Boiler tube wall thickness measuring system used under tube panel structure

By designing a boiler pipe wall thickness measurement system for pipe screen structure, using ultrasonic signals and magnetic suction devices, the problem of difficult to measure the boiler pipe wall thickness is solved, and safe wall thickness measurement and safe operation of the boiler are achieved.

CN120489024APending Publication Date: 2025-08-15XIAN THERMAL POWER RES INST CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510513375.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2025-08-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Under the pipe screen structure, it is difficult to measure the wall thickness of the boiler pipe, resulting in safety hazards and pipe burst risks.

Method used

A measurement system including an operating terminal, a mobile execution module and a detection module is designed to measure wall thickness using ultrasonic signals, combine magnetic suction devices and cameras to adjust the measurement position in real time, use coupling agents to improve measurement accuracy, and realize multi-position measurement through roller devices.

Benefits of technology

The wall thickness measurement between the boiler pipe screen is realized, which avoids safety hazards and ensures the safe operation of the boiler.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system used under a tube panel structure. The measurement system comprises an operation terminal, a mobile execution module and a detection module. The operation terminal is integrated with a control unit and a thickness measuring unit; the mobile execution module comprises a thickness measuring arm and a universal rotating joint; the detection module comprises a thickness measuring probe for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal; the size of the mobile execution module and the size of the detection module are both smaller than a tube panel gap, and the control unit is used for controlling the universal rotating joint to rotate and controlling the thickness measuring probe to measure the wall thickness of the boiler tube; and the thickness measuring unit is electrically connected with the thickness measuring probe. According to the boiler tube wall thickness measuring system used under the tube panel structure, wall thickness measurement can be carried out on the tubes which are difficult to carry out wall thickness measurement between the boiler tube panels, the problem of tube explosion caused by potential safety hazards is avoided, and safe operation of the boiler is ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure belong to the field of measurement technology, and particularly relate to a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure. Background Art

[0002] When the boiler is in operation, the boiler tubes are in a high temperature and high pressure environment. In order to ensure the safe operation of the boiler, anti-wear and explosion inspections are required.

[0003] During wear and explosion prevention inspections, boiler tubes are inspected and wall thickness measurements are required for tubes of questionable thickness. However, boiler tubes are typically arranged in panels, and some panels are spaced very closely together, making it difficult for inspectors to access the tubes and even more challenging to perform wall thickness measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure aim to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and provide a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure, the measurement system comprising:

[0006] An operation terminal, which integrates a control unit for coordinating the operation of each module and a thickness measuring unit for receiving and processing wall thickness data;

[0007] A mobile execution module, comprising a thickness measuring arm, both ends of which are equipped with universal rotary joints, the universal rotary joint at a first end of which is connected to the operation terminal, and the universal rotary joint at a second end of which is connected to the detection module;

[0008] The detection module includes a thickness measuring probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and connected to the corresponding universal rotary joint; wherein,

[0009] The sizes of the movement execution module and the detection module are both smaller than the tube panel gap. The control unit is used to control the rotation of the universal rotary joint and the thickness measuring probe to measure the boiler tube wall thickness; the thickness measuring unit is electrically connected to the thickness measuring probe.

[0010] Optionally, the operation terminal is further integrated with a display unit for displaying measurement data and video images in real time, and the detection module further includes a camera for capturing images of the area to be measured in real time;

[0011] The camera is located on a side of the thickness measuring probe away from the universal rotary joint, and the display unit is electrically connected to the camera and the thickness measuring unit respectively.

[0012] Optionally, two cameras are provided and are respectively arranged at two ends of the thickness measuring probe along the axial direction thereof.

[0013] Optionally, the measurement system further includes a consumables supply module, wherein the consumables supply module includes a coupling agent storage device, a transmission pipeline, and a magnetic attraction device;

[0014] The coupling agent storage device is provided at the operation terminal, one end of the transmission pipeline is connected to the coupling agent storage device, and the other end thereof is connected to the magnetic device, so as to transport the coupling agent in the coupling agent storage device to the magnetic device under the control of the control unit;

[0015] The magnetic attraction device is located on a side of the thickness measuring probe facing away from the universal rotary joint. The magnetic attraction device is electrically connected to the control unit so as to generate a magnetic field under the control of the control unit and adsorb onto the outer surface of the boiler tube to be measured, thereby causing the coupling agent to flow to the corresponding area to be measured.

