Gas PE pipeline phased array ultrasonic detector

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of ultrasonic phased array detectors, and discloses a gas PE pipeline phased array ultrasonic detector which comprises a detector body and a detection pen, a receiving bin is integrally arranged on the side surface of the detector body, the detection pen is placed in the receiving bin, and a phased array transducer array is arranged in the detection pen. The application simplifies the equipment layout and improves operation flexibility: through the wireless connection design of the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, the wired cable between the detection pen and the detector body is completely abandoned, the rigid constraint of the cable on the movement of the detection pen is eliminated, the detection pen can flexibly follow the pipeline curved surface to adjust the posture during the detection of the gas PE pipe, the deviation of the detection head caused by the winding and pulling of the cable is avoided, the operation convenience in a complex space scene is significantly improved, one person can complete the whole process detection, and the dependence on the cooperation of multiple persons is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of ultrasonic phased array detectors, and in particular to a phased array ultrasonic detector for gas PE pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of gas transmission, PE pipes are widely used in medium and low pressure gas transmission pipelines due to their advantages such as strong corrosion resistance, good flexibility, and convenient construction. However, during the production and use of PE pipes, defects such as surface scratches and internal delamination are easily generated due to factors such as raw material impurities. If these defects are not detected and repaired in time, they may cause gas leaks or even explosions and other safety accidents. Therefore, defect detection of gas PE pipes is a key link in ensuring the safe operation of the pipeline.

[0003] The prior art discloses a phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines with application number CN202022294451.4, which relates to the field of phased array ultrasonic testing technology. This utility model can provide all-round protection and buffering for the testing instrument body, increase the stability of the device during transportation or use, and prevent the device from malfunctioning after being hit. The mechanism is simple, the protection capability is strong, and the practicality is high. By setting a motor, the threaded rod drives the push rod to move, so that the push rod supports and pushes the protective shell, which can be adjusted to the optimal operating angle, making it convenient to operate and use the device under different conditions. The operation is simple and quick, and it can be quickly collected and is easy to carry.

[0004] In the aforementioned utility model, the detector body is connected to the detection head via a connecting cable. The surface of the PE pipe is curved and the pipe diameter varies. The detection head needs to be frequently adjusted to fit the pipe. The rigid constraint of the cable restricts the flexible rotation of the detection head, making it inconvenient to use. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a phased array ultrasonic detector for gas PE pipelines, comprising a detector body and a detection pen, wherein a storage compartment is integrally provided on the side surface of the detector body, and the detection pen is placed inside the storage compartment; a phased array transducer array is provided inside the detection pen; the phased array transducer array is electrically connected through a first signal processing unit; the signal processing unit is electrically connected to a first wireless communication unit; a second wireless communication unit is embedded in the upper surface of the detector body, and the second wireless communication unit is wirelessly connected to the first wireless communication unit; the second wireless communication unit is electrically connected to a control and display unit.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the testing pen and the testing instrument body can interact with each other through wireless communication, which gets rid of the constraints of traditional wired connection, simplifies the cable layout, and is especially suitable for testing gas PE pipelines in narrow spaces or complex terrain, improving the flexibility of the testing pen's movement; at the same time, the storage compartment can protect and store the testing pen when not in testing mode, reducing the risk of component loss or damage.

[0008] Furthermore, the end of the detection pen is equipped with a movable wheel via a pivot, and the movable wheel is made of PE material.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the moving wheel can assist the test pen to roll smoothly along the surface of the PE pipe, reduce the frictional resistance between the test pen and the pipe surface, and make it easier for operators to control the test path; moreover, the PE material is the same as that of the gas PE pipe and the hardness is matched (similar Shore hardness), which can avoid scratching the pipe surface during the test, and at the same time reduce the vibration when the wheel is in contact with the pipe, indirectly ensuring the coupling stability of the phased array transducer array and the pipe surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the detection pen has a coupling agent storage cavity inside, and a piston is installed inside the coupling agent storage cavity. The piston is installed at the telescopic end of the micro electric cylinder, and a spray nozzle is installed at the end of the detection pen through the coupling agent storage cavity.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the miniature electric cylinder drives the piston to squeeze the coupling agent storage chamber, which can realize the quantitative and automatic spraying of the coupling agent without manual application. This solves the problems of uneven application and environmental pollution caused by traditional manual application of coupling agent. At the same time, the on-demand supply of coupling agent (by controlling the extension and retraction of the miniature electric cylinder) can reduce waste and ensure that the phased array transducer array and the PE pipe surface always maintain a good ultrasonic coupling effect, thereby improving the stability of the detection signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the detection pen is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the lithium battery provides independent power to the phased array transducer array, signal processing unit and first wireless communication unit inside the detection pen, without relying on an external power cord. This, combined with wireless communication, enables the detection pen to be fully wireless, allowing it to continue working in outdoor or underground pipe gallery scenarios without an external power source, thus improving the device's portability and environmental adaptability.

