A chain type small nozzle wall thickness measuring device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522398366.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-12
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本实用新型的目的在于克服现有技术中小接管壁厚检测难度大、效率低、检测精度不足的缺陷，提供一种链式小接管壁厚测定装置，实现对小接管的高效、精准、无损检测
（1）通过柔性链式主体的设计，可适配链式小接管的连续链式结构及弯曲走向，结合弹簧与超声波契块的配合，实现 “探头压入则契块伸出接触管壁，探头再次按压则契块缩回” 自动耦合机制，传统手动涂抹耦合剂与把持探头的繁琐步骤，能够实现多点同步的快速耦合与测量，极大提升了检测效率。超声波契块内表面设置成弧形，可与管壁始终紧密贴合，有效避免因接触不良导致的检测误差，提升检测精度（检测精度可达±0.01mm）。
Smart Images
Figure CN224906001U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline inspection technology, specifically to a chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device. Background Technology
[0002] In industries such as petroleum, chemical, and power, various types of pipelines are widely used. Among them, small connecting pipes (nominal diameter DN10~DN50) are an important part of the pipeline system. They are subjected to harsh working conditions such as medium corrosion and pressure fluctuations for a long time, and their pipe wall thickness will gradually decrease. If they cannot be detected in time and accurately, they may cause serious safety accidents such as leaks and explosions.
[0003] Currently, the detection of small-diameter pipe wall thickness generally relies on operators using handheld thickness gauges for point-by-point contact measurements. This method has several significant shortcomings in practical applications: First, the detection efficiency is low. Measuring each of the numerous small-diameter pipes in the system is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also severely impacts the detection progress. Second, due to the small diameter of the pipes, the coupling between the thickness gauge probe and the pipe wall is poor, resulting in uneven contact and introducing measurement deviations, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of the data. Although automated thickness measuring equipment is already used in industry, it is difficult to adapt to the compact structure and size characteristics of small-diameter pipes. Furthermore, such equipment is often complex in structure and lacks adaptability, making it difficult to deploy flexibly in confined spaces, thus failing to achieve comprehensive and rapid detection of small-diameter pipe wall thickness.
[0004] Therefore, developing a small pipe wall thickness measuring device that can adapt to small pipe sizes, has a high degree of automation, and provides accurate and efficient detection is of great practical significance. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as high difficulty, low efficiency, and insufficient accuracy in small pipe wall thickness detection, and to provide a chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device to achieve efficient, accurate, and non-destructive testing of small pipes.
[0006] Its core concept lies in transforming a rigid testing task into a flexible, semi-automated process. This chain-type small-tube wall thickness measuring device mainly includes a flexible chain body, multiple measuring units integrated on the body, and an automatic coupling mechanism.
[0007] 1. The flexible chain-type main body is composed of multiple independent chain link units connected end to end by hinge connectors (such as pins, universal joints, magnetic anodes and cathodes, etc.), forming an overall structure similar to a "centipede" or "chain". This design allows the main body to bend flexibly in multiple directions, thus tightly covering the outer wall of small pipes with various curvatures and spatial orientations, achieving three-dimensional spatial conformation.
[0008] 2. An automatic coupling mechanism is integrated between each link unit and the measuring unit. It includes a spring-limiting structure located at the four corners of the top of the ultrasonic wedge. One end of the spring is fixed to the link body, and the other end is connected to the ultrasonic wedge. A detection hole is located at the center of the top of the ultrasonic wedge, and the bottom working surface is machined into an arc surface matching the curvature of the pipe wall to ensure optimal sound wave transmission. The thickness probe is fitted into this detection hole.
[0009] The device has two distinct operating states: (1) Retracted standby state: When no external driving force is applied, the preload of the spring in the automatic coupling mechanism keeps the ultrasonic wedge in a retracted state, and its front arc surface does not protrude from the inner arc surface of the chain link unit. This state facilitates the installation, positioning and transfer of the device, and can effectively prevent the ultrasonic wedge from colliding with pipes or other objects and being damaged when it is not in operation.
