1.

[0030] That is, by activating the cylinder 502, the output end of the cylinder 502 is driven to rise, which in turn drives the sleeve 503 to rise, pulling the steel belts 2 on both sides and causing the elastic hanging ropes 6 to deform. The tension generated by the symmetrical elastic hanging ropes 6 on both sides causes the support rod 507 to contact the pipe surface. At the same time, the generated elastic force causes the steel belts 2 and the rubber blocks 7 to be tightly wrapped around the pipe. The friction generated by the extrusion of the rubber blocks 7 and the pipe wall overcomes the weight of the entire device when it is installed at an incline and stabilizes it on the pipe.

[0031] However, in order to ensure that the sleeve 503 rises vertically and prevent the sleeve 503 from not being on the same vertical plane as the output end of the cylinder 502 during the rising process, which would cause torque to be generated at the output end of the cylinder 502 and may even cause the output end to break in severe cases, the applicant has adopted the following solution: two L-shaped support plates 516 are provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve 503, and mounting plates 514 are also provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve 503. The mounting plates 514 have a sliding groove on the inner side, and the long end of the L-shaped support plate 516 is slidably connected to the sliding groove. Through the above measures, the sleeve 503 can rise vertically. Of course, it should be noted that since elastic hanging ropes 6 are fixed at both ends of the sleeve 503, during the rising process of the sleeve 503, it is necessary to ensure that the elastic hanging ropes 6 smoothly enter between the two mounting plates 514, that is, the length of the long end of the L-shaped support plate 516 is greater than the sum of the diameters of the two elastic hanging ropes 6.

[0032] In this embodiment, a second guide wheel 515 is also provided at the bottom of the mounting plates 514 on both sides. The second guide wheel 515 can make the elastic hanging rope 6 stretch or loosen more smoothly.

[0033] The mounting box 501 contains an ultrasonic detector 504, and the probe 505 of the ultrasonic detector 504 extends to the outside of the bottom of the mounting box 501, facing the pipe.

[0034] When air exists between the probe and the device being tested, it can affect the transmission of ultrasonic signals, leading to deviations in the test results. Therefore, sufficient coupling agent needs to be applied between the center of the probe and the pipe wall to eliminate interference factors such as air bubbles and grit, ensuring smooth propagation of the ultrasonic signal. Prior to this, rust, paint, and other imperfections on the pipe surface must be cleaned, typically using an angle grinder to achieve a smooth, bright surface free of pits, ensuring good contact between the probe and the pipe.

[0035] Coupling agent is typically a transparent or white viscous liquid with good wetting and sound transmission properties. Before applying the coupling agent, wipe the probe tip and tube wall surface with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove dirt, grease, oxides, and other impurities. This helps ensure that the coupling agent adheres evenly between the probe and the tube wall. Generally, the coupling agent needs to cover the probe. The amount of coupling agent can be increased appropriately. Use your fingers, cotton swabs, or a dedicated application tool (such as a scraper) to evenly apply the coupling agent to the radiating surface of the probe, ensuring full contact between the coupling agent and the probe surface. Simultaneously, apply a thin layer of coupling agent to the tube wall surface to fill any tiny gaps between the probe and the tube wall.

[0036] Based on experience, the coupling agent should be applied to a thickness of approximately 1 mm to form a protective layer directly between the probe and the pipe wall, ensuring that the ultrasonic signal can be transmitted stably and uniformly into the pipe wall. However, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic testing device is adapted to pipes of different diameters. After the four support rods 507 contact the outer wall of the pipe, the distance between the exposed probe 506 of the ultrasonic testing instrument 505 and the outer wall of the pipe needs to be adjustable. This embodiment achieves this by controlling the length of the exposed mounting box 501 of the four support rods 507.

[0037] As attached Figure 4 As shown, circular mounting cylinders 508 are provided on both sides inside the mounting box 501. Each circular mounting cylinder 508 has lugs 509 on both sides, and is fixed to the bottom of the mounting box 501 by bolts. A spring 510 is provided inside the circular mounting cylinder 508. A support rod 507 passes through the bottom of the mounting box 501 and is clearance-fitted with the bottom of the mounting box 501. A stop plate 511 is provided at the upper end of the support rod 507. The stop plate 511 is located inside the circular mounting cylinder 508 and is slidably connected inside the circular mounting cylinder 508. One end of the spring 510 abuts against the upper end of the circular mounting cylinder 508, and the other end abuts against the stop plate 511.

