An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high temperature working conditions
By designing an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature environments, the problem of poor adaptability of ultrasonic probes in high-temperature liquid metal environments was solved, achieving stable propagation and detection of ultrasonic signals, reducing costs, and improving modularity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HARBIN ENG UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, ultrasonic probes have poor adaptability to high-temperature liquid metal environments, low sound wave penetration efficiency, and require separate probe designs for pipelines of different diameters, resulting in high costs and low modularity.
An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions was designed, including a pipe fixing part, a temperature control device and an ultrasonic probe fixing part. The modular design adapts to different pipe diameters, heat exchange fluid channels are used for cooling, and an acoustic impedance matching medium containment structure is used to ensure the effective propagation of ultrasonic signals.
Stable operation of the ultrasonic probe in high-temperature environments has been achieved, reducing costs, improving modularity and adaptability, and ensuring effective propagation and detection of ultrasonic signals.
Smart Images
Figure CN224399341U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of nuclear engineering, and in particular relates to an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of nuclear engineering, lead-bismuth reactors have received widespread attention in recent years due to their high safety, sustainability, economic performance, and environmental friendliness. However, due to the high operating temperature (473K) of lead-bismuth reactors and the inherent opacity and wettability of liquid metals, traditional optical and invasive detection methods are insufficient for monitoring the flow state of liquid lead-bismuth alloys. Ultrasonic imaging technology, as a non-invasive, high-resolution real-time monitoring method, can accurately capture the flow velocity distribution, cavitation rate, and flow instability phenomena within pipes, and is well-suited for monitoring high-temperature liquid metals such as high-temperature lead-bismuth alloys.
[0003] Based on currently available literature and patents, the following problems have been difficult to solve in the past when using ultrasonic imaging technology in high-temperature liquid metals:
[0004] Because ultrasound waves attenuate significantly in gaseous media, acoustic impedance matching media are used in industrial measurements to eliminate the air layer between the probe and the detection surface, ensuring efficient penetration of the interface and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. However, on the outer diameter surface of lead-bismuth alloy pipelines, the acoustic impedance matching media is prone to component decomposition or a sudden drop in viscosity at high temperatures, leading to acoustic impedance mismatch, interface contact deterioration, and weakening of ultrasonic penetration efficiency.
[0005] Ultrasonic transducers (such as those made of PZT material) may experience signal attenuation or failure at high temperatures due to the Curie temperature limitation of piezoelectric materials, structural thermal expansion mismatch, and aging of connecting components. This makes it difficult to apply ultrasonic imaging technology in the monitoring of high-temperature liquid metals.
[0006] For pipelines with different outer diameters, ultrasonic probes have poor adaptability, often requiring the design of different ultrasonic imaging probes for each diameter. This results in long industrial design cycles, high costs, and hinders rapid monitoring and experimentation. Furthermore, improvements in cooling are mostly integrated into the ultrasonic probe itself, leading to high costs and poor versatility for individual probes.
[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to design a hardware interface that is variable in diameter, resistant to high temperatures, capable of dissipating waste heat conducted through the outer wall of the pipeline, and can contain and protect the acoustic impedance matching medium and the ultrasonic transducer, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0008] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions, so as to solve the problems of poor adaptability of ultrasonic probes to pipelines, low modularity, high cost of a single ultrasonic probe, and poor penetration effect of ultrasonic imaging probes under high-temperature operating conditions.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions, comprising:
[0010] The pipeline fixing part is used to fix it on the pipeline to be matched. A slot is provided on one end face. The slot is used to engage the ultrasonic probe fixing part. The ultrasonic probe fixing part is used to detachably connect the ultrasonic imaging probe.
[0011] A temperature control device, coupled to the ultrasonic probe mounting part, is used to cool the ultrasonic probe mounting part.
[0012] Furthermore, the pipeline fixing part is provided with a saddle clamp, which is used to form a locking joint with the pipeline fixing part to engage the pipeline to be matched.
[0013] Furthermore, the shape of the bayonet is adapted to the pipeline to be fitted, and the diameter of the bayonet is adjustable.
[0014] Furthermore, the overall axis of the ultrasonic probe fixing part is perpendicular to the axis of the pipeline to be fitted.