[0010] (2) Extended Measurement State: The thickness probe compresses the spring, simultaneously pushing the ultrasonic wedge forward precisely until its arc surface is tightly and stably pressed against the outer wall of the small tube to be measured and locked in position. At this time, the coupling agent filled between the probe, wedge and tube wall forms the perfect acoustic channel required for non-destructive testing, allowing for immediate and accurate wall thickness measurement. After the measurement is completed, the driving force is applied again, the position is unlocked, and the restoring force of the spring will simultaneously push the ultrasonic probe back to the initial position and pull the ultrasonic wedge back to the retracted state, achieving automatic "decoupling".
[0011] 3. Automatic Coupling Mechanism: Through the cooperation of the through-hole wall thickness detection mechanism, spring, and ultrasonic wedge, an automatic coupling mechanism is formed: "When the probe is pressed in, the wedge extends out to contact the pipe wall; when the probe is pressed again, the wedge retracts." When the ultrasonic probe is inserted into the detection hole, it pushes the ultrasonic wedge out from the chain link until the arc-shaped contact surface of the ultrasonic wedge is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the chain-type small connecting pipe. At this time, due to the presence of the spring limiting structure, the position is locked and remains in a tight fit until the inspection is completed. After the inspection is completed, pressing the probe again unlocks the position, and under the action of the spring limiting structure, the spring returns to its original shape, driving the ultrasonic wedge back into the wall thickness detection hole, thus preventing the ultrasonic wedge from being damaged by collision during the removal of the device.
[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A chain-type small-tube wall thickness measuring device, comprising: Flexible chain body (12): It is formed by connecting one or more chain link units (1) through connectors to form a strip structure that can be bent and cover the outer periphery of the small tube to be tested. Measurement unit: set on each link unit, each measurement unit includes an ultrasonic wedge, and a detection hole (8) is opened on the top of the ultrasonic wedge, and the thickness probe (11) is fitted into the detection hole (8); Automatic coupling mechanism: located between the chain link unit and the measuring unit, it includes a spring limiting mechanism; The measuring unit adjusts its relative distance to the link unit with the aid of an automatic coupling mechanism. When in use, it extends out of the link unit and retracts into the link unit when in storage.
[0013] The aforementioned chain-type small tube wall thickness measuring device has four springs in the spring limiting mechanism, which are distributed near the four corners of the ultrasonic wedge. One end is fixed to the top of the chain link unit, and the movable end is movably connected to the ultrasonic wedge. When the ultrasonic probe is subjected to pressure in the direction of the small tube to be measured, the spring is compressed, causing the ultrasonic wedge to extend out of the chain link unit, and the working surface contacts the part of the small tube to be measured and locks. When it is compressed again, the position is unlocked, and under the action of the spring restoring force, the ultrasonic wedge retracts and detaches from the tube wall, returns to the measuring unit carrier (6), and reaches the standby position.
[0014] In the aforementioned chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device, the ultrasonic wedge (7) is set inside the measuring unit carrier (6) of the chain link unit, and the detection hole (8) extends through the ultrasonic wedge.
[0015] The aforementioned chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device has a connecting piece at both ends of the chain link unit (1) that is any one of ratchet strap, magnetic suction cup, elastic bandage or screw clamp, which is fixed to the chain link unit (1) by means of hinge joint (4).
[0016] The aforementioned chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device has small pulleys installed at the bottom of the chain link unit to achieve lateral or longitudinal movement on the outer wall of the small pipe.
[0017] In the aforementioned chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device, the front working surface of the ultrasonic wedge is an arc surface, and its radius of curvature matches the outer diameter of the target small pipe to be measured; the ultrasonic wedge is connected to the front end of the spring by a snap-fit method to achieve quick replacement.
