Ultrasonic device and method for fuel panel detection

Abstract

An apparatus and method for ultrasonic detection of a fuel passage are disclosed herein. The ultrasonic detection device includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) element arrays arranged around an outer circumference thereof. When the device is inserted into or withdrawn from a bore of a pressure tube of a fuel passage, the UT element is driven in an active mode and data is collected from the UT element in a collection mode. The arrangement of the UT array and the activation and collection modes of the UT elements may be configured such that an overlapping circumferential UT scan coverage is created when the device is moved axially within the pressure tube.

Description

[0001] Related application data

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 415,617, filed on October 12, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for nondestructive testing of a conduit, and more particularly to a device and method for nondestructive testing of a nuclear fuel channel using an ultrasonic sensor. Background Art

[0004] Non-destructive methods for detecting solid materials are known in the art and are used for the inspection of pipes and other conduits, including fuel channels used in nuclear power plants. Ultrasonic sensors are a known technique for determining various properties of conduits based on the shape and thickness of localized areas of the conduit wall.

[0005] In particular, full matrix capture (FMC) techniques may be used to capture data about physical objects, such as the inner or outer surface of a catheter and / or internal features (e.g., internal defects) of a catheter wall using an array of ultrasonic transducer elements (also referred to as UT elements).

[0006] International publication WO 2013 / 044350 discloses a manipulator for ultrasonic detection of pipeline surfaces. The manipulator includes a band sleeved on the circumference of the pipeline, and the band has an ultrasonic array mounted on a shuttle. The shuttle moves around the band and scans the circumference of the pipeline using a total focusing method, which is a full matrix capture technology for collecting and processing probe data. The reference describes methods for calibrating equipment and software, scanning pipeline surfaces, and collecting and analyzing probe data using a total focusing method to reconstruct a model of the pipeline surface and / or the interior of the pipe wall. The present disclosure relies on the teachings of the previous disclosure, and therefore these teachings are incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] In the context of nuclear fuel channel inspection, existing ultrasonic inspection methods use a tool equipped with an array of ultrasonic transducers to inspect the interior of the fuel channel. Each fuel channel includes a pressure tube (PT) suspended in a calandria (also known as a casing) by end fittings and spacers. The ultrasonic inspection tool is inserted into the interior (i.e., the bore) of the pressure tube, and an ultrasonic transducer located on the outer surface of the tool facing the inner surface of the pressure tube collects ultrasonic data (e.g., FMC data) as the tool is axially inserted or withdrawn to collect ultrasonic data around the inner circumference of the pressure tube while moving along the axial dimension of the pressure tube.

[0008] However, the physical constraints of the fuel channel and the tool, as well as the data communication constraints, typically limit the number and arrangement of the UT elements of the tool, thereby limiting the spatial coverage and resolution of the ultrasonic detection data. The UT elements used in the existing methods typically transmit ultrasonic waves to a small number (e.g., 12) of specific locations on the inner surface of the catheter. In some methods, the number of UT elements that can be used for fuel channel scanning is even smaller, because some spatial positions originally used for UT elements may need to be reserved for other sensors, such as water temperature sensors. In the event of deformation or movement of the catheter, this may result in signal loss. In some applications, these small numbers of UT elements may also require the tool to rotate within the fuel channel for a complete UT scan; this rotation has a tendency to introduce undesirable spurious signals, which further reduces the accuracy of the scan, such as displacement of the fuel channel due to vibration.

[0009]

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of fuel passages that overcomes one or more limitations of prior approaches. Summary of the invention

[0010] In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for ultrasonic detection of a fuel channel. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic detection apparatus includes multiple UT element arrays positioned around various portions of the outer circumference of an ultrasonic array segment. Each such array includes multiple UT elements that are configured to emit and / or sense ultrasonic waves, typically in a liquid medium. The apparatus is inserted into the interior of a pressure tube, a subset of the UT elements is driven in an activation mode, and data is collected from a subset of the UT elements in a collection mode. The relative arrangement of the UT element arrays, the relative arrangement of the individual UT elements of each array, the activation mode, and the collection mode can be configured to optimize the spatial coverage, speed, accuracy, resolution, and / or reliability of ultrasonic data collection.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "UT" and "UT element" as used herein refer to an ultrasonic transducer. In some embodiments, a UT element may perform only a transmit function or only a receive function, in which case an ultrasonic transmitter or an ultrasonic receiver may be used instead of an ultrasonic transducer, respectively. In some embodiments, a single UT element may include a dedicated transmitter and a dedicated receiver.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "UT array" and "ultrasonic array" refer to an array of UT elements arranged in sequence along a line, arc, or other linear curve.

