Ultrasonic phased array detection system and method for metal butt weld
By designing an ultrasonic phased array inspection system, employing a chain-type scanning component and a 2D low-frequency high-damping phased array probe, the problem of accurate positioning in the inspection of dissimilar metal welds was solved, achieving efficient and accurate weld defect detection, and improving inspection results and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic phased array testing technology faces challenges in accurately locating and characterizing dissimilar metal welds, especially in the inspection of dissimilar metal welds in large-diameter pipes, where the results are unsatisfactory.
Design an ultrasonic phased array testing system, including an ultrasonic phased array tester, a phased array probe assembly, a chain scanning assembly, and a coupling system. The chain scanning assembly enables circumferential and axial scanning, and a single-transmitter, single-receiver 2D low-frequency, high-damping phased array probe is used, combined with an encoder and a coupling system for precise positioning.
It enables accurate location of defects in dissimilar metal welds in large-diameter pipes, improves detection sensitivity and efficiency, generates high-resolution imaging data, reduces personnel radiation dose and costs, and simplifies the operation process.
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Figure CN121633277A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of in-service inspection of nuclear power plants, and particularly to an ultrasonic phased array inspection system and method for metal butt welds. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of the times, in the process of modern industrial development, dissimilar metal butt welds for large-diameter pipes have been widely used in various industries and can be seen almost everywhere. Especially in the fields of chemical, petrochemical, and nuclear power industries.
[0003] Because the transported media in these industries are often corrosive, and the equipment and pipelines are under pressure and subject to vibration during operation, defects will inevitably develop at the welds as the equipment and pipelines age. This situation can seriously threaten the operational safety of the transport equipment and the personal safety of the workers.
[0004] Furthermore, due to the structure of the workpiece itself and the influence of on-site working conditions, the detection results are often not ideal. Therefore, it is necessary to research a new detection technology that combines existing detection techniques to improve detection sensitivity and effectiveness.
[0005] In response to the above situation, ultrasonic phased array testing technology is a testing technology with high sensitivity, fast detection efficiency, high resolution, intuitive imaging, and simple working principle. It is an important testing method for the inspection of dissimilar metal butt welds in large-diameter pipes and has profound significance for their quality monitoring.
[0006] Dissimilar metal welds exhibit distinct individual characteristics. The welding process, welding environment, structural form, and other parameters of each weld or batch of welds can have a significant impact on the metallographic structure of the weld.
[0007] Therefore, while ensuring the reliability of inspection, it is also necessary to reduce personnel dosage, lower production risks, save costs (film), and save time. Ultrasonic phased array testing technology for dissimilar metal welds in large-diameter pipes can solve these existing problems to a certain extent.
[0008] While there is a certain research foundation in the field of dissimilar metal weld inspection technology both domestically and internationally, there are still limitations in practical field applications, and significant difficulties exist in accurate positioning and characterization. In the area of device design and research, the ultrasonic inspection system from the German company Phoenix uses a chain-planned scanning path, with the machine body driven by magnetic wheels. It can carry a phased array probe for axial inspection, but cannot perform circumferential inspection.
[0009] In view of this, the inventors of this application have designed an ultrasonic phased array detection system and method for metal butt welds in order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the great difficulty in accurate positioning and characterization of existing ultrasonic phased array detection technology, and to provide an ultrasonic phased array detection system and method for metal butt welds.
[0011] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:
[0012] An ultrasonic phased array inspection system for metal butt welds is characterized in that the ultrasonic phased array inspection system includes an ultrasonic phased array detector, a phased array probe assembly, a chain scanning assembly, and a coupling system. The phased array probe assembly is mounted on the chain scanning assembly, and the built-in encoder of the chain scanning assembly is connected to the ultrasonic phased array detector via an encoder adapter cable.