[0018] Beneficial Effects: This utility model aims to solve the problem that existing technologies cannot perform rapid, continuous, and high-precision wall thickness measurement on pipes with varying curvature, small diameters, or irregular shapes. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following advantages: (1) Through the design of the flexible chain body, it can be adapted to the continuous chain structure and bending direction of the chain small tube. Combined with the cooperation of the spring and the ultrasonic wedge, the automatic coupling mechanism of "the wedge extends to contact the tube wall when the probe is pressed in and the wedge retracts when the probe is pressed again" is realized. The cumbersome steps of manually applying coupling agent and holding the probe can realize multi-point synchronous rapid coupling and measurement, which greatly improves the detection efficiency. The inner surface of the ultrasonic wedge is set to be arc-shaped, which can always fit tightly with the tube wall, effectively avoiding detection errors caused by poor contact and improving detection accuracy (detection accuracy can reach ±0.01mm).
[0019] (2) Several measuring units are connected in series at equal intervals and with synchronous adjustment components, which can realize multi-point continuous detection or fixed-point precise detection of chain small pipes. The detection efficiency is 3-5 times higher than the traditional manual single-point detection, and can fully cover the pipeline detection area to avoid missed detection.
[0020] (3) The ultrasonic wedge is designed to be replaceable. When the ultrasonic wedge is worn or damaged, it can be replaced separately without replacing the entire measuring unit, thus reducing equipment maintenance costs. At the same time, the arc-shaped contact surface of the ultrasonic wedge can be customized according to the chain-type small connecting pipes of different diameters, thus expanding the applicability range of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chain-type small pipe wall thickness measuring device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of link unit 1 in its stowed state; Figure 3 This is a side view of link unit 1 in its usage state; Figure 4 This is a top view of link unit 1; Figure 5 This is a side view of the spring limiting structure.
[0022] The main reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 1-Chain link unit, 2-Magnetic anode, 3-Fixing hole, 4-Hinged joint, 5-Rolling pulley, 6-Measuring unit carrier, 7-Ultrasonic wedge, 8-Detection hole, 9-Spring limiting structure, 10-Magnetic cathode, 11-Thickness probe, 12-Flexible chain body. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Example
[0024] In this embodiment, the small connecting pipe to be inspected has a diameter of DN20; for example... Figures 1 to 5As shown, a chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device includes: a flexible chain body 12, a measuring unit, and an automatic coupling mechanism; wherein, the measuring unit is mounted on the flexible chain body 12 by means of the automatic coupling mechanism, and the relative position of the two is adjustable; when in use, the chain link unit extends out, and when in storage, the chain link unit retracts. The flexible chain body 12 is formed by hinged connection of one or more chain link units 1 at both ends via connectors, creating a strip-shaped structure that can bend and wrap around the outer periphery of the small tube to be tested. The connectors are any one of ratchet straps, magnetic suction cups, elastic bandages, or screw clamps, and are fixed to the chain link units 1 by means of hinged joints 4. Small pulleys are installed at the bottom of the chain link units 1 to enable lateral or longitudinal movement along the outer wall of the small tube.
[0025] In this embodiment, the connecting members are magnetic anode 2 and magnetic cathode 10 disposed at both ends of the link unit 1. One or more link units 1 are hinged and fixed to the magnetic anode and cathode by means of magnetic links.
[0026] The measuring unit is installed on each link unit and includes an ultrasonic wedge. A detection hole 8 is opened at the top of the ultrasonic wedge, and a thickness probe 11 is fitted into the detection hole 8. Specifically, the ultrasonic wedge 7 is installed inside the measuring unit carrier 6 of the link unit, and the detection hole 8 extends through the ultrasonic wedge. For ease of measurement, the front working surface of the ultrasonic wedge is arc-shaped, and its radius of curvature matches the outer diameter of the target small pipe to be measured.
[0027] An automatic coupling mechanism is positioned between the chain link unit and the measuring unit, and includes a spring limiting mechanism. The spring limiting mechanism has four springs, distributed near the four corners of the ultrasonic wedge. One end is fixed to the top of the chain link unit, and the movable end is movably connected to the ultrasonic wedge. Specifically, the ultrasonic wedge is connected to the front end of the spring via a snap-fit mechanism, enabling quick replacement.