[0014] Furthermore, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are WiFi 6 modules.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solutions, the WiFi 6 module supports high transmission rate and low latency, which can meet the wireless transmission requirements of high-frequency signals and large amounts of real-time data in phased array ultrasonic testing.

[0016] Furthermore, a control button is installed on the side surface of the detection pen.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, operators can directly control the start and stop of the test, switch modes (such as switching between high-frequency and low-frequency array elements), and spray coupling agent by using the control button while holding the test pen. This eliminates the need for frequent operation of the test instrument itself, simplifies the operation process, and is especially suitable for single-person operation scenarios, thereby improving the testing efficiency.

[0018] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: 1. This application simplifies equipment layout and improves operational flexibility: Through the wireless connection design of the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, the wired cable between the detection pen and the detector body is completely eliminated, eliminating the rigid constraint of the cable on the movement of the detection pen. When detecting gas PE pipes, the detection pen can flexibly follow the pipe surface to adjust its posture, avoiding cable tangling and detection head deviation caused by pulling. This significantly improves the ease of operation in complex space scenarios, allowing a single person to complete the entire detection process and reducing the reliance on multiple people working together. 2. In this application, the movable wheel can assist the test pen to roll smoothly along the surface of the PE pipe, reduce the frictional resistance between the test pen and the pipe surface, facilitate the operator to control the test path, and the PE material is the same as that of the gas PE pipe with matching hardness, which can avoid scratching the pipe surface during the test and reduce vibration when in contact with the pipe, indirectly ensuring the coupling stability between the phased array transducer array and the pipe surface. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection pen and its connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection pen and its connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Detector body; 2. Phased array transducer array; 3. Signal processing unit; 4. First wireless communication unit; 5. Second wireless communication unit; 6. Control button; 7. Control and display unit; 8. Detection pen; 9. Rechargeable lithium battery; 10. Coupling agent storage chamber; 11. Spray nozzle; 12. Miniature electric cylinder; 13. Piston; 14. Moving wheel; 15. Storage compartment; 16. Integrated controller. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] like Figure 1-3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a phased array ultrasonic detector for gas PE pipelines is disclosed, including a detector body 1 and a detection pen 8. A storage compartment 15 is integrally provided on the side surface of the detector body 1, and the detection pen 8 is placed inside the storage compartment 15. A phased array transducer array 2 is provided inside the detection pen 8. The phased array transducer array 2 is electrically connected through a first signal processing unit 3. The signal processing unit 3 is electrically connected to a first wireless communication unit 4. A second wireless communication unit 5 is embedded in the upper surface of the detector body 1, and the second wireless communication unit 5 is wirelessly connected to the first wireless communication unit 4. The second wireless communication unit 5 is electrically connected to a control and display unit 7.

[0023] The detector body 1 and the storage compartment 15: The detector body 1, as the core of the device's control and data processing, is integrally injection molded from high-strength ABS+PC alloy material. The storage compartment 15 on its side surface is a homogeneous integral structure with the body, ensuring structural strength while simplifying the assembly process. The internal dimensions of the storage compartment 15 are adapted to the outer contour of the testing pen 8, and an elastic silicone pad is provided inside. The integrally molded storage compartment 15 provides physical protection for the testing pen 8, and together with the wireless connection design, it achieves the convenience of "ready to use".

[0024] The detection pen 8 and its internal core components: The detection pen 8 is divided into three independent chambers by an ABS material compartment bracket (integrated injection molding): a front detection chamber, a middle processing chamber, and a rear power supply chamber. Each chamber is connected by wires through a through hole (5mm in diameter, with an internal rubber sealing ring) and is sealed to each other. The phased array transducer array 2 and the signal processing unit 3: The phased array transducer array 2 is fixed to the end of the front detection chamber with epoxy resin. Its signal output end is connected to the signal processing unit 3 (PCB board) in the middle processing chamber by passing a flexible flat cable through the through hole of the compartment bracket. The ultrasonic signal emitted by the transducer array is reflected by a PE pipe, and the echo signal is transmitted to the signal processing unit 3 in real time through the FPC to complete signal amplification, filtering, beamforming and other processing, providing a high-quality data source for subsequent wireless transmission. The first wireless communication unit 4 is fixed to the compartment bracket of the middle processing chamber with screws. Its data interface is electrically connected to the PCB board of the signal processing unit 3 through a pin header, and the module is surrounded by a metal shield to reduce internal electromagnetic interference.

