Pipe control assembly

Abstract

Pipeline control assembly The assembly (1) comprises: - a support (7); - two rollers (9) mounted on the support (7), the two rollers (9) being spaced in a transverse direction (T) and defining a free space (13) between them, the two rollers (9) being arranged to be positioned on a first half (15) of the wall (5) of the pipe; - a belt (11) arranged in a loop around the two rollers (9), the belt (11) having a first strand (17) extending circumferentially against the wall (5) from one of the two rollers (9) to the other of the two rollers (9) passing over a second side of the plane (M) opposite to the first side; - a device (21) for tensioning the belt (11); - a probe (23) for controlling the pipe (3); The probe (23) occupies a central position in which the probe (23) is housed in the free space (13) between the two rollers (9). Figure for the abbreviation: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Pipe control assembly

[0001] The invention relates generally to the control of a pipeline, in particular control by a non-destructive process such as an ultrasonic testing process.

[0002] In a nuclear reactor, the welds of certain pipes must be regularly checked to verify that they are free from defects.

[0003] It is possible to use ultrasonic probes for this purpose.

[0004] The probes must be moved in rotation around the piping, so as to follow the weld.

[0005] To achieve this, the ultrasonic probe is, for example, mounted on a carrier resting on the external surface of the pipe by means of rollers. The carrier can be moved in rotation around the pipe, with the rollers rolling in contact with the external surface, along the weld to be inspected.

[0006] When an ultrasonic probe is used for control, it is necessary to coat the external surface of the piping with a lubricant, allowing the ultrasonic probe to couple with the piping.

[0007] This lubricant can cause the carrier to slip along the pipe during inspection, particularly on vertical sections of pipe. The data acquisition is then unusable, since it is not possible to associate the acquired signal with a defined position along the weld.

[0008] US 4,387,598 provides a control assembly in which the ultrasonic probe is mounted on a bracket, which is attached to the pipe by a toothed belt. The toothed belt is arranged to allow rotation of the bracket and the probe around the pipe. However, this assembly has the drawback of being bulky parallel to the axis of the pipe. It cannot be used for certain welds adjacent to curved sections of the pipe.

[0009] In this context, the invention aims to provide a piping control system that does not have the above defects.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a control assembly for a pipeline having a wall and a central axis, the assembly comprising:

[0011] - a support;

[0012] - two rollers mounted on the support, the two rollers being spaced apart from each other following a transverse direction perpendicular to the central axis and defining a free space between them, the two pebbles being intended to be arranged on a first half of the wall located on a first side of a plane containing the central axis;

[0013] - a closed-contour belt arranged in a loop around the two rollers, the belt having a first strand extending circumferentially against the wall of one of the two pebbles to the other of the two pebbles by passing from a second side of the plane opposite to the first side, and a second strand (19) extending from one of the two pebbles to the other of the two pebbles at a distance from the wall;

[0014] - a belt tensioning device;

[0015] - a pipe control probe;

[0016] - a connection of the probe to the support;

[0017] the support and the connection of the probe to the support being configured so that the probe occupies a central position in which the probe is housed in the free space between the two rollers.

[0018] Because the probe can be housed in the free space between the two rollers, the belt can be mounted if necessary on the weld to be checked.

[0019] In this configuration, the control assembly has an extremely small axial footprint.

[0020] The control assembly can thus be used for a weld located between two curved portions of the piping.

[0021] The probe can then be moved with the support around the pipe, following the weld. The belt runs around the pipe, like the track of an armored vehicle. The belt provides a large contact surface with the pipe wall, so that the control assembly cannot slip along the pipe during data acquisition, even when the pipe is vertical.

[0022] The control assembly may further have one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0023] - the probe is axially movable relative to the support from the position central;

[0024] - the support comprises two lateral arms, each carrying one of the two rollers, a central branch connecting the two lateral branches to each other, the central branch having a shape adapted to allow the probe to move axially from the central position of the two opposite sides of the support;

[0025] - the support is divided into two half-supports independent of each other, each half-support comprising one of the two lateral arms and part of the central arm, the support further comprising a suitable fixing for selectively fixing the two half-supports rigidly to each other or releasing the two half-supports from each other;

[0026] - the second strand passes to the second side of the plane, the assembly comprising at least a spacer keeping the first strand and the second strand apart from each other.