[0016] Optionally, the consumable supply module also includes a cleaning device and a cleaning pipeline; one end of the cleaning pipeline is connected to the magnetic device and the other end is connected to the cleaning device, and the cleaning device is electrically connected to the control unit to blow out cleaning gas under the control of the control unit and blow it to the area to be tested through the cleaning pipeline.

[0017] Optionally, the measuring system further comprises a roller device, and the roller device is arranged on a side of the magnetic device away from the thickness measuring probe.

[0018] Optionally, two roller devices are provided and are respectively arranged at two ends of the magnetic attraction device along its axial direction.

[0019] Optionally, the magnetic attraction device is an electromagnet structure, the magnetic field strength of which is adjustable, and can quickly detach from the outer surface of the boiler tube to be tested when the power is off, so as to achieve rapid switching between different positions.

[0020] Optionally, the cleaning device is a soot blowing mechanism, which removes dust or impurities from the area to be tested on the outer surface of the boiler tube by blowing out high-pressure airflow, so that the magnetic attraction device is in clean contact with the outer surface of the boiler tube.

[0021] The embodiment of the present disclosure is a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure. Through the provided operation terminal, mobile execution module, and detection module, it is possible to measure the wall thickness of tubes between boiler tube panels that are difficult to measure, thereby avoiding safety hazards that may lead to tube bursts and ensuring the safe operation of the boiler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1The present invention is a structural schematic diagram of a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system 100 for use with a tube panel structure includes an operation terminal 110, a movement execution module 120, and a detection module 130. The operation terminal 110 integrates a control unit 111 for coordinating the operations of the various modules and a thickness measurement unit 112 for receiving and processing wall thickness data. The movement execution module 120 includes a thickness measurement arm 121, each end of which is equipped with a universal rotary joint 122. The universal rotary joint 122 at the first end is connected to the operation terminal 110, and the universal rotary joint 122 at the second end is connected to the detection module 130.

[0025] The detection module 130 includes a thickness measuring probe 131 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and connected to the corresponding universal rotary joint 122. The size of the movement execution module 120 and the detection module 130 are both smaller than the tube panel gap, and the control unit

[0026] 111 is used to control the rotation of the universal rotary joint 122 and the thickness measuring probe 131 to measure the thickness of the boiler tube wall. The thickness measuring unit 112 is electrically connected to the thickness measuring probe 131.

[0027] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, when using the measurement system 100 for inspection, the inspector can control the measurement system by operating the operation terminal 110. As an example, the operation terminal 110 can be configured as an operating handle, and the inspector can control the measurement system 100 to measure the wall thickness of the boiler tube under the tube panel structure by holding the operating handle. During the specific inspection, the inspector holds the operation terminal 110 and first extends the movement execution module 120 and the inspection module 130 into the tube panel and into the area to be inspected. Then, the control unit 111 controls the rotation of the universal rotary joint 122, thereby controlling the position of the thickness measuring probe 131 through the universal rotary joint 122 and the thickness measuring arm 121 until the thickness measuring probe 131 is aligned with the position to be measured on the boiler tube. At this time, the thickness of the boiler tube is measured by the thickness measuring probe 131. The measurement data of the thickness measuring probe 131 can be transmitted to the thickness measuring unit 112 and analyzed by the thickness measuring unit 112. The thickness measuring unit 112 can be configured as a thickness gauge.

[0028] In this way, the wall thickness of the boiler tube under the tube panel structure can be measured. After the minimum value is measured, the inspection personnel can give corresponding suggestions on whether the boiler tube needs to be repaired based on the detected minimum value.

[0029] The embodiment of the present disclosure is a boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure. Through the provided operation terminal, mobile execution module, and detection module, it is possible to measure the wall thickness of tubes between boiler tube panels that are difficult to measure, thereby avoiding safety hazards that may lead to tube bursts and ensuring the safe operation of the boiler.

[0030] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the operation terminal 110 is further integrated with a display unit 113 for displaying measurement data and video images in real time. The detection module 130 also includes a camera 132 for capturing images of the measured area in real time. The camera 132 is located on the side of the thickness measuring probe 131 facing away from the universal rotary joint 122. The display unit 113 is electrically connected to the camera 132 and the thickness measuring unit 112.