[0013] The phased array probe assembly is connected to the ultrasonic phased array detector via a probe line for scanning and collecting data from the pipeline under inspection; the coupling system is connected to the chain scanning assembly.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chain scanning assembly includes a moving carriage, chain links, a locking switch, a chain scanning frame, and a control slider. The moving carriage and the locking switch are mounted on one end of the chain scanning frame via the chain links. The control slider is mounted on the chain scanning frame and connected to the phased array probe assembly for controlling the position of the phased array probe assembly.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the phased array probe assembly includes at least one set of phased array probes and wedges arranged opposite to each other, wherein the phased array probes are respectively mounted on the corresponding wedges.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the phased array probe assembly further includes a circumferential probe holder, the wedge is installed at the lower end of the circumferential probe holder, and the circumferential probe holder is installed on the chain scanning assembly for circumferential scanning along the pipeline to be inspected.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circumferential probe holder includes a crossbeam, at least two mounting supports and at least two clamping frames. The mounting supports are respectively installed perpendicularly to the crossbeam via coupling blocks. The crossbeam is slidably connected to the chain scanning assembly. The clamping frames are installed at the bottom ends corresponding to the mounting supports. The wedge on which the phased array probe is mounted is fixed in the clamping frames via probe clamping arms.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the phased array probe assembly further includes an axial probe holder, the wedge is installed at the lower end of the axial probe holder, the axial probe holder is installed on the chain scanning assembly, and scans along the axial direction of the pipeline to be inspected.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the axial probe holder includes at least two sliders and at least two clamping frames. The clamping frames are mounted on the bottom ends corresponding to the sliders. The sliders are slidably connected to the chain scanning frame. The wedge on which the phased array probe is mounted is fixed in the clamping frame by a probe clamping arm.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping frame is connected to the slider via a torsion spring and a coupling block.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling system includes a pressurized kettle, a water pipe and a water tank, the phased array probe assembly is provided with a water injection hole, and the pressurized kettle is connected to the water injection hole through the water pipe.
[0022] This invention also provides an ultrasonic phased array detection method for metal butt welds, characterized in that the ultrasonic phased array detection method employs the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds as described above, and the ultrasonic phased array detection method includes:
[0023] S1. Before the inspection begins, a scanning plan is determined using the focusing rule based on the size of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected, the specifications of the weld, the type of phased array probe and wedge, and the type of encoder.
[0024] S2. Install the chain-type scanning rack assembly;
[0025] S3. Use an encoder adapter cable to connect the moving carriage on the chain scanning frame to the encoder adapter interface on the ultrasonic phased array instrument.
[0026] S4. Place the chain scanning frame in the appropriate position according to the required scanning probe position sequence;
[0027] S5. Adjust the axial position of the phased array probe according to the different axial position sequences of the phased array probes required for the detection sequence;
[0028] S6. Call the scan configuration file in step S1. Pressurize the water-filled pressurized kettle. When the deionized water flows out from the water inlet under the wedge, the scan can begin.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S1 further includes: using a standard test block with the same radius of curvature as the large-diameter pipe to be tested to calibrate the sound velocity of the phased array probe and the delay of the wedge block, saving the configuration file, and naming the configuration file.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suitable position in step S4 means that when the phased array probe moves on the slide rail, the position of the phased array probe can meet the required scanning position sequence within the left and right movement range of the phased array probe.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S4 includes: setting a circumferential reference line on the large-diameter pipe to be inspected; before the locking switch is locked, measuring the distance between the roller on the outer side of the chain link near the circumferential reference line and the circumferential reference line, to ensure that the distance between the outer roller of the chain scanning frame along the circumference of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected and the set circumferential reference line is equal.
[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step S4 further includes: after the position of the chain link in the chain scanning frame assembly is fixed, adjusting the locking switch so that the roller of the chain link is fully in contact with the outer wall of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected, and ensuring that the chain scanning frame rotates normally.
[0033] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:
[0034] This invention relates to an ultrasonic phased array inspection system and method for metal butt welds. When using a chain-type scanning frame for circumferential and axial scanning, and provided the chain links are installed correctly, it can accurately locate weld defects. It employs a single-transmitter, single-receiver 2D low-frequency, high-damping phased array probe, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies for inspecting dissimilar metal welds. Attached Figure Description
[0035] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which the same reference numerals always denote the same features, wherein:
[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds according to the present invention.