[0027] - at least one spacer is placed between the first and second strands, the or each spacer comprising a plurality of rollers through which said spacer is in contact with the first and second strands, so that the belt is capable of rolling circumferentially around the piping;

[0028] - the spacer or each spacer comprises a frame, the plurality of rollers comprising at least one inner roller mounted on the frame and in contact with the first strand, and at least two outer rollers mounted on the frame and in contact with the second strand;

[0029] - the belt has an internal surface designed to come into contact with the rollers, the tensioning device includes at least one tensioning roller pressed against the internal surface at the level of the second strand, and a mechanism configured to move the at least one tensioning roller from a starting position located radially at a first distance from the pipe wall to at least one tensioning position located radially at a second distance from the pipe wall greater than the first;

[0030] - the mechanism includes a slide connected to one of the lateral arms of the support, a slide guided in translation by the slide, and an actuator driving the slide in translation in the slide, at least one tensioning roller being linked to the slide;

[0031] - the tensioning roller is mounted on an intermediate frame connected by a pivot connection to the chassis of at least one spacer;

[0032] - the belt has an external surface designed to be pressed against the wall of the piping, the external surface having two lateral ribs extending along two lateral edges of the external surface, the two ribs delimiting between them a central groove.

[0033] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: - [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a control assembly in place on a pipe; - [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a top view of the control assembly of the [Fig.1]; - [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a front, elevation view of the control assembly of figures 1 and 2 and; - [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a top view similar to that of the [Fig.2], for a non-motorized variant of the control assembly.

[0034] Assembly 1 shown in [Fig.1] is intended to inspect a pipe 3. Assembly 1 is typically intended to perform a non-destructive inspection of the pipe 3, for example, an ultrasonic inspection.

[0035] Alternatively, it is designed to perform eddy current testing, radiological testing, visual testing, or any other suitable type of non-destructive testing.

[0036] Piping 3 belongs to an industrial installation.

[0037] For example, it is piping in a nuclear installation such as a nuclear reactor or a radioactive material processing facility.

[0038] The piping is typically designed for the circulation of a fluid.

[0039] In the case of a nuclear reactor, it is intended for the circulation of the primary heat transfer fluid or the secondary heat transfer fluid or another fluid.

[0040] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the piping 3 has a wall 5 and a central axis C.

[0041] The wall 5 extends over the entire periphery of the central axis C. The wall 5 typically has a circular section perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0042] Control assembly 1 comprises:

[0043] - a support 7;

[0044] - two rollers 9 mounted on the support 7;

[0045] - a closed contour belt 11 arranged in a loop around the two rollers 9.

[0046] The belt 11 is intended to ensure the attachment of the assembly 1 to the wall 5 while allowing the rotational movement of the assembly 1 circumferentially around the piping.

[0047] The two rollers 9 are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction T shown in figures 2 and 3.

[0048] The transverse direction T is perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0049] The two pebbles 9 define a free space 13 between them.

[0050] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig.3], the two rollers 9 are intended to be arranged on a first circumferential half 15 of the wall 5, located on a first side of a plane M containing the central axis C.

[0051] The plane M is for example the plane parallel to the transverse direction T and containing the central axis C ([Fig.3]).

[0052] The belt 11 has a first strand 17 extending circumferentially against the wall 5, from one of the two rollers 9 to the other of the two rollers 9.

[0053] The first strand 17 passes to a second side of the plane M, opposite to the first side.

[0054] It extends over the entire second circumferential half 18 of the wall 5, that is to say the half opposite to the first circumferential half 15. It also extends over the two opposite edges of the first circumferential half 15, up to the two pebbles 9.

[0055] The belt 11 also includes a second strand 19 extending from one of the two rollers 9 to the other of the two rollers 9, at a distance from the wall 5.

[0056] The two strands 17, 19 together constitute the entirety of the IL belt

[0057] Set 1 also includes:

[0058] - a belt tensioning device 21 11;

[0059] - a probe 23 for controlling piping 3;

[0060] - a connection 25 from the probe 23 to the support 7.

[0061] The support 7 and the connection 25 of the probe 23 to the support 7 are configured so that the probe 23 occupies a central position in which probe 23 is housed in the free space 13 between the two rollers 9.

[0062] Typically, the probe 23 is axially movable relative to the support 7 from the central position.