[0031] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, after moving execution module 120 and inspection module 130 into the area to be inspected between the tube panels, camera 132 captures a real-time image of the area to be inspected. Camera 132 transmits the image signal to display unit 113 for inspection personnel to view. Based on the real-time image, the inspection personnel can control thickness measuring probe 131 to accurately reach the inspection location on the boiler tube to measure the wall thickness. Display unit 113 is also electrically connected to thickness measuring unit 112, and the wall thickness data from thickness measuring unit 112 can be clearly displayed on display unit 113 for inspection personnel to view and judge.

[0032] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, two cameras 132 are provided, one located at each axial end of the thickness measuring probe 131. Providing cameras 132 on both the left and right sides of the thickness measuring probe 131 increases the monitoring area of the cameras 132 and allows for more accurate environmental information about the area to be measured between the tube panels. Of course, the number of cameras can be selected based on actual needs and is not limited here.

[0033] For example, Figure 1As shown, the measurement system 100 further includes a consumables supply module 140, which includes a couplant storage device 141, a transmission pipeline 142, and a magnetic device 143. The couplant storage device 141 is provided at the operation terminal 110. One end of the transmission pipeline 142 is connected to the couplant storage device 141, and the other end is connected to the magnetic device 143. Under the control of the control unit 111, the couplant in the couplant storage device 141 is transported to the magnetic device 143.

[0034] The magnetic attraction device 143 is located on a side of the thickness measuring probe 131 facing away from the universal rotary joint 122. The magnetic attraction device 143 is electrically connected to the control unit 111. Under the control of the control unit 111, the magnetic attraction device 143 is energized to generate a magnetic field and adsorb to the outer surface of the boiler tube to be tested, thereby causing the coupling agent to flow to the corresponding area to be tested.

[0035] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, after the thickness gauge probe 131 is aligned with the position to be measured on the boiler tube, the control unit 111 controls the magnetic device 143 to energize and generate a magnetic field, causing the magnetic device 143 to adhere to the position to be measured on the outer surface of the boiler tube. The control unit 111 then controls the coupling agent storage device 141 to output coupling agent, which then travels through the transmission line 142 to the magnetic device 143. The magnetic device 143 provides a container for the coupling agent, enabling the thickness gauge probe to perform better coupling measurements. The magnetic device secures the thickness gauge probe to the position to be measured on the boiler tube, and the delivery of coupling agent further enhances the coupling relationship between the boiler tube and the thickness gauge probe, enabling the thickness gauge probe to more accurately measure the boiler tube wall thickness.

[0036] It should be noted that when the electromagnetic ultrasonic thickness gauge probe can be miniaturized, the electromagnetic ultrasonic thickness gauge can be used to replace the thickness gauge probe in this technical solution. In this case, there is no need for a coupling agent storage device, a transmission pipeline, and a coupling agent application.

[0037] Furthermore, the magnetic device 143 is an electromagnet with an adjustable magnetic field strength. By adjusting the magnetic field strength, the magnetic device can maintain an appropriate level of attraction with boiler tubes made of different metals. Furthermore, when the power is off, the magnetic device can quickly detach from the outer surface of the boiler tube under test, enabling rapid switching between different positions.

[0038] Exemplarily, the consumables supply module 140 further includes a cleaning device and a cleaning pipeline (not labeled in the figure). One end of the cleaning pipeline is connected to the magnetic device 143 and the other end is connected to the cleaning device. The cleaning device is electrically connected to the control unit 111 so as to blow out cleaning gas under the control of the control unit 111 and blow it to the area to be tested through the cleaning pipeline.

[0039] Specifically, after the thickness gauge probe 131 is aligned with the location to be measured on the boiler tube, the control unit 111 first controls the cleaning device to blow out clean gas, which is then blown through the cleaning pipeline to the area to be measured on the boiler tube, thereby cleaning the area to be measured. The control unit 111 then controls the magnetic device 143 to generate a magnetic field, causing it to adhere to the location to be measured on the outer surface of the boiler tube. The control unit 111 then controls the coupling agent storage device 141 to output coupling agent, which is then transferred to the magnetic device 143 via the transmission pipeline 142. The magnetic device 143 provides a container for the coupling agent, allowing the thickness gauge probe to better perform coupling measurements.

