A pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used for eddy current detection in heat transfer tubes.

By replacing manual propulsion with a pneumatic propulsion device and using air pressure to propel the eddy current probe, the problems of high safety risks and low efficiency in traditional eddy current detection are solved, and efficient and safe eddy current detection is achieved.

CN224456665UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03YANGJIANG NUCLEAR POWER +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
YANGJIANG NUCLEAR POWER
Filing Date
2025-07-14
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional eddy current testing methods involve manually propelling and retrieving the probe, which poses significant safety risks, low efficiency, and high costs.

Method used

A pneumatic propulsion device is used, which seals the eddy current probe inside the pneumatic tube through a pneumatic tube, a front-end seal, and a rear-end seal. The eddy current probe is propelled by air pressure, replacing the manual pushing and pulling mode.

Benefits of technology

It improved testing efficiency, shortened the testing cycle, and reduced safety risks and costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used in heat transfer tube eddy current detection, comprising: a pneumatic tube through which the eddy current probe passes, with an external air source connected near the rear end; a front end seal, sealingly connected to the front end of the pneumatic tube and having a front end through hole for the eddy current probe to pass through; a rear end seal, sealingly connected to the rear end of the pneumatic tube and having an elastic through hole sealingly connected to the connector of the eddy current probe; and a handheld component, fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube for handheld use. In this utility model, the eddy current probe passes through the pneumatic tube, and the rear end seal seals the pneumatic tube to ensure air pressure. After connecting the air source, the eddy current probe can be propelled forward, thereby improving detection efficiency, shortening the detection cycle, and reducing industrial safety risks.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat transfer tube eddy current detection technology, and in particular to a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used for heat transfer tube eddy current detection. Background Technology

[0002] Tubular heat exchangers are crucial heat exchange devices. The heat transfer tubes not only perform heat exchange but also act as a vital barrier separating the heat transfer medium. Currently, eddy current testing is recognized both domestically and internationally as the most effective method for detecting heat transfer tube faults and preventing leaks. Traditional eddy current testing technology using an internally driven coil-wound probe involves manually pushing and retrieving the probe. This method suffers from a poor working environment inside the container, high physical exertion for personnel, significant safety risks such as heatstroke and suffocation, and is also inefficient and costly. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe for eddy current detection of heat transfer tubes.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection, comprising:

[0005] The pneumatic tube through which the eddy current probe passes is connected to an external air source near the rear end.

[0006] The front end seal is sealed to the front end of the pneumatic tube and has a front end through hole for the eddy current probe to pass through.

[0007] The rear end seal is sealed to the rear end of the pneumatic tube and has an elastic through hole for sealing connection with the connecting pipe of the eddy current probe.

[0008] A handheld component is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube for handheld use.

[0009] In some embodiments, a rear-end connector is further included, which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube and fixedly connected to the handheld device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the handheld component includes a handheld sleeve and an inner component. The handheld sleeve is fitted onto the inner component, the inner component is connected to the pneumatic tube, and the inner component is provided with an air passage that communicates with the pneumatic tube and is connected to an external air source.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first air source connector is further included, which is fixedly connected to the internal component and communicates with the air passage to provide an external air source.

[0012] In some embodiments, a front-end connector is further included, which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube and fixedly connected to the front-end seal.

[0013] In some embodiments, a positioning component is further included, which is connected to a heat transfer tube surrounding the heat transfer tube to be tested, and the positioning component is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a mounting base and a plurality of support columns, the support columns being fixedly connected to the mounting base and the mounting base being detachably connected to the pneumatic tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support column is a pneumatic spring;

[0016] The positioning component also includes a second air source connector corresponding to the number of pneumatic springs, and each second air source connector is connected to the support column for inflation.

[0017] In some embodiments, a handle is also included, which is fixedly connected to the mounting base.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mounting base is rotatably connected to the pneumatic tube;

[0019] The pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection also includes an intermediate connector, which is threadedly connected to the pneumatic pipe and abuts against the mounting base to cooperate with the front connector to clamp the mounting base.

[0020] By implementing this utility model, the following beneficial effects can be achieved:

[0021] This invention discloses a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used in heat transfer tube eddy current testing. The device includes: a pneumatic tube through which the eddy current probe passes, with an external air source connected near the rear end; a front-end seal, sealingly connected to the front end of the pneumatic tube and having a front-end through-hole for the eddy current probe to pass through; a rear-end seal, sealingly connected to the rear end of the pneumatic tube and having an elastic through-hole sealingly connected to the connector of the eddy current probe; and a handheld component, fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube for handheld use. In this invention, the eddy current probe passes through the pneumatic tube, and the rear-end seal seals the pneumatic tube to ensure air pressure. After connecting the air source, the eddy current probe can be propelled forward, thereby improving testing efficiency, shortening the testing cycle, and reducing industrial safety risks. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a pneumatic propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of a medium-sized aerodynamic propulsion device;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly 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 mechanical connection or a chemical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between 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.