[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array inspection system for metal butt welds of the present invention performing circumferential scanning.
[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array inspection system for metal butt welds of the present invention performing axial scanning.
[0039] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the circumferential probe holder and the phased array probe assembly in the ultrasonic phased array inspection system for metal butt welds of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the axial probe holder and the phased array probe assembly in the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds of the present invention and the circumferential installation of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected.
[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds of the present invention and the axial installation of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected. Detailed Implementation
[0043] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.
[0045] Furthermore, although the terminology used in this invention is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this specification may have been selected by the applicant in his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of the description herein.
[0046] Furthermore, the invention should be understood not only through the actual terminology used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.
[0047] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this invention discloses an ultrasonic phased array inspection system for metal butt welds, primarily targeting the inspection of dissimilar metal welds in large-diameter pipes of nuclear power plants. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system includes an ultrasonic phased array detector 10, a phased array probe assembly, a chain scanning assembly, and a coupling system. The phased array probe assembly is mounted on the chain scanning assembly, and the built-in encoder 20 of the chain scanning assembly is connected to the ultrasonic phased array detector 10 via an encoder adapter cable 21. The phased array probe assembly is connected to the ultrasonic phased array detector 10 via a probe cable 30 for scanning and collecting data from the pipe 100 to be inspected. The coupling system is connected to the chain scanning assembly.
[0048] Preferably, such as Figure 2As shown, the chain scanning assembly includes a trolley 40, chain links 41, a locking switch 42, a chain scanning frame 43, and a control slider 44. The trolley 40 and locking switch 42 are mounted on one end of the chain scanning frame 43 via chain links 41. The control slider 44 is mounted on the chain scanning frame 43 and connected to the phased array probe assembly, used to control the position of the phased array probe assembly.
[0049] More specifically, the chain scanning rack 43 preferably includes a long chain and a short chain. The radius of curvature of the long chain should match the outer diameter of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected. The head of a single chain link is a connecting screw, and the tail is a screw slot. Multiple chains can be connected and disassembled without the aid of tools.
[0050] The chain scanning frame 43 used for scanning a single large-diameter pipe also needs to be equipped with a locking switch 42 to ensure that the rollers on both sides of the chain scanning frame 43 are in contact with the outer diameter of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected, and to ensure accurate probe positioning during the scanning process.
[0051] The motion trolley 40 is mounted on the chain scanning frame 43, and the encoder 20 is mounted on the rear wheel of the motion trolley 40 and connected to the ultrasonic phased array detector 10 through the encoder adapter cable 21.
[0052] The chain scanning frame 43 extends a long rod with a slide rail to achieve axial movement of the probe, and the distance between each probe can be adjusted independently. The chain achieves circumferential scanning of the probe by rotating along the outer wall of the large-diameter pipe.
[0053] Here, the phased array probe assembly preferably includes at least one set of phased array probes 50 and wedges 51 arranged opposite to each other, with the phased array probes 50 respectively mounted on the corresponding wedges 51.
[0054] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic phased array detector 10 can be a 64 / 128-channel ultrasonic phased array detector. The ultrasonic phased array detector 10 has a bandwidth range supporting 0.25MHz, an excitation voltage of up to 200V under a 50-ohm load, and a pulse width of 1000ns, supporting the use of a 0.5MHz probe. It can also provide a high PRF (Probe Frequency Response) even when exciting a long 200V voltage pulse, enabling data acquisition using a grid scanning method with a tilting probe.
[0055] During grid scanning, the axial direction is divided into N data acquisition positions (N = axial length L / effective sampling step value S), which can generate N S-scan, C-scan, B-scan, and D-scan data and a composite S-scan, C-scan, B-scan, and D-scan data. Through data matrix, the data is overlaid and processed in real time, allowing for the complete detection of defects in one go, making data analysis more convenient, and improving the accuracy of defect height measurement.