[0063] As can be seen in figures 1 and 3, the support 7 comprises two lateral branches 27 each carrying one of the two rollers 9, and a central branch 29 connecting the two lateral branches 27 to each other.

[0064] Each lateral branch 27 is joined to the central branch 29 by a proximal end 31. The corresponding roller 9 is mounted on the lateral branch 27 near the proximal end 31.

[0065] The support 3 has a general shape symmetrical with respect to a plane P containing the central axis C and perpendicular to the transverse direction T.

[0066] The central branch 29 has a general U-shape, with its concavity facing the piping 3. The central volume 33 delimited inside the U allows the probe 23 to pass axially through the support 7. The free space 13 is placed substantially in the extension of this volume 33.

[0067] The central branch 29 thus has a bottom 35 and two arms 37 pointing towards the piping 3 from the bottom 35. The proximal ends 31 of the lateral branches 27 are connected to the ends of the arms 37.

[0068] The two lateral branches 27 move apart from each other transversely when followed from their respective proximal ends 31 to their respective distal ends 39.

[0069] The branches 27 are straight. They form an angle with plane P between 15° and 45°, and for example 30°.

[0070] The support 7 is thus arranged to overlap the piping 3. The central branch 29 is located on the first side of the central axis C, opposite the first half 15 of the wall 5. The lateral branches 27 are arranged on either side of the piping 3 along the transverse direction T.

[0071] Thus, the central branch 29 has a shape adapted to allow the probe 23 to be housed in a central position in the free space 13. This means that the shape of the central branch 29 does not hinder the axial movement of the probe 23, and allows its movement and access to the free space 13.

[0072] The shape of the central branch 29 also allows, from the central position, the probe 23 to be moved axially on either side of the support 7.

[0073] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the two rollers 9 are arranged on the same side of the support 7 along the central axis C.

[0074] The rollers 9 are rotatable relative to the support 7, around respective axes parallel to the central axis C.

[0075] Along the transverse direction T, the spacing between the two rollers 9, i.e. the width of the free space 13, is typically between 25% and 75% of the diameter of the pipe 3, and is for example about 50% of this diameter.

[0076] The two rollers 9 are arranged symmetrically with respect to plane P.

[0077] The support 7 is divided into two half-supports 41, 43 independent of each other. Each half-support 41, 43 comprises one of the two branches 27 and a portion of the central branch 29.

[0078] The support 7 further includes a fixing 45 adapted to selectively fix the two half-supports 41, 43 rigidly to each other or release the two half-supports 41, 43 from each other.

[0079] In the example shown, the two half-supports 41, 43 separate at the bottom 35 of the U-shaped branch.

[0080] The fastener 45 thus comprises the base portion 35 belonging to the half-support 43, which forms a fork 47 (Figures 1 and 2). The fastener 45 also comprises the base portion 49 belonging to the half-support 41, which is shaped to engage between the two arms of the fork. The portions 47 and 49 have respective mounting holes, positioned coincidentally when the portion 49 is engaged in the fork 47. The fastener 45 includes removable screws 51 that allow the portions 47 and 49 to be locked in position relative to each other, and thus to secure the two half-supports 41 and 43 to each other.

[0081] As can be seen in figures 1 and 3, the second strand 19 passes to the second side of the plane M.

[0082] The assembly 1 includes at least one spacer 53 keeping the first strand 17 and the second strand 19 apart from each other.

[0083] In the example shown, assembly 1 comprises two spacers 53, each holding the first strand 17 and the second strand 19 apart from each other.

[0084] Thus, the belt 11 is arranged in a loop having a general shape of C, open on the first side of the central axis C. The free space 13 constitutes the opening of the C. The rollers 9 are placed at the two ends of the C.

[0085] The belt 11 has an external surface 57 intended to be pressed against the wall 5 of the pipe, and an internal surface 59 intended to come into contact with the rollers 9.

[0086] Advantageously, the internal surface 59 is smooth.

[0087] Alternatively, the inner surface 59 is serrated. This means that ridges perpendicular to the direction of extension of the belt 11, i.e., to the direction of movement of the belt 11, are formed on the inner surface 59. These ridges are not visible in the figures. In this case, the rollers 9 also have a radially external, serrated surface with ridges arranged to cooperate with the ridges on the inner surface 59 of the belt.