[0015] Furthermore, a heat exchange fluid channel is integrally machined within the peripheral wall of the ultrasonic probe fixing part, and the inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange fluid channel are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet ends of the cooling medium of the temperature control device.
[0016] Furthermore, the heat exchange fluid channel is a unidirectional single-flow channel with a high surface area heat dissipation optimized structure.
[0017] Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe fixing part has an axially extending opening on the end face away from the pipeline to be fitted, for engaging the ultrasonic imaging probe.
[0018] Furthermore, a probe containment structure for holding the acoustic impedance matching medium is provided inside the opening near the pipeline to be matched.
[0019] Furthermore, the probe housing structure has a sealing part on the side away from the pipeline to be fitted, for sealing the connection of the ultrasonic imaging probe.
[0020] Furthermore, the sealing part is a double-lip sealing structure sealing ring, and the inlet diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic imaging probe.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0022] 1. This interface can adapt to different pipe diameters through the pipe fixing part, so that the ultrasonic imaging probe can be locked in place regardless of the pipe diameter. It can achieve a tight fit between the interface and the pipe to be measured, ensuring the effective propagation of ultrasonic signals. Through the separate modular design of the ultrasonic probe fixing part, it can adapt to different pipes and different ultrasonic imaging probes, with high replaceability and high modularity.
[0023] 2. This structure cools the ultrasonic imaging probe by coupling the ultrasonic probe fixing part with the temperature control device. This arrangement avoids the need to set up a cooling structure on each different ultrasonic imaging probe, saving costs and improving the usability of the interface. At the same time, the simplified ultrasonic imaging probe structure makes it easier to fix and lock the position. It is also suitable for monitoring high-temperature environments such as lead-bismuth alloy pipelines, preventing the acoustic impedance matching medium from easily decomposing or suddenly decreasing in viscosity at high temperatures, which can lead to acoustic impedance mismatch, interface contact deterioration, and weakened ultrasonic penetration efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:
[0025] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions according to the present invention.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions according to the present invention.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the heat exchange fluid channels described in this utility model.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions according to the present invention.
[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the adaptation of the pipe fixing part and the ultrasonic probe fixing part of different sizes according to this utility model.
[0030] Pipe fixing part 1; saddle clamp 1-1; slot 1-2; temperature control device 2; ultrasonic probe fixing part 3; double lip sealing structure sealing ring 3-1; probe enclosure structure 3-2; heat exchange fluid channel 3-3; pipeline to be matched 4; ultrasonic imaging probe 5. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present utility model can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments.
[0032] It should be noted that the descriptions of "left," "right," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "top," and "bottom" in this utility model are defined based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the described structure must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this embodiment describes an ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions, comprising:
[0035] The pipe fixing part 1 is used to fix itself onto the pipe 4 to be used. A slot 1-2 is provided on one end face of the slot 1-2 for engaging the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3. The ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 is used for detachably connecting the ultrasonic imaging probe 5. This detachable connection forms a modular connection. By reasonably replacing each module, adaptability and ease of assembly and disassembly are improved, thereby achieving compatibility with different pipes and different ultrasonic imaging probes 5. Only a limited number of pipe fixing parts 1 and ultrasonic probe fixing parts 3 need to be replaced to accommodate a large number of pipes of different diameters and different ultrasonic imaging probes 5. Each ultrasonic imaging probe 5 does not need its own cooling structure to ensure stable and effective operation. The specific engaging form of the slot 1-2 and the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 can be replaced according to actual needs, and any form that facilitates modular connection can be used in this application.
[0036] Temperature control device 2 is coupled to ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 and is used to cool ultrasonic probe fixing part 3. The coupling method can be selected by wrapping heat exchange pipes around ultrasonic probe fixing part 3, or the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 can be set in the heat exchange cavity of temperature control device 2. The coupling method between heat exchange structure and ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 can be replaced according to the actual selected form of temperature control device 2.
