Eddy current detection probe

By setting up an inflatable cavity in the shell of the eddy current detection probe, the probe can expand and fit the inner wall of the tube when detecting defects in the tube wall, solving the problem of low detection sensitivity of the existing probes and achieving higher detection accuracy and adaptability.

CN119688825APending Publication Date: 2025-03-25润电能源科学技术有限公司
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510158422.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-13
Publication Date
2025-03-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing eddy current detection probe detects the pipe wall defects of the shell-tube heat exchanger heat transfer pipe, since the pipe opening diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, the probe cannot fit closely with the inner wall of the pipe, resulting in reduced detection sensitivity and signal interference.

Method used

An eddy current detection probe is designed, and an inflatable cavity is provided inside the housing, and the detection coil is enclosed in this cavity, and gas is transported into the cavity through the inflation port, which makes the housing expand and deform and fits to the inner wall of the tube to be tested.

Benefits of technology

Deflate the shell to shrink through the pipe port, and then inflate it in the pipe to expand and fit the pipe wall, effectively improving the detection sensitivity and accuracy and adapting to pipes of different sizes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of nondestructive testing devices, and particularly discloses an eddy current testing probe which comprises a probe assembly, the probe assembly is used for detecting tube wall defects of a heat exchange tube of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and comprises a detection coil and a shell, an inflatable cavity is formed in the shell, and the detection coil is arranged in the inflatable cavity. An inflatable cavity is formed in the shell, the detection coil is packaged in the inflatable cavity, the shell is provided with an inflation port, the inflation port is communicated with the inflatable cavity, and the inflation port is used for conveying gas into the inflatable cavity, so that the shell expands and deforms to be attached to the inner wall of the to-be-detected pipe. According to the arrangement, pipe wall defects are detected based on an eddy current detection technology, when the diameter of a pipe opening of a to-be-detected pipe to be detected is smaller than the diameter of the interior of the pipe, air is deflated through the inflation port so that the shell can contract and smoothly pass through the pipe opening, and the inflatable cavity is inflated through the inflation port after the shell passes through the pipe opening; therefore, the detection sensitivity and the detection accuracy are effectively improved, and the detection device is high in adaptability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of nondestructive testing devices, and in particular to an eddy current testing probe. Background Art

[0002] Shell and tube heat exchanger, also known as shell and tube heat exchanger, is a wall heat exchanger that uses the wall of the tube bundle enclosed in the shell as the heat transfer surface. It is mainly composed of shell, heat transfer tube bundle, tube sheet, baffle (baffle) and tube box. Among them, the shell is mostly cylindrical, and a tube bundle composed of a group of parallel heat transfer tubes is installed inside. The two ends of the tube bundle are fixed on the tube sheet. The two hot and cold fluids for heat exchange, one flows in the tube, called the tube-side fluid, and the other flows outside the tube, called the shell-side fluid. The heat transfer tube operates in a high temperature environment for a long time. Due to corrosion, scouring, vibration and friction, the tube wall will be thinned until it penetrates, causing the media on both sides to mix, the system to be polluted, and even the equipment to stop operating. In order to avoid such situations, eddy current detection technology is currently mainly used to detect heat transfer tubes to timely discover and deal with defects in heat transfer tubes.

[0003] However, in order to prevent erosion and thinning, some existing heat transfer tubes are equipped with inner sleeves at the tube mouths, which causes the tube mouth diameter to be smaller than the tube inner diameter. At this time, the outer diameter of the eddy current probe is smaller than the tube mouth diameter and enters the tube, which is further smaller than the tube inner diameter. This will cause the eddy current probe to be unable to fit tightly with the tube inner wall when moving in the tube and cause it to shake, thereby causing a lift-off signal. At the same time, the large gap between the eddy current probe and the tube inner wall will reduce the induced electromotive force on the surface of the tube inner wall, reduce the detection sensitivity, and interfere with the detection results. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an eddy current detection probe which can effectively improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy of heat transfer tubes of a shell and tube heat exchanger.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] The present invention provides an eddy current detection probe, including a probe assembly, which is used to detect pipe wall defects, and the probe assembly includes a detection coil and a shell, an inflatable cavity is opened inside the shell, the detection coil is encapsulated in the inflatable cavity, the shell is provided with an inflation port, the inflation port is connected to the inflatable cavity, and the inflation port is used to transport gas into the inflatable cavity so that the shell expands and deforms to fit the inner wall of the pipe to be tested.