[0025] The second wireless communication unit 5 and the control and display unit 7: The second wireless communication unit 5 adopts an embedded installation: a rectangular mounting slot is opened on the upper surface of the detector body 1. The module is connected to the main control PCB board inside the body through the bottom spring contact pin. The edge of the mounting slot is coated with sealant to achieve waterproofing. After receiving the wireless signal transmitted by the first wireless communication unit 4, the second wireless communication unit 5 parses the data and transmits it to the control and display unit 7, where the touch screen displays the detection image and defect parameters in real time. At the same time, the control commands input by the operator through the touch screen are processed by the main control chip and transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 5 to the detection pen 8, realizing wireless closed-loop control of "detection pen 8-body". The low latency of the WiFi 6 module ensures timely command response and avoids detection deviations caused by signal delay, which is especially suitable for rapid scanning scenarios of PE pipes.

[0026] The end of the testing pen 8 is equipped with a movable wheel 14 via a pivot, and the movable wheel 14 is made of PE material.

[0027] Moving wheel 14: Two symmetrical shaft holes are opened at the end of the detection pen 8, and the shaft is made of stainless steel. The center hole of the moving wheel 14 is clearance-fitted with the protruding end of the shaft, and is axially limited by the elastic retaining ring at the shaft end to prevent the wheel from falling off. During detection, the moving wheel 14 rolls along the surface of the PE pipe. The clearance fit between the shaft and the wheel body enables flexible rotation, which greatly reduces the resistance when the detection pen 8 moves. The PE material of the wheel body is the same as that of the pipe, so there will be no hard friction that causes scratches on the pipe surface when in contact. Moreover, the elastic deformation of the wheel body can absorb the vibration generated by the small protrusions on the pipe surface, preventing the transducer array from detaching from the coupling surface due to bumps, and indirectly ensuring the stability of the ultrasonic signal.

[0028] The detection pen 8 has a coupling agent storage cavity 10 inside, and a piston 13 is installed inside the coupling agent storage cavity 10. The piston 13 is installed at the telescopic end of the micro electric cylinder 12, and a spray nozzle 11 is installed at the end of the detection pen 8 through the coupling agent storage cavity 10.

[0029] Coupling agent supply system: The coupling agent storage chamber 10 is located inside the test pen 8. The inner wall of the chamber is smooth to reduce the resistance of the piston 13. A nitrile rubber O-ring is fitted around the outer circumference of the piston 13, forming a sealed fit with the inner wall of the storage chamber. The miniature electric cylinder 12 is fixed to the bracket at the rear of the storage chamber by screws. Its telescopic end is fixed to the screw hole in the center of the piston 13 by a threaded connection, ensuring that the thrust transmission is secure. The nozzle 11 is inserted into the oblique hole at the end of the test pen 8 by an interference fit and is connected to the front end of the storage chamber through an internal conduit. This structure enables the quantitative supply of coupling agent, avoiding the unevenness of manual application. The O-ring seal ensures no leakage of coupling agent, and the directional design of the nozzle 11 reduces contamination of the pipeline surface.

[0030] The testing pen 8 has a rechargeable lithium battery 9 installed inside.

[0031] Rechargeable lithium battery 9: The rechargeable lithium battery 9 is installed in the power supply cavity at the rear of the test pen 8 and is fixed by elastic buckles on both sides. Its output end is connected to the power management module (integrated overcharge and over-discharge protection) in the central processing cavity through wires. The power management module then supplies power to the phased array transducer array 2, the signal processing unit 3, the first wireless communication unit 4, and the miniature electric cylinder 12. The independent power supply design of the lithium battery, combined with the signal transmission of wireless communication, completely eliminates the dual dependence of traditional equipment on power lines and signal lines, enabling the test pen 8 to achieve "fully wireless" operation.

[0032] The first wireless communication unit 4 and the second wireless communication unit 5 are WiFi 6 modules.

[0033] The WiFi 6 module supports high transmission rates and low latency, meeting the wireless transmission needs of high-frequency signals and large amounts of real-time data in phased array ultrasonic testing.

[0034] The side surface of the testing pen 8 is equipped with a control button 6.

[0035] The control button 6 is embedded in the mounting hole on the side surface of the test pen 8 and is electrically connected to the PCB board of the first signal processing unit 3 in the central processing cavity through the conductive spring at the bottom. The button surface is raised by 0.5mm and marked with different function labels. The localized operation design of the control button 6 eliminates the need for operators to frequently look down to check or operate the tester body 1.