[0028] When the ultrasonic probe is subjected to pressure in the direction of the small tube to be tested, the spring is compressed, causing the ultrasonic wedge to extend out of the chain link unit (such as...). Figure 3 As shown), the working surface contacts and locks the part to be tested in the small connecting pipe; when pressure is applied again, the position unlocks, and under the action of the spring restoring force, the ultrasonic wedge retracts and detaches from the pipe wall, returning to the measuring unit carrier 6 (as shown). Figure 2 As shown in the image, they have reached the standby position.
[0029] Its workflow is as follows: The first step, installation and positioning: The operator wraps the chain body around the small tube to be tested like a strap. At this time, the measuring unit is in the retracted state, and all ultrasonic wedges 7 are retracted into the chain link unit 1 under the action of the automatic coupling mechanism, avoiding scratches.
[0030] The second step is to tighten: If the chain body cannot tightly cover the small connecting pipe, and the two chain link units cannot be secured by the magnetic attraction, then the strapping tape is passed through the fixing holes 3 at both ends of the chain link unit and tied to secure the entire device to the connecting pipe.
[0031] The third step is automatic coupling and measurement: Insert the ultrasonic probe 11 into the detection hole 8 and press it towards the small tube to be measured. This action compresses the spring and pushes the ultrasonic wedge 7 towards the small tube until its arc surface tightly presses against the tube wall. At this time, the position is automatically locked under the action of the spring limiting structure 9, and the ultrasonic wedge and ultrasonic probe are fixed in place. The reading can then be taken through the connected ultrasonic thickness measuring host.
[0032] Step 4, Automatic Decoupling and Displacement: After measurement, press the ultrasonic probe 11 to unlock the position. The spring's restoring force immediately pulls the ultrasonic wedge 7 back to its retracted state, automatically separating the device from the pipe wall. Subsequently, the entire device can be easily slid along the pipe axis to the next measurement area, repeating the above process.
Claims
1. A chain-type small-diameter pipe wall thickness measuring device, characterized in that, include: Flexible chain body (12): It is formed by connecting one or more chain link units (1) through connectors to form a strip structure that can be bent and cover the outer periphery of the small tube to be tested. Measurement unit: Set on each link unit, each measurement unit includes an ultrasonic wedge, and a detection hole (8) is opened on the top of the ultrasonic wedge, and the thickness probe (11) is fitted into the detection hole (8); Automatic coupling mechanism: located between the chain link unit and the measuring unit, it includes a spring limiting mechanism; The measuring unit adjusts its relative distance to the link unit with the aid of an automatic coupling mechanism. When in use, it extends out of the link unit and retracts into the link unit when in storage.
2. The chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring limiting mechanism has four springs, which are distributed near the four corners of the ultrasonic wedge. One end is fixed to the top of the chain link unit, and the movable end is movably connected to the ultrasonic wedge. When the ultrasonic probe is subjected to pressure in the direction of the small tube to be tested, the spring is compressed and the ultrasonic wedge extends out of the chain link unit, and the working surface contacts the part of the small tube to be tested and locks. When it is compressed again, the position is unlocked, and under the action of the spring restoring force, the ultrasonic wedge retracts and separates from the tube wall, returns to the measuring unit carrier (6), and reaches the standby position.
3. The chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic wedge (7) is set inside the measuring unit carrier (6) of the chain link unit, and the detection hole (8) extends through the ultrasonic wedge.
4. The chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connectors at both ends of the link unit (1) are any one of ratchet straps, magnetic suction cups, elastic bandages or screw clamps, which are fixed to the link unit (1) by means of hinge joints (4).
5. The chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Small pulleys are installed at the bottom of the chain link unit to enable lateral or longitudinal movement on the outer wall of the small connecting pipe.
6. The chain-type small-pipe wall thickness measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front working surface of the ultrasonic wedge is an arc surface, and its radius of curvature matches the outer diameter of the target small tube to be tested; the ultrasonic wedge is connected to the front end of the spring by a snap-fit method to achieve quick replacement.