[0056] In this embodiment, the phased array probe 50 can be a single-transmitter, single-receiver 2D low-frequency high-damping phased array probe, and the frequency range used by the phased array probe 50 is 0.5MHz to 2MHz.
[0057] Furthermore, the phased array probe assembly may preferably include a circumferential probe holder 52, with a wedge 51 installed at the lower end of the circumferential probe holder 52, and the circumferential probe holder 52 is installed on the chain scanning assembly for circumferential scanning along the pipeline 100 to be inspected.
[0058] Preferably, the circumferential probe holder 52 includes a crossbeam 521, at least two mounting supports 522, and at least two clamping frames 523. The mounting supports 522 are respectively installed perpendicularly to the crossbeam 521 via coupling blocks 523. The crossbeam 521 is slidably connected to the chain scanning assembly. The clamping frames 523 are installed at the bottom ends of the corresponding mounting supports 522. The wedges 51 on which the phased array probe 50 is mounted are fixed within the clamping frames 523 via probe clamping arms 53.
[0059] In the structural design of the circumferential probe holder 52, the clamping design of the opposing phased array probe 50 can meet the requirement of simultaneously acquiring data in two circumferential directions in one scan. A circumferential wedge 51 with the same or similar radius of curvature as the pipeline under inspection is selected, and the phased array probe 50 and the wedge 51 are fixed with screws.
[0060] The probe clamping arm 53 is located on the outside of the clamping frame 523. In actual use, loosen the thumb screw 55, remove the probe clamping arm 53, and install the installed probe wedge inside the probe clamping frame. Furthermore, the coupling block 523 is located in the middle of the mounting support 522. The mounting support 522 has a hole at the front and a groove at the rear, in which a tension / compression spring 524 is installed.
[0061] When the phased array probe 50 does not need to be attached to the surface of the large-diameter pipe 100, the mounting post 522 is pulled upwards. When the opening at the front of the mounting post 522 engages with the coupling block 523, the mounting post 522 is locked, and the tension / compression spring 524 is in a compressed state. To achieve coupling between the probe and the surface of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected, pressing the coupling block 523 restores the deformation of the tension / compression spring 524, thereby allowing the phased array probe to be attached to the surface of the large-diameter pipe.
[0062] Alternatively, the circumferential probe holder 52 can be replaced with an axial probe holder 54. The wedge 51 is installed at the lower end of the axial probe holder 54, and the axial probe holder 54 is installed on the chain scanning assembly to scan along the axial direction of the pipeline 100 to be inspected.
[0063] Preferably, the axial probe holder 54 includes at least two sliders 541 and at least two clamping frames 542, with the clamping frames 542 mounted on the bottom end of the corresponding sliders 541. The sliders 541 are slidably connected to the chain scanning frame 43, and the probe clamping arm 53 is located outside the clamping frame 542. The wedge 51, on which the phased array probe 50 is mounted, is fixed inside the clamping frame 542 via the probe clamping arm 53. A torsion spring 543 is located at the connection between the sliders 541 and the clamping frames 542, and the sliders 541 and clamping frames 542 are connected by connecting screws. A torsion spring 543 is placed in the middle of the sliders 541, so that the sliders 541 and clamping frames 542 generate a downward torque through the torsion spring 543, thereby achieving contact between the probe 51 and the outer wall of the workpiece.
[0064] In the structural design of the axial probe holder 54, the clamping design of the opposing phased array probe 50 can meet the requirement of simultaneously acquiring data from two opposing axial scanning sequences in one scan. An axial wedge 51 with the same or similar radius of curvature as the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected is selected, and the phased array probe 50 and the wedge 51 are fixed with screws.
[0065] In actual use, loosen the hand screw 55, remove the probe clamping arm 53, and install the probe in the probe clamping frame. Further, pull the coupling block 544 outward to press the probe against the surface of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected through the torsion spring 543, so as to achieve coupling between the probe and the surface of the large-diameter pipe.