[0036] The operating principle of the phased array ultrasonic detector for gas PE pipelines in this embodiment is as follows: The operator takes out the test pen 8 from the storage compartment 15 on the side surface of the detector body 1. After the test pen 8 is removed from the storage compartment 15, the internal rechargeable lithium battery 9 automatically powers each component through the power management module. The power monitoring module is activated simultaneously and transmits the initial power status to the control and display unit 7 of the detector body 1 via wireless signal to ensure that the device has sufficient power. After the test pen 8 is powered, the first wireless communication unit 4 (WiFi 6 module) is automatically activated and establishes an encrypted wireless link with the second wireless communication unit 5 (same model WiFi 6 module) embedded on the upper surface of the detector body 1. The control and display unit 7 displays the "connection successful" status in real time, completing the data interaction channel between the test pen 8 and the body, getting rid of the constraints of traditional wired cables, and laying the foundation for subsequent flexible mobile testing. The operator holds the test pen 8 and places the end of the test pen 8 close to the surface of the gas PE pipeline. By pressing the "coupling agent" control button 6 on the side surface with his thumb, the operator triggers the signal processing unit 3 to send a drive command to the miniature electric cylinder 12. The telescopic end of the miniature electric cylinder 12 pushes the piston 13 to move axially along the coupling agent storage chamber 10. The water-based coupling agent in the chamber is quantitatively sprayed out from the nozzle 11 through the internal conduit, uniformly covering the contact area between the phased array transducer array 2 and the pipe surface, eliminating air gaps. After coupling is completed, the operator presses the "start / stop" control button 6, and the signal processing unit 3 starts the phased array transducer array 2: the high-frequency or low-frequency array elements in the array emit ultrasonic waves under electrical signal excitation. The ultrasonic waves penetrate the PE pipe surface through the coupling agent and propagate into the pipe to perform quality inspection on the PE pipe. During the inspection, the operator pushes the inspection pen 8 to move axially or circumferentially along the PE pipe. The PE material moving wheel 14 at the end of the inspection pen 8 rotates flexibly through the stainless steel shaft and rolls along the curved surface of the pipe: the elastic deformation of the wheel absorbs the vibration generated by the small protrusions on the surface, preventing the phased array transducer array 2 from detaching from the pipe surface due to bumps; at the same time, the wheel and the pipe Flexible contact reduces frictional resistance, making it easier for operators to control the testing pen 8 to move smoothly along the preset path, ensuring the continuity of ultrasonic signal acquisition. The signal processing unit 3 transmits the processed digital signal to the first wireless communication unit 4. The WiFi 6 module, utilizing its high bandwidth and low latency characteristics, sends the data to the second wireless communication unit 5 in real time. The second wireless communication unit 5 transmits the received digital signal to the control and display unit 7 of the detector body 1. The main control chip analyzes the data through a preset algorithm and displays the cross-sectional image of the PE pipe, defect location markers, and quantitative parameters on the touch screen in real time. Operators can intuitively judge whether there are excessive defects in the pipe through the image. After the test is completed, the operator presses the "start / stop" button of the testing pen 8, the signal processing unit 3 shuts down the phased array transducer array 2, the first wireless communication unit 4 sends a "test completed" signal to the detector body 1, and the control and display unit 7 generates a test report.Then, insert the testing pen 8 along the axis of the storage compartment 15, the lithium battery enters standby mode, the device is reset, and it waits for the next test.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas-fired PE pipelines, comprising a testing instrument body (1) and a testing pen (8), characterized in that: The side surface of the detector body (1) is integrally provided with a storage compartment (15), and the storage compartment (15) contains a detection pen (8). The inside of the detection pen (8) is provided with a phased array transducer array (2). The phased array transducer array (2) is electrically connected through a first signal processing unit (3). The signal processing unit (3) is electrically connected to a first wireless communication unit (4). The upper surface of the detector body (1) is inlaid with a second wireless communication unit (5), and the second wireless communication unit (5) is wirelessly connected to the first wireless communication unit (4). The second wireless communication unit (5) is electrically connected to a control and display unit (7).

2. The phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the detection pen (8) is equipped with a movable wheel (14) via a rotating shaft, and the movable wheel (14) is made of PE material.

3. The phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection pen (8) has a coupling agent storage cavity (10) inside, and a piston (13) is installed inside the coupling agent storage cavity (10). The piston (13) is installed at the telescopic end of the micro electric cylinder (12). The end of the detection pen (8) is connected to the coupling agent storage cavity (10) and a spray nozzle (11) is installed thereon.

4. The phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The detection pen (8) is equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery (9).

5. A phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first wireless communication unit (4) and the second wireless communication unit (5) are WiFi 6 modules.

6. The phased array ultrasonic testing instrument for gas PE pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detection pen (8) has a control button (6) installed on its side surface.

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