[0007] As an optimal technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the eddy current detection probe also includes a wiring device, the wiring device includes a conductive wire and a connector, the two ends of the conductive wire are respectively connected to the detection coil and the connector, and the connector is used to connect the eddy current detection instrument.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the wiring device also includes a sleeve, one end of the sleeve is connected to the inflation port, the other end of the sleeve is connected to the connector, and the conductive wire is placed in the sleeve.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the eddy current detection probe also includes a valve core, and the valve core is arranged on the sleeve and connected to the interior of the sleeve.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the valve core is arranged close to the end where the sleeve is connected to the connector.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the sleeve is made of rubber material.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the eddy current detection probe further includes a first sealing ring, and the first sealing ring is arranged between the sleeve and the inflation port.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the eddy current detection probe further includes a second sealing ring, and the second sealing ring is arranged between the sleeve and the connector.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are both made of epoxy resin material.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned eddy current detection probe, the shell is cylindrical.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] The present invention provides an eddy current detection probe, which includes a probe assembly, which is used to detect tube wall defects of heat exchange tubes of a shell and tube heat exchanger, and the probe assembly includes a detection coil and a shell, an inflatable cavity is provided inside the shell, the detection coil is encapsulated in the inflatable cavity, and the shell is provided with an inflation port, the inflation port is connected to the inflatable cavity, and the inflation port is used to transport gas into the inflatable cavity, so that the shell expands and deforms to fit the inner wall of the tube to be tested. In this way, based on the eddy current detection technology to detect tube wall defects, when the diameter of the tube mouth of the tube to be tested is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, first deflate the gas through the inflation port to make the shell shrink and pass through the tube mouth smoothly, and after the shell passes through the tube mouth, the inflation port is used to inflate the inflatable cavity, so that the shell expands and deforms to fit the inner wall of the tube to be tested, effectively improving the detection sensitivity and accuracy, and having strong adaptability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the eddy current detection probe provided by the present invention.

[0019] in:

[0020] 1. Detection coil;

[0021] 2. housing; 21. inflatable cavity;

[0022] 3. Conductive wire; 4. Connector; 5. Sleeve; 6. Valve core. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Among them, the terms "first position" and "second position" are two different positions.

[0025] Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0026] Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first feature being in direct contact with the second feature, or may include the first feature being in contact with the second feature through another feature between them instead of being in direct contact. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an eddy current detection probe, which includes a probe assembly, which is used to detect the wall defects of the heat exchange tube of the shell and tube heat exchanger, and the probe assembly includes a detection coil 1 and a shell 2, an inflatable cavity 21 is opened inside the shell 2, the detection coil 1 is encapsulated in the inflatable cavity 21, and the shell 2 is provided with an inflation port, which is connected to the inflatable cavity 21, and the inflation port is used to transport gas into the inflatable cavity 21, so that the shell 2 expands and deforms to fit the inner wall of the tube to be tested. Further, the shell 2 is made of rubber material. In this way, based on the eddy current detection technology to detect the wall defects of the tube, when the diameter of the tube mouth to be tested is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, the gas is first deflated through the inflation port to make the shell 2 shrink and pass through the tube mouth smoothly. After the shell 2 passes through the tube mouth, the gas is inflated into the inflatable cavity 21 through the inflation port, so that the shell 2 expands and deforms and fits the inner wall of the tube to be tested, effectively improving the detection sensitivity and accuracy, and having strong adaptability. It should be noted that, in order to ensure the detection effect, the difference between the outer diameter of the shell 2 after expansion and deformation and the inner diameter of the tube to be tested needs to be within 0.5 mm.

[0029] In this embodiment, the housing 2 is cylindrical. In this way, the housing 2 is adapted to the shape of the tube to be tested, which can further improve the stability and tightness of the fit between the housing 2 and the inner wall of the tube to be tested, avoid shaking, and effectively improve the sensitivity and accuracy of detection at different positions on the inner wall of the tube.