[0066] In this embodiment, the circumferential probe holder 52 or the axial probe clamp 54 mounted on the slide rail of the chain scanning frame 43 can be quickly assembled and disassembled, with a simple replacement structure and flexible and convenient operation. The circumferential probe holder 52 or the axial probe clamp 54 is fixed to the slide rail of the long rod of the chain scanning frame 43 by screws. The circumferential probe holder 52 or the axial probe clamp 54 adjusts the degree of contact between the phased array probe 50 and the outer wall of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected by spring adjustment, so as to achieve a good coupling effect between the phased array probe 50 and the workpiece to be inspected.
[0067] In addition, the coupling system preferably includes a pressurized kettle 200, a water pipe 210, and a water tank 220. The phased array probe assembly (e.g., a probe holder mounted on the long rod slide rail of the chain scanning frame 43, i.e., a circumferential probe holder 52 or an axial probe holder 54) is provided with a water injection hole 45. Through the water pipe 230 leading out from the pressurized kettle 200, deionized water is squeezed out from the pressurized kettle 200, flows through the water pipe 230 and the water injection groove inside the holder (e.g., a circumferential probe holder 52 or an axial probe holder 54), and finally reaches the contact surface between the workpiece and the probe wedge, thus achieving coupling.
[0068] The phased array probe assembly and chain scanning assembly in the ultrasonic phased array detection system use connectors (such as screws) that are designed to prevent falling, and parts that require frequent disassembly are handled by hand, thereby reducing the use of tools and the risk of screws falling off during actual operation.
[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, before the ultrasonic phased array detection system performs circumferential scanning, the excess weld height needs to be ground smooth to ensure the circumferential probe adheres to the pipe surface during the acquisition process. Furthermore, according to the actual acquisition probe sequence, the probe is placed in the corresponding position for circumferential scanning by adjusting the slide rail movement switch 46.
[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the ultrasonic phased array detection system performs axial scanning. According to the actual acquisition probe sequence, the probe is placed in the corresponding position by adjusting the slide rail movement switch 46 to perform axial scanning.
[0071] The present invention also provides an ultrasonic phased array detection method for metal butt welds, which employs the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds as described above, the ultrasonic phased array detection method comprising:
[0072] Step S1: Determine the phased array scanning plan: Before the inspection begins, determine the scanning plan based on the size of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected, the specifications of the weld, the type of phased array probe and wedge, and the type of encoder, using the focusing rule.
[0073] Preferably, step S1 further includes: using a standard test block with the same radius of curvature as the large-diameter pipe to be tested to calibrate the sound velocity of the phased array probe and the delay of the wedge block, saving the configuration file, and naming the configuration file.
[0074] Step S2: Install the chain scanning rack assembly.
[0075] Preferably, the trolley 40 and the locking switch 42 are installed in the chain-type scanning frame via a chain link 41.
[0076] More preferably, the link 41 is divided into two specifications: long link and short link. Short links are required to be used to connect the two sides of the moving carriage to prevent the moving carriage 40 from failing to fit against the outer wall of the pipe during installation.
[0077] In addition, the locking switch 42 is in the loose state during installation.
[0078] Step S3: Connect the ultrasonic phased array testing system: Use encoder adapter cable 21 to connect the moving carriage 40 on the chain scanning frame 43 to the encoder adapter on the ultrasonic phased array testing instrument 10.
[0079] Furthermore, a water pipe 210 is used to connect the pressurized kettle 200 to the water inlet 54 on the chain-type scanning frame 43.
[0080] Step S4: Lock the chain scanning frame: Place the chain scanning frame in the appropriate position according to the required scanning probe position sequence.
[0081] Preferably, the suitable position in step S4 means that when the phased array probe moves on the slide rail, the position of the phased array probe can meet the required scanning position sequence within the left and right movement range of the phased array probe.
[0082] Step S4 includes: setting a circumferential reference line on the large-diameter pipe to be inspected; before locking the locking switch, measuring the distance between the roller on the outer side of the chain link near the circumferential reference line and the circumferential reference line, ensuring that the distance between the outer roller of the chain scanning frame along the circumference of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected and the set circumferential reference line is equal. This ensures that the annular chain link portion of the chain scanning frame 43 is vertically installed on the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected.