[0037] In this embodiment, a saddle clamp 1-1 is provided on the pipe fixing part 1 to form a locking groove with the pipe to be fitted 4. Specifically, the pipe fixing part 1 is a pipe-fitting saddle, and the locking groove formed by the pipe-fitting saddle and the saddle clamp 1-1 is tangent to the outer diameter of the pipe to be fitted 4. A slot 1-2 is provided on the vertical surface of the pipe fixing part 1, and the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 is inserted into the slot 1-2 during installation. Figure 5 As shown, for pipes of different outer diameters, by replacing the pipes with saddles 1-a, 1-b, 1-c of different sizes and using saddle clamps 1-1, a tight fit between the clamp and the pipe to be measured can be achieved, ensuring effective propagation of ultrasonic signals. Depending on the actual situation, other modular connection methods can also be selected, all within the spirit of this utility model. The pipe fixing part 1 is made of ceramic-polymer composite material. The low thermal conductivity of the polymer resin matrix effectively blocks heat conduction from the high-temperature pipe to the interface; the uniformly distributed ceramic filler effectively reduces ultrasonic signal attenuation and scattering.
[0038] In this embodiment, the shape of the bayonet is adapted to the pipe 4 to be fitted, and the diameter of the bayonet is adjustable. The shape of the bayonet is related to the configuration of the saddle clamp 1-1 and the pipe fixing part 1. The adjustable diameter of the bayonet can be achieved by replacing different pipe fixing parts 1 and saddle clamps 1-1, or by setting the saddle clamp 1-1 to an adjustable diameter. For example, the saddle clamp 1-1 can be set as two sections with male and female threads, the lengths of which are adjustable, and bayonet with different diameters can be formed by fixing with male and female threads. Adjustments can be made reasonably according to actual needs.
[0039] In this embodiment, the overall axis of the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 is perpendicular to the axis of the pipeline 4 to be matched. This facilitates the effective propagation of ultrasonic signals and the positioning of the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 is an aluminum alloy ultrasonic probe holder, which is anodized. A heat exchange fluid channel 3-3 is integrally machined into the periphery of the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3. The inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3 are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet ends of the cooling medium of the temperature control device 2. Utilizing the high thermal conductivity of the aluminum alloy of the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3, the residual heat in the holder is fully exchanged with the heat exchange fluid in the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3. Through the multi-turn solenoid structure of the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3, the heat exchange area between the heat exchange fluid and the ultrasonic probe holder 3 is increased, ensuring a low-temperature environment for the acoustic impedance matching medium and the ultrasonic transducer.
[0040] In this embodiment, the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3 is a unidirectional single-channel with a high surface area heat dissipation optimization structure. Specifically, the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3 is a spiral channel. It can also be a high surface area channel structure such as an end-closed leaf vein fractal channel. Any unidirectional single-channel with a high surface area heat dissipation optimization structure can be used in this application. The high surface area heat dissipation optimization structure indicates a structure with a larger heat exchange area under the same conditions. This arrangement increases the heat exchange area, thereby improving the heat exchange effect. Specifically, the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3 is integrally machined inside the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 of the structural support. This prevents insufficient heat exchange or thermal instability of the support structure caused by inconsistent heat transfer coefficients when the structural support and the heat exchange fluid channel are matched in traditional heat exchange methods. The temperature control device 2 has a pre-set control program. Water or organic liquid is added to the integrated heat exchange circulation channel formed by the temperature control device 2 and the heat exchange fluid channel 3-3. The heat exchange fluid is circulated through the temperature control device 2, achieving a constant ambient temperature within the working chamber of the ultrasonic transducer. Specifically, the temperature control device 2 can employ a micro-circulation pump with a certain power. The pump's power circulates the heat exchange fluid, ensuring a constant ambient temperature within the ultrasonic transducer's working chamber. This method only requires pre-setting the opening size of the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 and the matching probe housing structure 3-2 and double-lip sealing ring 3-1 to accommodate different ultrasonic imaging probes 5, ensuring stable operation of the corresponding ultrasonic imaging probe 5. Furthermore, if the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 is damaged, it can be replaced. Compared to setting a cooling structure on the ultrasonic imaging probe 5, this method is more effective, less costly, and has better adaptability.
[0041] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3 has an axially extending opening on the end face away from the pipe 4 to be fitted, for engaging the ultrasonic imaging probe 5. By setting different opening sizes, ultrasonic imaging probes 5 of different sizes can be accommodated within a certain range, which can be achieved by changing the internal probe housing structure 3-2 and the sealing part size parameters.