[0013] In some exemplary aspects, the present disclosure describes a device for detecting a catheter, the device comprising a body configured to be inserted into the inner cavity of the catheter along the axial dimension of the catheter, so that the longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter. A plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) arrays are provided, each UT array is located at a corresponding axial position along the longitudinal axis and defines an arc along a portion of the circumference of the body, each UT array comprises a plurality of UT elements, each corresponding UT element is located at a corresponding circumferential position along the arc of the UT array, and the circumferential position corresponds to the circumferential portion of the catheter. The control circuit is configured to activate the UT elements of the UT array according to an activation mode, so that each UT element transmits an ultrasonic wave at each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter. The data collection circuit is configured to collect ultrasonic wave data from the UT elements of the UT array according to the collection mode, thereby collecting ultrasonic wave data from each corresponding UT element relative to each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the respective circumferential portions of the catheter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the active mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a transmit-catch ultrasound scan, whereby one or more UT elements of the UT array collect ultrasound data while one or more other UT elements of the UT array transmit ultrasound. In some embodiments, the active mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a full-matrix capture ultrasound scan.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of UT arrays include a left UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees at the left portion of the body at the left and right array axial positions, and a right UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees at the right portion of the body at the left and right array axial positions. Optionally, the plurality of UT elements of the left UT array and the right UT array are oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of UT arrays include an upper UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees at an upper portion of the body at upper and lower array axial positions, and a lower UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees at a bottom portion of the body at upper and lower array axial positions. Optionally, the plurality of UT elements of the upper UT array and the lower UT array are oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of UT arrays include a first conical UT array and a second conical UT array, the first conical UT array defining an arc less than 180 degrees around a first circumferential portion of the body at a first conical array axial position, each UT element of the first UT array being oriented to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in an inclined direction radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body and in a forward direction toward the longitudinal axis, and the second conical UT array defining an arc less than 180 degrees around a second circumferential portion of the body at a second conical array axial position, each UT element of the second UT array being oriented to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in an inclined direction radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the body and in a rearward direction toward the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Optionally, the activation mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a transmit-receive ultrasonic scan, whereby one or more UT elements of one of the first and second conical arrays collect ultrasonic data, while one or more UT elements of the other of the first and second conical arrays transmit ultrasonic waves. In one embodiment, the plurality of UT elements of at least one UT array includes at least 250 UT elements or at least 500 UT elements.

[0019] Optionally, the data collection circuit is further configured to process the ultrasonic data collected from the UT element to identify local irregularities at one or more locations in the inner surface of the catheter. In some embodiments, the data collection circuit is further configured to process the ultrasonic data collected from the UT element to identify local irregularities at one or more locations in the outer surface of the catheter. Optionally, the local irregularity includes at least one of the following conditions: a thin portion, a bubble, and a scratch.

[0020] In some embodiments, the data collection circuit is further configured to process the ultrasound data collected from the UT element to identify deformation at one or more locations of the catheter. Optionally, the deformation includes at least one of the following conditions: sagging and out-of-round.

[0021] Optionally, a tether is attached to the body, the tether comprising a communication link operably coupled to the control circuitry and the data collection circuitry and a power link for powering the UT elements. The communication link may be an optical communication link.

[0022] Optionally, the control circuit is further configured to receive control data from the communication link and activate the UT element according to the activation mode based on the control data. In some embodiments, the data collection circuit is configured to process the ultrasound data collected from the UT element to generate detection data and send the detection data over the communication link.