[0038] As attached Figure 3As shown, during installation, the cylinder rises and gradually tightens the elastic rope 6. After the support rod 507 contacts the pipe surface, the elastic force of the elastic rope 6, in conjunction with the support rod 507, compresses the spring 510, thereby causing the probe 505 to gradually approach the outer wall of the pipe. It should be noted that the probe of the ultrasonic testing instrument is typically in contact with the outer wall of the pipe to ensure that ultrasonic waves can be effectively transmitted into the pipe for detection. However, this contact is not achieved by applying significant pressure, but rather by ensuring good acoustic contact through a suitable coupling agent. The elastic force generated by the elastic rope 6 is sufficient to overcome the gravitational component when the entire device is tilted, which will also cause the probe 505 to interact with the outer wall of the pipe, potentially damaging the probe 505 and compressing the coupling agent coating between the probe and the pipe wall, making it impossible to maintain a coupling agent coating thickness of approximately 1 mm.

[0039] Based on this, as attached Figure 5 As shown, a positioning protection ring 512 is provided below the probe 505. The positioning protection ring 512 is connected to the support rod 507 through a second connecting band 513, and the positioning protection ring 512 is located directly below the probe (the projection point of the probe on the outer wall of the pipe).

[0040] The second connecting band 513 is elastic, and the positioning protection ring 512 is positioned at the center of the rectangle formed by the four support rods 507 through the connection of the second connecting band 513. This is intended to ensure that, regardless of the pipe diameter, as the probe 505 descends, it gradually extends into the positioning protection ring 512. Because the positioning protection ring 512 itself has a certain thickness, when the ultrasonic detector 504 contacts the positioning protection ring 512, it is blocked and stops descending. At this time, the probe 506 is embedded within the positioning protection ring 512 and does not directly contact the outer wall of the pipe, thus protecting the probe.

[0041] By controlling the thickness of the positioning protection ring 512, the distance between the installed probe and the outer wall of the pipe can be kept to approximately 1 mm. This 1 mm gap is used to form the coupling agent coating. During the application of the coupling agent, air bubbles should be avoided as much as possible, as they can interfere with the transmission of ultrasonic signals and reduce measurement accuracy.

[0042] In this embodiment, the positioning protection ring 512 contacts the outer wall of the pipe, and a cavity is formed between the positioning protection ring 512 and the outer wall of the pipe. Based on this, when applying the coupling agent, a sufficient amount of coupling agent can be placed in this cavity. When the probe 505 is gradually inserted into the positioning protection ring 512, the coupling agent is squeezed downwards, thereby eliminating the air inside the coupling agent and improving the accuracy of signal transmission.

[0043] This invention is applicable to pipes of different diameters. When selecting inspection points, the problems described in the background art need to be considered. During installation, continuous local position adjustments are also required after the inspection points are determined. During this process, the contact point of the support rod 507 with the outer wall of the pipe moves continuously. Therefore, a rotatable roller is provided at the lower end of the support rod 507 to reduce friction between the support rod 507 and the outer wall of the pipe, preventing scratches.

[0044] When using this device, first select a suitable installation location, clean the rust, paint, etc. from the pipe surface, and generally use an angle grinder to polish it until it is bright, smooth, and free of pits to ensure good contact between the probe and the pipe. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the front end of the probe and the pipe wall surface; fill the positioning protection ring with coupling agent.

[0045] Select an appropriate amount of steel strip, connecting strip, and rubber block. Wrap the pipe to be tested sequentially with the hook and the first hanging ring, and then hook the hook of the elastic hanging rope onto the hanging ring at the end of the steel strip.

[0046] The cylinder is activated, causing the output end of the cylinder to rise, which in turn causes the sleeve to rise, pulling the steel belts on both sides and causing the elastic ropes to deform. The tension generated by the symmetrical elastic ropes on both sides causes the support rod to contact the pipe surface. At the same time, the generated elastic force causes the steel belt and rubber block to be tightly wrapped around the pipe. The friction generated by the extrusion of the rubber block and the pipe wall overcomes the weight of the entire device when it is installed at an incline and stabilizes it on the pipe.