[0088] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the outer surface 57 of the belt has two lateral ribs 61 extending along the two lateral edges of the outer surface 57.

[0089] The lateral ribs 61 extend in a loop over the entire length of the belt 11. They are arranged immediately along the two lateral edges of the external surface 57.

[0090] The two lateral ribs 61 define between them a central groove 63. The central groove 63 is recessed relative to the lateral ribs 61.

[0091] The spacer or each spacer 53 is placed between the first and second strands 17, 19.

[0092] The spacer or each spacer 53 comprises a plurality of rollers 65, 67 per through which intermediary said spacer 53 is in contact with the first and second strands 17, 19, so that the belt 11 is capable of rolling circumferentially around the piping.

[0093] The belt 11 rolls around the piping in the manner of a track on an armored vehicle.

[0094] The rollers 9 move circumferentially around the central axis C. The first strand 17, in contact with the wall 5 of the pipe, lengthens at one end and shortens at the other. Between these two ends, the first strand 17 remains stationary. The second strand 19, on the contrary, moves in contact with the rollers 9 and the spacers 65, so as to contribute to the lengthening of the first strand 17.

[0095] The support 7 therefore moves circumferentially around the pipe 5. It moves the probe 23 with it.

[0096] The rollers 9 roll on the first strand 19 during this movement.

[0097] In the example shown, the spacer or each spacer 53 comprises a frame 69, the plurality of rollers comprising at least one inner roller 67 mounted on the frame 69 and in contact with the first strand 17, and at least two outer rollers 65 mounted on the frame 69 and in contact with the second strand 19.

[0098] The chassis 69 comprises two U-shaped plates 73 arranged opposite each other, the rollers 65, 67 being mounted rotatably between the plates 73.

[0099] Axle ends 75 are mounted at opposite ends of the two plates 73. They bear against the lateral ribs 61 of the belt 11 and stress these lateral ribs 61 against the outer rollers 65.

[0100] The inner roller 67 is mounted between the central parts of the two U-shaped plates. The outer rollers 65 are mounted on either side of the inner roller 67.

[0101] It should be noted that the outer strand 19 of the belt passes between the outer rollers 65 and the tie rods 75.

[0102] The tensioning device 21 includes at least one tensioning roller 77 pressed against the inner surface 59 of the belt at the level of the second strand 19, and a mechanism 79 configured to move the at least one roller 77 from a starting position located radially at a first distance from the wall 5 of the piping to at least one tensioning position located radially at a second distance from the wall 5 of the piping higher than the first.

[0103] In the example shown, the tensioning device 21 comprises two tensioning rollers 77 and two mechanisms 79, each provided for moving one of the tensioning rollers 77. The tensioning rollers 77 are located transversely on either side of the piping 3.

[0104] The distance between the wall 5 and the tensioning roller 77 is taken radially from the central axis C.

[0105] Typically, the mechanism 79 is designed to move the tensioning roller 77 over a range of positions, located at increasing radial distances from the wall 5 from the starting position.

[0106] The mechanism 79 advantageously comprises a slide 81 linked to one of the lateral arms 27 of the support, a slide 83 guided in translation by the slide 81, and an actuator 85 driving the slide 83 in translation in the slide 81.

[0107] In the example shown, the slide 81 is a slot formed in the lateral arm 27 of the support 7. It extends along the direction of extension of the lateral arm 27. Thus, it forms with the plane P substantially the same angle as the arm 27.

[0108] The slide 83 slides in the slot 81. It comprises a shaft engaged in the slot 81 and two end plates 87 rigidly fixed to the two ends of the shaft. The shaft is not visible in the figures.

[0109] The plates 87 are arranged on either side of the slot 81.

[0110] In the starting position, the tensioning roller 77 is located for example at one end of the slot 81, or close to the end of the slot 81.

[0111] In the example shown, the actuator 85 is a screw comprising a threaded rod 89 and a head 91 rigidly fixed to one end of the threaded rod. The threaded rod 89 is engaged in a tapped hole formed in the axis of the slide 83. Thus, when an actuator rotates the screw via the head 91, the threaded rod 89 cooperates with the tapped hole to move the slide 83 and the roller 77 along the slot 81.

[0112] The tensioning roller 77 is linked to the slide 83. It moves along the slide 81 with the slide 83.