[0023] The present invention also teaches a device for detecting a catheter, the device comprising a body configured to be inserted into the inner cavity of the catheter along the axial dimension of the catheter, so that the longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter. A plurality of UT arrays are provided, each UT array is located at a corresponding axial position along the longitudinal axis and defines an arc along a portion of the circumference of the body, each UT array comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) elements, each UT element is located at a corresponding circumferential position along the arc of the UT array, and the circumferential position corresponds to the circumferential portion of the catheter. The control circuit is configured to activate the UT elements of the UT array according to an activation mode, so that each UT element transmits an ultrasonic wave at each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter. The data collection circuit is configured to collect ultrasonic wave data from the UT elements of the UT array according to the collection mode, thereby collecting ultrasonic wave data from each corresponding UT element relative to each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter. The plurality of UT arrays include a first pair of UT arrays and a second pair of UT arrays, each UT array in the first pair of UT arrays defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on a pair of substantially opposite circumferential portions of the body at a first axial position, and each UT array in the second pair of UT arrays defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on a pair of substantially opposite circumferential portions of the body at a second axial position. The area covered by the first pair of arrays and the area covered by the second pair of arrays together cover the entire longitudinal axis of the catheter.

[0024] Optionally, the first pair of UT arrays includes a first pair of conical UT arrays, each UT element of the first pair of UT arrays is oriented to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in an inclined direction radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the body and in a forward direction toward the longitudinal axis, and the second pair of UT arrays includes a second pair of conical UT arrays, each UT element of the second pair of UT arrays is oriented to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in an inclined direction radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the body and in a rearward direction toward the longitudinal axis.

[0025] Optionally, the conduit is a pressure tube of a fuel channel. Optionally, the device is a device according to claims 1 to 23, wherein the device is tubular.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for detecting a catheter, the method comprising inserting a device into the inner cavity of the catheter along the axial dimension of the catheter so that the longitudinal axis of the device is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter. The device comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) elements, the UT elements comprising a first plurality of UT elements and a second plurality of UT elements, the first plurality of UT elements being located at a first axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining a first local circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis, the second plurality of UT elements being located at a second axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining a second local circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis. The first local circumferential portion and the second local circumferential portion have a non-zero circumferential overlap. The method moves the device relative to the axial dimension, and, while moving the device relative to the axial dimension: activating the UT elements according to an activation mode so that each UT element transmits an ultrasonic wave at each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the catheter; and collecting ultrasonic wave data from the UT elements according to a collection mode so that ultrasonic wave data is collected from each corresponding UT element relative to each axial position of the plurality of axial positions of the catheter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present application, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of an ultrasonic detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A right side diagram of an ultrasonic array section of an ultrasonic detection device;

[0030] Figure 3A It passes through Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of line A of an ultrasonic array segment;

[0031] Figure 3B It passes through Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of line B of the ultrasonic array segment;

[0032] Figure 4 It is a pipe, a pressure pipe and a pipe inserted into the pressure pipe. Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic array segment showing the Figure 2 a cross section of the ultrasonic array segment along line C; and

[0033] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating steps of an exemplary method for ultrasonic testing of a fuel passage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of the full matrix capture result based on the directivity of the ultrasonic beam;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the full matrix capture result based on the directivity of the ultrasonic beam;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the full matrix capture result based on the directivity of the ultrasonic beam;

[0037] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the full matrix capture result based on the directivity of the ultrasonic beam.

[0038] Like reference numerals may be used in different drawings to identify like components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure describes an exemplary apparatus and method for ultrasonic testing of a fuel passageway, the apparatus and method using a device having a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) elements arranged around the circumference of an ultrasonic array segment of the device to perform full matrix capture (FMC) style ultrasonic data collection.

[0040] Figure 1 An ultrasonic detection device 100 is shown. The device 100 has a body including a forward section 106, an ultrasonic array section 104, and a rear section 102. The device 100 is elongated in shape and is configured to be inserted into the lumen (i.e., hole) of a pressure tube of a fuel passage, with the forward section 106 inserted first, as defined by a longitudinal axis 140, which is shown pointing in a forward direction, indicating the direction of insertion. In one embodiment, the device is tubular.

[0041] The device 100 shown includes a tether 114 extending from the rear opening of the pressure tube, which is used to communicate with equipment outside the fuel channel. The tether 114 may include a communication link (e.g., an electrical communication link or an optical communication link) for bidirectional communication with an external data processing device and / or a power link for supplying power from an external power source.