[0040] Furthermore, the cleaning device is a soot blowing mechanism, which removes dust or impurities from the area to be tested on the outer surface of the boiler tube by blowing out high-pressure airflow, so that the magnetic attraction device 143 is in clean contact with the outer surface of the boiler tube.

[0041] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the measuring system 100 further includes a roller device 150 , and the roller device 150 is disposed on a side of the magnetic device 143 away from the thickness measuring probe 131 .

[0042] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, after magnetic device 143 is attached to the outer surface of the boiler tube and thickness measurement is completed, it is powered off, releasing its attachment to the tube. The inspector then moves the operating handle, causing roller 150 on magnetic device 143 to rotate accordingly, moving inspection module 130 along the same boiler tube. This facilitates wall thickness measurement at multiple locations across different test areas of the tube, ultimately determining the minimum value.

[0043] Furthermore, two roller devices 150 are provided, one located at each axial end of the magnetic device 143. Having roller devices on both the left and right sides of the magnetic device facilitates movement of the detection module by the roller devices, saving effort and preventing deviation during movement. Of course, the roller devices can also be provided at other locations on the side of the magnetic device facing away from the thickness measuring probe as needed, and the number of roller devices provided can be adjusted at any time, and this embodiment does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0044] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure, characterized in that: The measurement system comprises: An operation terminal, which integrates a control unit for coordinating the operation of each module and a thickness measuring unit for receiving and processing wall thickness data; A mobile execution module, comprising a thickness measuring arm, both ends of which are equipped with universal rotary joints, the universal rotary joint at a first end of which is connected to the operation terminal, and the universal rotary joint at a second end of which is connected to the detection module; The detection module includes a thickness measuring probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and connected to the corresponding universal rotary joint; wherein, The sizes of the movement execution module and the detection module are both smaller than the tube panel gap. The control unit is used to control the rotation of the universal rotary joint and the thickness measuring probe to measure the boiler tube wall thickness; the thickness measuring unit is electrically connected to the thickness measuring probe.

2. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The operation terminal is further integrated with a display unit for displaying measurement data and video images in real time, and the detection module further includes a camera for capturing images of the area to be measured in real time; The camera is located on a side of the thickness measuring probe away from the universal rotary joint, and the display unit is electrically connected to the camera and the thickness measuring unit respectively.

3. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The cameras are provided with two cameras, and are respectively arranged at the two ends of the thickness measuring probe along the axial direction thereof.

4. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The measurement system further includes a consumables supply module, which includes a coupling agent storage device, a transmission pipeline, and a magnetic attraction device; The coupling agent storage device is provided at the operation terminal, one end of the transmission pipeline is connected to the coupling agent storage device, and the other end thereof is connected to the magnetic device, so as to transport the coupling agent in the coupling agent storage device to the magnetic device under the control of the control unit; The magnetic attraction device is located on a side of the thickness measuring probe facing away from the universal rotary joint. The magnetic attraction device is electrically connected to the control unit so as to generate a magnetic field under the control of the control unit and adsorb onto the outer surface of the boiler tube to be measured, thereby causing the coupling agent to flow to the corresponding area to be measured.

5. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The consumables supply module also includes a cleaning device and a cleaning pipeline; one end of the cleaning pipeline is connected to the magnetic device and the other end is connected to the cleaning device, and the cleaning device is electrically connected to the control unit to blow out cleaning gas under the control of the control unit and blow it to the area to be tested through the cleaning pipeline.

6. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The measuring system further comprises a roller device, which is arranged on a side of the magnetic device away from the thickness measuring probe.

7. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The roller devices are provided with two and are respectively arranged at the two ends of the magnetic attraction device along the axial direction thereof.

8. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnetic attraction device is an electromagnet structure with an adjustable magnetic field strength. When the power is off, it can quickly separate from the outer surface of the boiler tube to be tested to achieve rapid switching between different positions.

9. The boiler tube wall thickness measurement system for a tube panel structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning device is a soot blowing mechanism, which removes dust or impurities from the area to be tested on the outer surface of the boiler tube by blowing out high-pressure airflow, so that the magnetic attraction device is in clean contact with the outer surface of the boiler tube.