[0030] See Figures 1 to 3 One embodiment of this utility model discloses a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used for eddy current detection of heat transfer tubes. In conjunction with a motor and other auxiliary devices, compressed air is used to propel the eddy current probe during the eddy current detection signal acquisition stage, replacing the traditional manual pushing and pulling mode of the probe, thereby achieving the purpose of improving detection efficiency, shortening the detection cycle, and reducing industrial safety risks.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pneumatic propulsion device for the eddy current probe used in heat transfer tube eddy current detection includes a pneumatic tube 1, a front end seal 2, a rear end seal, and a handheld component 3. The pneumatic tube 1 allows the eddy current probe to pass through, and an external air source is connected near the rear end to provide pressure for propelling the probe. The front end seal 2 is sealed to the front end of the pneumatic tube 1 and has a front through-hole for the eddy current probe to pass through. The rear end seal is sealed to the rear end of the pneumatic tube 1 and has a flexible through-hole for sealing with the probe's connector. The handheld component 3 is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube 1 for handheld use.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the pneumatic tube 1 is a hollow cylindrical structure. The front and rear ends of the pneumatic tube 1 are defined by the airflow direction, with the airflow flowing from the rear to the front. Driven by the airflow, the eddy current probe moves in the same direction as the airflow. The front seal 2 serves two purposes: firstly, it seals the connection with the pneumatic tube 1; secondly, it seals the contact surface of the heat transfer tube under test, preventing leakage and pressure drop. The front seal 2 can be made of polyurethane. The diameter of the front through-hole is larger than the maximum diameter of the eddy current probe, facilitating its passage. The diameter of the front through-hole can also be the same as the diameter of the heat transfer tube under test, maintaining stable contact and preventing diameter changes at the interface from affecting the air pressure. The rear seal requires high sealing performance and elasticity. After the eddy current probe passes through the elastic through-hole, the elastic through-hole contracts elastically and seals against the probe's connector, ensuring stable air pressure. The rear seal can be made of multi-layered rubber to reduce leakage and noise. The handheld component 3 is used by the operator to grip and counteract the reaction force of the pneumatic propulsion. The rear seal is not shown in the figure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection further includes a rear-end connector 4, which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube 1 and fixedly connected to the handheld component 3. The rear-end connector 4 is used to connect the pneumatic tube 1 and the handheld component 3, which can be a rigid connection or a flexible connection. Preferably, the handheld component 3 is located at the rear end of the pneumatic tube 1, corresponding to the location of the external air source of the pneumatic tube 1.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the handheld component 3 includes a handheld sleeve 31 and an inner component 32. The handheld sleeve 31 is sleeved on the inner component 32, and the inner component 32 is connected to the pneumatic tube 1. The inner component 32 is provided with an air passage 33 that communicates with the pneumatic tube 1 and is connected to an external air source. The handheld sleeve 31 is detachably sleeved on the inner component 32, for example, through a threaded connection. The inner component 32 is detachably connected to the starting tube, facilitating replacement of the inner component 32 when necessary. To ensure sealing, a sealing ring is provided at the connection point between the inner component 32 and the pneumatic tube 1.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection further includes a first air source connector 5, which is fixedly connected to the internal component 32 and communicates with the air passage 33 to provide an external air source. The first air source connector 5 and the internal component 32 are detachably sealed for easy replacement.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection further includes a front-end connector 6, which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube 1 and fixedly connected to the front-end seal 2. The front-end connector 6 is used to fix the front-end seal 2, and the front-end connector 6 and the front-end seal 2 are detachably connected, facilitating the replacement of the front-end seal 2 when necessary.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection further includes a positioning component 7 connected to the heat transfer tubes surrounding the heat transfer tube to be detected. The positioning component 7 is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube 1. The positioning component 7 is used to determine the relative position of the pneumatic propulsion device of the entire eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection and the heat transfer tube to be detected.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the positioning component 7 includes a mounting base 71 and several support columns 72. The support columns 72 are fixedly connected to the mounting base 71, and the mounting base 71 is detachably connected to the pneumatic tube 1. The mounting base 71 is used to fix the support columns 72, and the support columns 72 are inserted and positioned with the heat transfer tubes surrounding the heat transfer tube to be tested. The number of support columns 72 can be one, two, three, etc., depending on actual needs. The shape and outer diameter of the support columns 72 are adapted to the hole shape and diameter of the corresponding heat transfer tube. For example, the support column 72 is cylindrical, and its outer diameter can be slightly smaller than the hole diameter of the corresponding heat transfer tube; or the support column 72 has a variable diameter structure, with at least one outer diameter being the same as the hole diameter of the corresponding heat transfer tube, achieving plug connection.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support column 72 is a pneumatic spring. The positioning assembly 7 also includes a second air source connector 73 corresponding to the number of pneumatic springs, each second air source connector 73 being connected to the support column 72 for inflation. In the unpressurized state, the outer diameter of the support column 72 is small and smaller than the orifice diameter of the corresponding heat transfer tube. In the pressurized state, the outer diameter of the support column 72 increases and presses against the orifice wall of the corresponding heat transfer tube.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection further includes a handle 8, which is fixedly connected to the mounting base 71. The handle 8 is used to increase the holding point and, together with the holding structure, counteracts the reaction force of the pneumatic propulsion.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mounting base 71 is rotatably connected to the pneumatic tube 1. The mounting base 71 can rotate circumferentially along the pneumatic tube 1 to accommodate different tube sheet shapes and heat transfer tube positions.