[0042] The device 100 shown includes spacers 110 located on the forward section 106 and the rear section 102. There can be multiple spacers 110 at each of the one or more axial positions, for example, three spacers 110 at three equidistant circumferential positions around a first axial position on the rear section 102, and another three spacers 110 at three equidistant circumferential positions around a second axial position on the forward section 106. The spacers 110 are operable to radially center the device 100 within the circular lumen of the pressure tube, for example by extending radially outward from the device body using an actuator or by being biased radially outward using a biasing device such as a spring. The spacers 110 can include rollers 112 for assisting in axial movement of the device 100 within the pressure tube; in some embodiments, the rollers 112 can be actuated (e.g., using an electric motor or hydraulic device) to actively move the device 100 axially within the pressure tube. In some embodiments, the forward section 106 may not be present, and the ultrasound array section 104 may constitute the head (i.e., the forward-most portion) of the device 100. In some such embodiments, multiple sets of spacers 110 may be arranged at two or more axially separated locations of the rear section 102 to assist in centering and stabilizing the tool within the catheter.

[0043] The ultrasonic array section 104 of the device 100 includes a plurality of UT elements grouped into a plurality of UT arrays. The UT arrays are shown as an upper UT array 122, a lower UT array 124, a left UT array 126, a right UT array 128, a left forward tapered UT array 130, a right forward tapered UT array 131, a left rearward tapered UT array 132, a right rearward tapered UT array 133, an upper forward tapered UT array 134, a lower forward tapered UT array 135, an upper rearward tapered UT array 136, and a lower rearward tapered UT array 137. Each UT element is fixed to the ultrasonic array section 104 at a corresponding circumferential position around the body of the device 100 defined relative to the longitudinal axis 140. The positioning of these UT elements allows each UT element to perform ultrasonic transmission and / or ultrasonic reception at a corresponding circumferential portion of the interior of the pressure pipe or other conduit being inspected when the device 100 is inserted into the bore of the pressure pipe, so that the longitudinal axis 140 is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the pressure pipe. As the device 100 is moved axially within the catheter (i.e., along the length of the pressure tube or catheter, i.e., the axial dimension), each UT element traverses a certain axial length of a corresponding circumferential portion of the inner surface of the catheter, generating ultrasound data for an axial strip or multiple axial locations of the corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter. In general, the area covered by the first pair of arrays and the area covered by the second pair of arrays together cover the entire longitudinal axis of the catheter.

[0044] Figure 2FIG. 1 shows the right side of an ultrasonic array section 104 of an exemplary ultrasonic detection device. The ultrasonic array section 104 includes a pair of upper and lower arrays located at a first axial position, namely, an upper UT array 122 and a lower UT array 124. As described below, Figure 3A 1 shows a cross-sectional view through line A at a first axial position. The ultrasound array section 104 includes a pair of left and right arrays located at a second axial position, namely, a left UT array 126 (at Figure 2 (not visible in the figure) and the right UT array 128. As described below, Figure 3B A cross-sectional view through line B at a second axial position is shown in . Each UT element 202 of the upper UT array 122 , the lower UT array 124 , the left UT array 126 , and the right UT array 128 is oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 140 .

[0045] The ultrasonic array section 104 also includes two conical array sub-segments, namely, a first conical array sub-segment 200 and a second conical array sub-segment 204. The first conical array sub-segment 200 includes a forward-facing conical surface and a rearward-facing conical surface. Figure 2 The right forward tapered UT array 131 is located on the forward tapered surface, and the left rearward tapered UT array 132 (not visible in FIG. Figure 2 The right rearward tapered UT array 133 is located on the rearward tapered surface. The second tapered array subsection 204 includes a forward tapered surface and a rearward tapered surface, on which the upper forward tapered UT array 134 and the lower forward tapered UT array 135 are located, and on which the upper rearward tapered UT array 136 and the lower rearward tapered UT array 137 are located. Each tapered surface is located at a different axial position relative to the other tapered surfaces.