[0047] As the cylinder's output end rises, the elastic rope is gradually tightened. After the support rod contacts the pipe surface, the elastic force of the rope, in conjunction with the support rod, compresses the spring, thereby causing the probe to gradually approach the outer wall of the pipe.

[0048] At this point, the front end of the ultrasonic detector probe is coated with coupling agent, and the distance between the probe and the outer wall of the pipe is about 1mm. Then, the ultrasonic detector is started to detect the thickness, cracks, slag inclusions, pores, etc. of the pipe.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the present invention, by setting steel belts and connecting belts, rubber blocks and elastic hanging ropes, makes the device applicable to different pipe diameters, and by setting positioning protection rings and connecting belts, and filling the positioning protection rings with coupling agent, the ultrasonic transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes, characterized in that: The device includes a pipe (1) to be inspected, a plurality of steel strips (2) are evenly arranged on the outside of the pipe (1), and hanging rings (3) are fixed on both sides of the steel strips (2). A first connecting strip (4) is provided between two steel strips (2), and hooks are provided at both ends of the first connecting strip (4). A detection device (5) is also provided at the upper end of the pipe (1). An elastic hanging rope (6) is inserted through the detection device (5). Hooks are provided at both ends of the elastic hanging rope (6). The hooks of the elastic hanging rope (6) hook onto the hanging ring (3) on the side of any of the steel strips (2). The detection device (5) includes a mounting box (501), and support rods (507) are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the mounting box (501). The support rods (507) abut against the outer wall of the pipe (1). A cylinder (502) is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the mounting box (501) by a fixing frame. The output end of the cylinder (502) passes through the upper end of the mounting box (501) and is clearance-fitted with the upper end of the mounting box (501). A sleeve (503) is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder (502). The elastic hanging rope (6) is fixedly connected to both ends of the sleeve (503). An ultrasonic detector (504) is built into the mounting box (501). The probe (505) of the ultrasonic detector (504) extends to the outside of the bottom of the mounting box (501) and faces the pipe. The steel strip (2) has a rubber block (7) on at least one side facing the pipe wall, and the rubber block (7) has a plurality of anti-slip protrusions on the side that contacts the pipe wall; Two L-shaped support plates (516) are provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve (503), and mounting plates (514) are also provided on both sides of the upper end of the sleeve (503). The mounting plate (514) has a sliding groove on its inner side, and the long end of the L-shaped support plate (516) is slidably connected to the sliding groove. The length of the long end of the L-shaped support plate (516) is greater than the sum of the diameters of the two elastic hanging ropes (6). A positioning protection ring (512) is provided below the probe (505). The positioning protection ring (512) is connected to the support rod (507) through a second connecting band (513), and the positioning protection ring (512) is located directly below the probe. The second connecting band (513) is elastic, and the positioning protection ring (512) is positioned at the center of the rectangle formed by the four support rods (507) through the connection of the second connecting band (513).

2. The ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: First guide wheels (506) are provided on both sides of the mounting box (501) via support frames.

3. The ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second guide wheel (515) is also provided at the bottom of the mounting plates (514) on both sides.

4. The ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes according to claim 3, characterized in that: A circular mounting cylinder (508) is provided on both sides inside the mounting box (501). The circular mounting cylinder (508) is provided with lugs (509) on both sides and is fixed to the bottom of the mounting box (501) by bolts. A spring (510) is provided inside the circular mounting cylinder (508). The support rod (507) passes through the bottom of the mounting box (501) and is clearance-fitted with the bottom of the mounting box (501). A stop plate (511) is provided at the upper end of the support rod (507). The stop plate (511) is located inside the circular mounting cylinder (508) and is slidably connected inside the circular mounting cylinder (508). One end of the spring (510) abuts against the upper end of the circular mounting cylinder (508), and the other end abuts against the stop plate (511).

5. The ultrasonic testing device for large-diameter pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rotatable roller is provided at the lower end of the support rod (507).

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