[0042] The pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection also includes an intermediate connector 9. The intermediate connector 9 is threadedly connected to the pneumatic tube 1 and abuts against the mounting base 71 to cooperate with the front connector 6 in clamping the mounting base 71. When it is necessary to adjust the position of the mounting base 71 and the support column 72, loosen the intermediate connector 9 for adjustment. After adjustment, tighten the intermediate connector 9 to fix the position of the mounting base 71 and the support column 72.

[0043] By implementing this utility model, the following beneficial effects can be achieved:

[0044] The present invention relates to a pneumatic propulsion device for an eddy current probe used in heat transfer tube eddy current testing. The eddy current probe passes through a pneumatic tube 1, which is sealed by a rear end seal to ensure air pressure. After the air source is connected, the eddy current probe can be propelled forward to improve testing efficiency, shorten the testing cycle, and reduce industrial safety risks.

[0045] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the concept of the present utility model, the above embodiments or technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made. These all fall within the protection scope of the present utility model, that is, the embodiments described "in some embodiments" can be freely combined with any of the embodiments above and below. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An air propulsion device for an eddy current probe for eddy current testing of heat exchanger tubes, characterized in that, include: The pneumatic tube (1) through which the eddy current probe passes is connected to an external air source near the rear end. The front sealing element (2) is sealed to the front end of the pneumatic tube (1) and has a front through hole for the eddy current probe to pass through. The rear end seal is sealed to the rear end of the pneumatic tube (1) and has an elastic through hole that is sealed to the connecting pipe of the eddy current probe. The handheld component (3) is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube (1) for handheld use.

2. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rear connector (4), which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube (1) and fixedly connected to the handheld part (3).

3. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The handheld component (3) includes a handheld sleeve (31) and an inner component (32). The handheld sleeve (31) is sleeved on the inner component (32). The inner component (32) is connected to the pneumatic tube (1), and the inner component (32) is provided with an air passage (33) that communicates with the pneumatic tube (1) and is connected to an external air source.

4. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first air source connector (5), which is fixedly connected to the internal component (32) and communicates with the air passage (33) to provide an external air source.

5. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a front connector (6), which is sleeved on the pneumatic tube (1) and fixedly connected to the front seal (2).

6. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning component (7) connected to the heat transfer tubes around the heat transfer tube to be tested, and the positioning component (7) is fixedly connected to the pneumatic tube (1).

7. The gas dynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The positioning component (7) includes a mounting base (71) and a plurality of support columns (72). The support columns (72) are fixedly connected to the mounting base (71), and the mounting base (71) is detachably connected to the pneumatic tube (1).

8. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support column (72) is a pneumatic spring; The positioning component (7) also includes a second air source connector (73) corresponding to the number of pneumatic springs, and each second air source connector (73) is connected to the support column (72) for inflation.

9. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probe of heat transfer tube eddy current testing according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a handle (8), which is fixedly connected to the mounting base (71).

10. The aerodynamic propulsion device for eddy current probes for heat exchanger tube eddy current testing according to any of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The mounting base (71) is rotatably connected to the pneumatic tube (1); The pneumatic propulsion device of the eddy current probe for heat transfer tube eddy current detection also includes an intermediate connector (9), which is threadedly connected to the pneumatic tube (1) and abuts against the mounting base (71) to cooperate with the front end connector (6) to clamp the mounting base (71).