[0046] In some embodiments, the arrays on the forward-facing conical surface (e.g., the left forward conical UT array 130 and the right forward conical UT array 131) are oriented to transmit ultrasound waves obliquely forward and axially outward (e.g., operate as transmit UT elements in a transmit-receive ultrasonic scanning operation), while the corresponding arrays on the rearward-facing conical surface (e.g., the left rearward conical UT array 132 and the right rearward conical UT array 133) are configured to receive ultrasound waves obliquely backward and axially outward (e.g., operate as receive UT elements in a transmit-receive ultrasonic scanning operation). In some embodiments, these functions can also be reversed, that is, the rearward array transmits and the forward array receives. In some embodiments, the UT elements 202 of each array are configured to transmit / transmit and receive / receive in different operating modes, such as during different periods of an active mode or a collection mode, as described below.

[0047] In some embodiments, each array 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 defines an arc around an incomplete circumferential portion of the body of the ultrasound array segment 104. In some embodiments, each arc is less than 180 degrees, i.e., each array covers less than half of the circumference of the ultrasound array segment 104. This can allow circuitry or other components to be located in the circumferential portion of the ultrasound array segment 104 that is not covered by the UT array. However, this may mean that a UT array located at a given axial position may not be effective at 360 degrees of ultrasound scanning coverage of the inner surface of the catheter. Thus, in some embodiments, the UT arrays at the second axial position may be configured such that the circumferential portion of the ultrasound array segment 104 occupied by the UT arrays at the first axial position (e.g., the upper UT array 122 and the lower UT array 124) overlaps the circumferential portion of the ultrasound array segment 104 occupied by the UT arrays at the second axial position (e.g., the left UT array 126 and the right UT array 128).

[0048] Figure 3A is Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view through line A at a first axial position of the ultrasound array segment 104 illustrates the upper UT array 122 and the lower UT array 124 .

[0049] Figure 3B is Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view through line B at a second axial position of the ultrasound array segment 104 illustrates the left UT array 126 and the right UT array 128 .

[0050] It should be understood that Figure 3A-3B Each array 122, 124, 126, 128 in the ultrasound array segment 104 occupies less than 180 degrees of the circumference, but the four arrays 122, 124, 126, 128 generally overlap each other so that they cover a 360 degree circumference of the ultrasound array segment 104. Therefore, if all four arrays 122, 124, 126, 128 are moved axially (i.e., along the Figure 1 If the axis 140 shown is used to perform an ultrasonic scan of the inner surface of the catheter at the same time, then all circumferential portions of the inner surface of the catheter will be scanned.

[0051] The ultrasound array section 104 includes an instrument core 300 that contains circuitry for controlling the UT elements 202 and collecting ultrasound data from the UT elements 202. Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment shown, the UT elements 202 are evenly arranged around the circumference of the ultrasound array segment 104 such that each UT element 202 is positioned to detect an equally sized portion of the circumference of the catheter (ie, circumferential arcs of equal length).

[0052] Electrical links 302 connect each UT element 202 to the instrument core 300. The instrument core 300 may include circuitry configured to send control signals to the UT elements 202 via the electrical links 302 according to an activation mode. Similarly, the instrument core 300 may include circuitry configured to collect ultrasound data from the UT elements 202 via the electrical links 302 according to a collection mode.

[0053] The instrument core 300 may include one or more circuit components, such as one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) and / or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, the instrument core 300 includes an optical modulator and / or optical demodulator for converting electrical signals to the optical domain, such as an electro-optical modulator (EOM) and / or a photodiode. In some embodiments, the communication link of the tether 114 (see Figure 1 ) may be an optical link. In some embodiments, the instrument core 300 may include a control circuit configured to receive control data (e.g., multiplexed optical signal data) from the tether 114, and activate the UT element 202 according to the activation mode based on the received control data. In some embodiments, the instrument core 300 may include a data collection circuit configured to receive ultrasonic data from the UT element 202 according to the collection mode, and send detection data (e.g., multiplexed optical signal data) via the tether 114 based on the ultrasonic data. The control data may be generated by a control device located outside the catheter and sent to the device 100 via the tether 114. The detection data may be received by a data processing device located outside the catheter through the tether 114 and processed for analysis. In some embodiments, the control data and the detection data are multiplexed and bidirectionally transmitted (i.e., control data is transmitted to the device 100 and detection data is transmitted from the device 100) via a multiplexed or bidirectional communication link such as an optical communication link or an electrical communication link. In some embodiments, the detection data is sent via an optical communication link and the control data is received via an electrical communication link, since the control data is typically small in size relative to the detection data.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tether 114 may also include a power link for supplying external power from an external power source to the UT element 202 and / or other powered components of the device 100 (e.g., the actuated spacer 110 and / or roller 112). In some embodiments, the device 100 may include an internal power source for powering one or more powered components thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more of the UT arrays of the device 100 may include a large number of UT elements 202, such as 256 UT elements or 512 UT elements (i.e., 256 pairs of one transmit and one receive UT elements) out of a total of 2048 elements. By including a large number of UT elements 202, such as 250 or more UT elements 202, or 500 or more UT elements 202, the device 100 is able to generate high-resolution, reliable, and accurate FMC ultrasound scan data in a shorter time for a given length of catheter.