[0042] In this embodiment, a probe housing structure 3-2 for holding the acoustic impedance matching medium is provided on the side of the opening near the pipe 4 to be fitted. A sealing part for sealing the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 is provided on the side of the probe housing structure 3-2 away from the pipe 4. Specifically, the sealing part is a double-lip sealing ring 3-1, with an inlet diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic imaging probe 5. Through an interference fit, the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 can be effectively fixed and sealed. The double-lip sealing ring 3-1 adopts a stepped radius increase from the inlet end inwards. This double-layer structure with a stepped radius ensures effective fixing and sealing of the ultrasonic imaging probe 5, while reducing the insertion resistance at the rear, avoiding excessive installation resistance throughout the process. This structure ensures both sealing and engagement stability while reducing installation resistance and improving convenience. The probe housing structure 3-2 and the double-lip sealing ring 3-1, made of fluororubber, can achieve the containment of the acoustic impedance matching medium and structural support for the ultrasonic probe.
[0043] In use, depending on the different pipelines 4 to be matched, select the corresponding pipeline fixing part 1 to fix the interface onto the pipeline 4 to be matched. Insert the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3, which has already installed the internal probe housing structure 3-2 and the double-lip sealing structure sealing ring 3-1, into the slot 1-2. Then, insert the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 into the probe housing structure 3-2. Operate the temperature control device 2 according to the predetermined program to ensure effective cooling of the ultrasonic imaging probe 5, the probe housing structure 3-2, and the acoustic impedance matching medium. This avoids the phenomenon that the acoustic impedance matching medium is prone to component decomposition or viscosity drop at high temperatures, leading to acoustic impedance mismatch, interface contact deterioration, and weakening of ultrasonic wave penetration efficiency, thus ensuring effective and reliable monitoring.
[0044] This interface, through its modular design, can adapt to different matching pipelines 4 and different ultrasonic imaging probes 5, exhibiting a high degree of modularity and strong adaptability. By cooling the ultrasonic probe fixing part 3, the problems of poor pipeline adaptability of the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 and poor penetration effect of the ultrasonic imaging probe 5 under high-temperature operating conditions are solved.
[0045] The sensors, controllers, and control programs mentioned above are all existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon.
[0046] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the present invention. The embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the present invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the present invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the present invention.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions, characterized in that, include: The pipeline fixing part (1) is used to fix it on the pipeline (4) to be matched. A slot (1-2) is provided on one end face. The slot (1-2) is used to engage the ultrasonic probe fixing part (3). The ultrasonic probe fixing part (3) is used to detachably connect the ultrasonic imaging probe (5). Temperature control device (2) is coupled to ultrasonic probe fixing part (3) for cooling ultrasonic probe fixing part (3).
2. The ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature working conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipeline fixing part (1) is provided with a saddle clamp (1-1) for forming a locking joint with the pipeline fixing part (1) to engage the pipeline (4) to be matched.
3. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shape of the bayonet is adapted to the pipeline (4) to be matched, and the diameter of the bayonet is adjustable.
4. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overall axis of the ultrasonic probe fixing part (3) is perpendicular to the axis of the pipeline (4) to be fitted.
5. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The ultrasonic probe fixing part (3) has an integrally machined heat exchange fluid channel (3-3) in the periphery wall. The inlet and outlet ends of the heat exchange fluid channel (3-3) are respectively connected to the cooling medium outlet and inlet ends of the temperature control device (2).
6. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange fluid channel (3-3) is a unidirectional single-channel structure with a high surface area and optimized heat dissipation.
7. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, characterized in that: The ultrasonic probe fixing part (3) has an opening extending axially on the end face away from the pipeline (4) to be matched, for engaging the ultrasonic imaging probe (5).
8. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 7, characterized in that: The opening is provided with a probe containment structure (3-2) for holding the acoustic impedance matching medium on the side near the pipeline (4) to be matched.
9. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 8, characterized in that: The probe housing structure (3-2) has a sealing part on the side away from the pipeline (4) to be matched, for sealing the connection of the ultrasonic imaging probe (5).
10. An ultrasonic probe interface suitable for high-temperature operating conditions according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sealing part is a double-lip sealing structure sealing ring (3-1), and the inlet diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the ultrasonic imaging probe (5).