[0083] Furthermore, step S4 also includes: after fixing the position of the chain link 41 in the chain scanning frame assembly, adjusting the locking switch 42 so that the roller of the chain link is fully in contact with the outer wall of the large-diameter pipe 100 to be inspected, and ensuring that the chain scanning frame rotates normally.
[0084] Step S5: Position the phased array probe: Adjust the axial position of the phased array probe according to the different axial position sequences of the phased array probes required for the detection (for example, by adjusting the axial position of the phased array probe by adjusting the slide rail movement switch 46) to meet the requirements of the detection sequence.
[0085] Step S6, Scanning of the large-diameter pipe to be inspected: After the aforementioned steps are completed, the scanning configuration file in step S1 is called. The water-filled pressurized kettle is pressurized, and the scanning can begin when deionized water flows out from the water inlet under the wedge.
[0086] During scanning, the chain scanning frame is manually rotated, and the rotation speed is controlled below the maximum scanning speed of the instrument to avoid the loss of frames in the collected C-scan data.
[0087] After the scan is completed, the scan data is saved and named.
[0088] Traditional ultrasonic testing techniques cannot be used to inspect dissimilar metal welds, especially the austenitic stainless steel side, due to the columnar crystal structure, coarse grains, and anisotropy. When ultrasonic waves propagate in similar structures, they will experience strong attenuation, beam deflection, and distortion.
[0089] However, the ultrasonic phased array inspection system and method for metal butt welds of this invention can accurately locate weld defects when using a chain-type scanning frame for circumferential and axial scanning, provided that the chain links are installed correctly. It employs a single-transmitter, single-receiver 2D low-frequency, high-damping phased array probe, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies in inspecting dissimilar metal welds.
[0090] This invention relates to an ultrasonic phased array detection system and method for metal butt welds, which can be used for the detection of dissimilar metal butt welds in large-diameter pipes. It supports data acquisition using a grid scanning method with an angle probe, and can generate N S-scan, C-scan, B-scan, and D-scan data and a composite S-scan, C-scan, B-scan, and D-scan data to produce a data matrix. The data is superimposed and processed in real time, and all defects are detected at once. Data analysis is more convenient, and defect height measurement is more accurate. It has the advantages of high detection sensitivity, accurate probe positioning, good coupling effect, and convenient instrument and tooling portability.
[0091] In summary, the ultrasonic phased array inspection system and method for metal butt welds of this invention can accurately locate weld defects when using a chain-type scanning frame for circumferential and axial scanning, provided that the chain links are installed correctly. It employs a single-transmitter, single-receiver 2D low-frequency, high-damping phased array probe, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies in inspecting dissimilar metal welds.
[0092] For those skilled in the art, the above disclosure is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.
[0093] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.
[0094] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the embodiments disclosed in this application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of the embodiments of this application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of this application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments have fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.
[0095] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld, characterized by, The ultrasonic phased array detection system comprises an ultrasonic phased array detector, a phased array probe assembly, a chain scanning assembly and a coupling system, the phased array probe assembly is installed on the chain scanning assembly, and an internal encoder of the chain scanning assembly is connected with the ultrasonic phased array detector through an encoder adapter line; The phased array probe assembly is connected with the ultrasonic phased array detector through a probe line, and is used for scanning and collecting data of a pipeline to be detected; and the coupling system is connected with the chain scanning assembly.
2. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 1, wherein, The chain scanning assembly comprises a moving trolley, a chain link, a locking switch, a chain scanning frame and a control slider, the moving trolley and the locking switch are installed at one end of the chain scanning frame through the chain link, and the control slider is installed on the chain scanning frame and connected with the phased array probe assembly, and is used for controlling the position of the phased array probe assembly.
3. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 2, wherein, The phased array probe assembly comprises at least one set of phased array probes and wedge blocks arranged oppositely, and the phased array probes are respectively installed on the corresponding wedge blocks.
4. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 3, wherein, The phased array probe assembly further comprises a circumferential probe clamping frame, the wedge blocks are installed at lower ends of the circumferential probe clamping frame, and the circumferential probe clamping frame is installed on the chain scanning assembly and used for circumferential scanning along the pipeline to be detected.
5. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 4, wherein, The circumferential probe clamping frame comprises a cross beam, at least two mounting struts and at least two clamping frames, the mounting struts are perpendicularly installed on the cross beam through coupling blocks, the cross beam is slidably connected on the chain scanning assembly, the clamping frames are installed at bottom ends of the corresponding mounting struts, and the wedge blocks provided with the phased array probes are fixed in the clamping frames through probe clamping arms.
6. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 3, wherein, The phased array probe assembly further comprises an axial probe clamping frame, the wedge blocks are installed at lower ends of the axial probe clamping frame, and the axial probe clamping frame is installed on the chain scanning assembly and used for axial scanning along the pipeline to be detected.
7. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 6, wherein, The axial probe clamping frame comprises at least two sliders and at least two clamping frames, the clamping frames are installed at bottom ends of the corresponding sliders, the sliders are slidably connected on the chain scanning frame, and the wedge blocks provided with the phased array probes are fixed in the clamping frames through probe clamping arms.
8. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 7, wherein, The clamping frames are connected with the sliders through torsional springs and coupling blocks.
9. The ultrasonic phased array inspection system for a metal butt weld according to claim 2, wherein, The coupling system comprises a pressurized water kettle, a water pipe and a water receiving tank, the phased array probe assembly is provided with a water injection hole, and the pressurized water kettle is connected with the water injection hole through the water pipe.
10. A method for ultrasonic phased array inspection of a metal butt weld, characterized by, The ultrasonic phased array detection method adopts the ultrasonic phased array detection system for metal butt welds according to any one of claims 1-9, and the ultrasonic phased array detection method comprises the following steps: S1, before detection, according to the size of a large-diameter pipeline to be detected, the specification of a weld, the types of phased array probes and wedge blocks and the type of an encoder, a scanning plan is determined by using a focusing rule; S2, a chain scanning frame assembly is installed; S3, a moving trolley on the chain scanning frame is connected with an encoder adapter interface on an ultrasonic phased array instrument through an encoder adapter line; S4, according to a position sequence of a scanning probe required, the chain scanning frame is placed at a suitable position; S5, adjusting the axial position of the phased array probe according to the axial position sequence of the phased array probe required by the detection, so as to meet the requirements of the detection sequence; S6, calling the scanning configuration file in step S1, pressurizing the pressurized water bottle filled with water, and starting the scanning when the deionized water flows out from the water injection hole under the wedge.
11. The method for ultrasonic phased array inspection of a metal butt weld of claim 10 wherein, In step S1, a standard block with the same curvature radius as the large-diameter pipe to be detected is used to calibrate the sound velocity of the phased array probe and the delay of the wedge, save the configuration file, and name the configuration file.
12. The method for ultrasonic phased array inspection of a metal butt weld of claim 10 wherein, In step S4, the suitable position means that when the phased array probe moves on the slide rail, the position of the phased array probe in the left and right movement range of the phased array probe can meet the required scanning position sequence.
13. The method for ultrasonic phased array inspection of a metal butt weld of claim 10 wherein, In step S4, a circumferential reference line is arranged on the large-diameter pipe to be detected, and the distance between the roller on the outside of the chain link close to the circumferential reference line and the circumferential reference line is measured before the locking switch is locked, so that the distance between the outside roller of the chain scanning frame along the large-diameter pipe to be detected and the circumferential reference line is equal.
14. The method for ultrasonic phased array inspection of a metal butt weld of claim 13 wherein, In step S4, after the position of the chain link in the chain scanning frame assembly is fixed, the locking switch is adjusted so that the roller of the chain link completely matches the outer wall of the large-diameter pipe to be detected, and the normal rotation of the chain scanning frame is ensured.