[0056] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 2 4, and the ultrasonic array segment 104 of the ultrasonic inspection device 100, taken through the first forward-facing conical surface at line C in FIG. 4, showing the ultrasonic inspection device 100 inserted into the interior of the pressure tube 404. In operation, the spacer 110 (not shown) of the device 100 radially centers the device 100 within the pressure tube 404 so that the UT elements 202 of the left forward conical UT array 130 and the right forward conical UT array 131 are oriented to be tilted forward and radially outward toward the inner surface 408 of the pressure tube 404. When a certain subset of the UT elements 202 are activated according to the activation mode and ultrasonic data is collected by a certain other subset of the UT elements 202, the ultrasonic waves propagate through the medium (e.g., water) filling the space between the UT elements 202 and the inner surface 408 of the pressure tube 404. The ultrasonic data collected by the UT elements 202 represents the ultrasonic waves present at the location of each corresponding UT element 202. The ultrasonic data can be processed by the instrument core 300 and / or an external device to detect various characteristics of the pressure tube 404 and / or its inner surface 408 and / or outer surface 410 and / or the interior of the pressure tube wall (between the inner surface 408 and the outer surface 410) based on the detected ultrasonic patterns. In some embodiments, local irregularities of the pressure tube 404, such as thinner portions, bubbles, and / or scratches, can be detected at one or more locations. In some embodiments, deformations of the pressure tube 404, such as sagging and / or out-of-roundness, can be detected at one or more locations.

[0057] Figure 5 The steps of an exemplary method 500 for ultrasonic testing of a conduit such as a pressure pipe of a fuel channel are shown. Reference will be made to the ultrasonic testing apparatus 100 (see Figure 1 ) is used to illustrate the method 500. However, it should be understood that other devices can be used to perform the steps of the method 500.

[0058] At 502, the device 100 is inserted into the lumen of the catheter along the axial dimension of the catheter so that the longitudinal axis 140 of the device 100 is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter. The device includes a plurality of UT elements 202, including a first plurality of UT elements 202 located at a first axial position along the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., the upper UT array 122 and the lower UT array 124 at the first axial position), and a second plurality of UT elements 202 located at a second axial position along the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., the left UT array 126 and the right UT array 128 at the second axial position). The first plurality of UT elements 202 define a first local circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis 140, and the second plurality of UT elements 202 define a second local circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis 140. In some embodiments, the first local circumferential portion and the second local circumferential portion have a non-zero circumferential overlap, as described above.

[0059] At 504, the device is moved relative to the axial dimension of the catheter (ie, withdrawn or inserted).

[0060] At 506, a subset of the UT elements 202 are activated according to the activation pattern.

[0061] At 508, ultrasound data is collected from the UT element 202 according to a collection mode.

[0062] Steps 504, 506, and 508 may be repeated continuously or discretely such that each UT element 202 transmits ultrasound at each of a plurality of axial positions of the catheter, and ultrasound data is collected from each corresponding UT element 202 with respect to each of the plurality of axial positions of the catheter.

[0063] Result Example

[0064] Figure 6 is a diagram of the full matrix capture results based on the directivity of the ultrasonic beam, showing the main tilt lines of the FMC data set based on data acquired on a new sample inside a calandria (pressure pipe) without any defects.

[0065] Figure 7 The following is a full matrix capture result of a decommissioned calandria (pressure pipe) sample showing no defects. Note the increase in noise level and the decrease in response.