[0030] Optionally, the eddy current detection probe further includes a wiring device, the wiring device includes a conductive wire 3 and a connector 4, the two ends of the conductive wire 3 are respectively connected to the detection coil 1 and the connector 4, and the connector 4 is used to match and connect the eddy current detection instrument. It should be noted that the eddy current detection technology used in this embodiment to detect pipe wall defects is a prior art and is not further limited here.

[0031] Optionally, in order to better protect the conductive wire 3, prevent it from external damage or leakage, and improve its insulation effect, the wiring device also includes a sleeve 5, one end of the sleeve 5 is connected to the inflation port, the other end of the sleeve 5 is connected to the connector 4, and the conductive wire 3 is placed in the sleeve 5.

[0032] In this embodiment, the eddy current detection probe further includes a valve core 6, which is arranged on the sleeve 5 and communicated with the inside of the sleeve 5. With such an arrangement, the inflatable cavity 21 can be inflated or deflated through the valve core 6 and sequentially through the sleeve 5 and the inflation port, which greatly improves the convenience of operation. Further, the valve core 6 is arranged close to the end where the sleeve 5 is connected to the connector 4.

[0033] Of course, in other embodiments, the arrangement position of the valve core 6 can also be set according to actual needs and operational convenience, and no further limitation is made here.

[0034] Optionally, the sleeve 5 is made of rubber material. This arrangement effectively improves the operability of the sleeve 5, avoids interference caused by rigid materials during the movement of the sleeve 5, and ensures its ductility during movement.

[0035] Optionally, in order to further ensure the sealing between the sleeve 5 and the inflation port, avoid air leakage during inflation or deflation, and greatly improve its air tightness, the eddy current detection probe also includes a first sealing ring, which is arranged between the sleeve 5 and the inflation port.

[0036] Optionally, in order to further improve the sealing between the sleeve 5 and the connector 4 , the eddy current detection probe further includes a second sealing ring, which is arranged between the sleeve 5 and the connector 4 .

[0037] In this embodiment, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are both made of epoxy resin material. In this way, the epoxy resin material has high strength and good corrosion resistance, can be used in harsh environmental conditions, and can extend its service life. At the same time, the epoxy resin material also has excellent electrical insulation, further avoiding conductive leakage and improving safety during the detection process.

[0038] Of course, in other embodiments, the materials used to make the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring may be further set according to actual needs, and no further limitation is made here.

[0039] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An eddy current detection probe, characterized in that: The invention comprises a probe assembly, wherein the probe assembly is used to detect pipe wall defects, and the probe assembly comprises a detection coil (1) and a shell (2), wherein an inflatable cavity (21) is provided inside the shell (2), and the detection coil (1) is encapsulated in the inflatable cavity (21), and the shell (2) is provided with an inflation port, wherein the inflation port is connected to the inflatable cavity (21), and the inflation port is used to transport gas into the inflatable cavity (21), so that the shell (2) expands and deforms to fit the inner wall of the pipe to be detected.

2. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The eddy current detection probe further comprises a wiring device, wherein the wiring device comprises a conductive wire (3) and a connector (4), wherein two ends of the conductive wire (3) are respectively connected to the detection coil (1) and the connector (4), and the connector (4) is used to connect to an eddy current detection instrument.

3. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wiring device further comprises a sleeve (5), one end of the sleeve (5) is connected to the inflation port, the other end of the sleeve (5) is connected to the connector (4), and the conductive wire (3) is placed in the sleeve (5).

4. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The eddy current detection probe further comprises a valve core (6), wherein the valve core (6) is arranged on the sleeve (5) and is connected to the interior of the sleeve (5).

5. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve core (6) is arranged close to an end where the sleeve (5) is connected to the connector (4).

6. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sleeve (5) is made of rubber material.

7. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 3, characterized in that: The eddy current detection probe further comprises a first sealing ring, wherein the first sealing ring is arranged between the sleeve (5) and the inflation port.

8. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 7, characterized in that: The eddy current detection probe further comprises a second sealing ring, wherein the second sealing ring is arranged between the sleeve (5) and the connector (4).

9. The eddy current detection probe according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are both made of epoxy resin material.

10. The eddy current detection probe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The housing (2) is cylindrical.