[0066] Figure 8 The following is a full matrix capture of a decommissioned calandria (pressure pipe) sample showing corrosion on the internal surface. Note the further increase in noise level and reduction in response.

[0067] Fig. 9This is a color image based on the full matrix capture results of a retired calandria (pressure pipe) sample, showing the abrasions and scratches that occurred during the sample's use.

[0068] Although the present disclosure has described the method and process with the step of being arranged in a certain order, one or more steps of the method and process can be omitted or changed appropriately. Where appropriate, one or more steps can occur in an order different from the order used when describing them herein.

[0069] Although the present disclosure is at least partially described with respect to methods, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure also relates to various components for performing at least some aspects and features of the described methods, whether in the form of hardware components, software, or any combination of the two. Therefore, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. Suitable software products can be stored in a pre-recorded storage device or other similar non-volatile or non-temporary computer-readable medium, including a DVD, CD-ROM, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk or other storage medium. The software product includes instructions actually stored therein, which enable a processing device (such as a personal computer, server, or network device) to execute an embodiment of the method disclosed herein.

[0070] The present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The illustrated exemplary embodiments should be considered to be merely exemplary and non-restrictive in all respects. The features selected from one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to produce alternative embodiments that are not explicitly described, and it should be understood that the features suitable for such combinations are within the scope of the present disclosure. All values ​​and sub-ranges within the disclosed range are also disclosed. In addition, although the systems, devices and processes disclosed and shown in this article can include a specific number of elements / components, the systems, devices and components can be modified to include more or less such elements / components. For example, although any disclosed element / component can be referred to as single, the embodiments disclosed in this article can be modified to include multiple such elements / components. The subject matter described in this article is intended to cover and include all appropriate changes in technology.

Claims

1. A device for detecting a catheter, include: a body configured to be inserted into the lumen of the catheter along an axial dimension of the catheter such that a longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter; a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) arrays, each UT array being located at a respective axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining an arc along a portion of a circumference of the body, each UT array comprising: a plurality of UT elements, each respective UT element being located at a respective circumferential position along an arc of the UT array, the circumferential position corresponding to a circumferential portion of the conduit; a control circuit configured to activate the UT elements of the UT array according to an activation pattern so that each UT element transmits an ultrasonic wave at each of a plurality of axial positions of a corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter; and Data collection circuitry is configured to collect ultrasound data from the UT elements of the UT array according to a collection mode to collect ultrasound data from each respective UT element at each of a plurality of axial positions relative to a respective circumferential portion of the catheter.

2. The device according to claim 1, in: The active mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a transmit-receive ultrasonic scan, whereby one or more UT elements of the UT array collect ultrasonic data while one or more other UT elements of the UT array transmit ultrasonic data.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in: The activation mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a full-matrix capture ultrasound scan.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in: The plurality of UT arrays include: a left UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on a left portion of the body at left and right array axial positions; and A right UT array is defined on the right portion of the body at the left and right array axial positions over an arc less than 180 degrees.

5. The device according to claim 4, in: The plurality of UT elements of the left UT array and the right UT array are oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in: The plurality of UT arrays include: An upper UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on an upper portion of the body at upper and lower array axial locations; and A lower UT array is defined at the lower portion of the body at upper and lower array axial locations over an arc less than 180 degrees.

7. The device according to claim 6, in: The plurality of UT elements of the upper UT array and the lower UT array are oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in: The plurality of UT arrays include: a first tapered UT array defining an arc of less than 180 degrees around a first circumferential portion of the body at a first tapered array axial position, each UT element of the first UT array being oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in an oblique direction radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body toward a forward direction of the longitudinal axis; and A second conical UT array, wherein the second conical UT array defines an arc of less than 180 degrees around a second circumferential portion of the body at a second conical array axial position, and each UT element of the second UT array is oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound in an oblique direction radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the body and in a rearward direction toward the longitudinal axis.

9. The device according to claim 8, in: The activation mode and the collection mode are configured to perform a transmit-catch ultrasound scan such that: One or more UT elements in one of the first tapered array and the second tapered array collect ultrasonic data, and One or more UT elements of the other of the first tapered array and the second tapered array transmit ultrasonic waves.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in: The plurality of UT elements of at least one UT array includes at least 250 UT elements.

11. The device according to claim 10, in: The plurality of UT elements of at least one UT array includes at least 500 UT elements.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in: The data collection circuitry is also configured to process the ultrasound data collected from the UT element to identify local irregularities at one or more locations in the inner surface of the catheter.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in: The data collection circuitry is also configured to process the ultrasound data collected from the UT element to identify local irregularities at one or more locations in the outer surface of the catheter.

14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, in: The local irregularities include at least one of the following conditions: a thin portion, a bubble, and a scratch.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in: The data collection circuitry is further configured to process the ultrasound data collected from the UT element to identify deformation of the catheter at one or more locations.

16. The device according to claim 15, in: The deformation includes at least one of the following conditions: sagging and out of roundness.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising: include: a tether attached to the body, the tether comprising: a communication link operably coupled to the control circuitry and the data collection circuitry; and A power link for supplying power to the UT elements.

18. The device according to claim 17, in: The communication link comprises an optical communication link.

19. The device according to claim 17 or 18, in: The control circuit is further configured to: receiving control data from said communications link; and The UT elements are activated according to the activation pattern based on the control data.

20. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, in: The data collection circuit is configured to: processing the ultrasonic data collected from the UT element to generate detection data; and The detection data is transmitted over the communication link.

21. A device for detecting a catheter, include: a body configured to be inserted into the lumen of the catheter along an axial dimension of the catheter such that a longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the axial dimension of the catheter; a plurality of UT arrays, each UT array being located at a respective axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining an arc along a portion of a circumference of the body, each UT array comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) elements, each respective UT element being located at a respective circumferential position along the arc of the UT array, the circumferential position corresponding to a circumferential portion of the catheter; a control circuit configured to activate the UT elements of the UT array according to an activation pattern so that each UT element transmits an ultrasonic wave at each of a plurality of axial positions of a corresponding circumferential portion of the catheter; and a data collection circuit configured to collect ultrasound data from the UT elements of the UT array according to a collection mode, thereby collecting ultrasound data from each respective UT element at each of a plurality of axial positions relative to a respective circumferential portion of the catheter; Wherein, the multiple UT arrays include: a first pair of UT arrays, each of the first pair of UT arrays defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on a pair of substantially opposing circumferential portions of the body at a first axial position; and a second pair of UT arrays, each of the second pair of UT arrays defining an arc of less than 180 degrees on a pair of substantially opposing circumferential portions of the body at a second axial position, and The area covered by the first pair of arrays and the area covered by the second pair of arrays together cover the entire longitudinal axis of the catheter.

22. The device according to claim 21, in: The first pair of UT arrays comprises a first pair of tapered UT arrays, each UT element of the first pair of UT arrays being oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in an oblique direction radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body and in a forward direction toward the longitudinal axis; and The second pair of UT arrays includes a second pair of tapered UT arrays, each UT element of the second pair of UT arrays being oriented to transmit and receive ultrasound waves in an oblique direction radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body and in a rearward direction toward the longitudinal axis.

23. The device according to claims 1 to 22, wherein the conduit is a pressure pipe of a fuel channel.

24. The device according to claims 1 to 23, wherein the device is tubular.

25. A method for detecting a catheter, include: inserting a device into the lumen of the catheter along the axial dimension of the catheter; such that a longitudinal axis of the device is substantially aligned with an axial dimension of the catheter; The device comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducer (UT) elements, the plurality of UT elements comprising: a first plurality of UT elements located at a first axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining a first partial circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis; a second plurality of UT elements located at a second axial position along the longitudinal axis and defining a second partial circumferential portion of the device relative to the longitudinal axis; The first partial circumferential portion and the second partial circumferential portion have a non-zero circumferential overlap; moving the device relative to the axial dimension; and, While moving the device relative to the axial dimension: activating the UT elements according to an activation pattern so that each UT element transmits ultrasound waves at each of a plurality of axial positions of the catheter; and Ultrasonic data is collected from the UT elements according to a collection pattern such that ultrasonic data is collected from each respective UT element relative to each axial position of a plurality of axial positions of the catheter.

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