[0113] Advantageously, the tensioning roller 77 is mounted on an intermediate frame 93 linked by a pivot joint 95 to the frame 69 of one of the spacers.

[0114] The intermediate frame 93 forms two flanges between which the tensioning roller 77 is rotatably mounted. The frame 93 is pivotally mounted on the slide 83, for example via the rotation axis 99 of the tensioning roller 77.

[0115] The probe 23 is an ultrasonic measuring probe. It is suitable for all types.

[0116] Alternatively, it is an eddy current measuring probe, or a camera, or any other suitable type of probe.

[0117] The connection 25 of the probe 23 to the support 7 includes, for example, a rail 101 rigidly fixed to the support 7. The rail 101 is oriented parallel to the central axis C. It is rigidly fixed to the central arm 29 of the support.

[0118] In the example shown, it is rigidly fixed to one of the two arms 37 of the central branch.

[0119] The probe 23 is rigidly fixed to a probe holder 103, itself rigidly fixed to a carriage 105 sliding along the rail 101.

[0120] For example, the trolley 105 is moved manually along the rail 101. Alternatively, the link 25 includes a drive motor for the trolley 105 along the rail 101.

[0121] According to an unrepresented variant, the link 25 includes a motor for adjusting the pitch of the probe 23. This motor is for example mounted on the probe holder 103, and allows the orientation of the probe holder 103 relative to the carriage 105 to be adjusted around a transverse axis.

[0122] Assembly 1 advantageously includes a position encoder 106, typically integrated into one of the two rollers 9. This encoder allows the circumferential position of the roller 9 around the pipe to be determined.

[0123] Advantageously, assembly 1 includes a motor 107 configured to drive assembly 1 in rotation around the piping 3.

[0124] The motor 107 is integrated into one of the rollers 9, typically roller 9 not equipped with the position encoder.

[0125] The motor 107 is configured to drive the roller 9 in rotation relative to the support 7. The roller 9 drives the belt 11, which runs on the wall 5 around the pipe 3.

[0126] As seen in [Fig.2], an electric battery 109 for powering the motor 107 and an electronic 111 for controlling the motor 107 are mounted on the support 7.

[0127] The motor 107 can be disengaged by means of a switch not shown, the assembly 1 then being moved in rotation manually around the piping 3.

[0128] According to an alternative embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the rotation of the assembly 1 around the piping 3 is not motorized.

[0129] Assembly 1 does not include a motor 107. It is not equipped with either the battery 109 or the control electronics 111.

[0130] The operation of assembly 1 will now be detailed.

[0131] To install an assembly 1 around the pipe 3, the two half-supports 41 and 43 are first separated from each other. The screws 51 are disengaged from the corresponding holes, and the half-supports 41 and 43 are moved apart by a distance such that it is possible to slide the two half-supports on either side of the pipe 3. This movement is performed from bottom to top in the example shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0132] Before installation, the belt 11 is loosened by actuating the tensioning device 21.

[0133] A user for this purpose uses the actuator or each actuator 85, until the slider 83 places the tensioning roller 77 in its starting position.

[0134] When installing assembly 1 on the piping, probe 23 and probe holder 103 are not mounted on rail 101.

[0135] After the two half-supports 41, 43 have been placed on either side of the pipe 3, the two half-supports 41, 43 are fixed to each other by means of the screws 51. At this stage, the rollers 9 rest on the first half 15 of the pipe wall, and the first strand 17 of the belt is pressed against the wall 5, on the second side of the central axis C.

[0136] In the next step, the belt 11 is tensioned, using the tensioning device 21. An operator actuates the actuator or each actuator 85, which has the effect of moving the corresponding tensioning roller 77 from the starting position to a tensioning position.

[0137] The user pulls on the threaded rod 89, then turns the screw or screws, so that the slide moves towards the distal end 39 of the corresponding lateral branch 27.

[0138] As a result, the tensioning roller 77 moves away from the wall 5 of the pipe, which has the effect of moving the second strand 19 of the belt away from said wall 5. This results in an increase in the tension of the belt.

[0139] After the belt 11 has been tensioned, the assembly 1 is securely fixed to the pipe 3. The tension in the belt 11 is such that no slippage of the assembly 1 occurs even when the assembly 1 is mounted on a vertical portion of the pipe.

[0140] After tensioning the belt 11, the probe 23 is mounted on the rail 101.

[0141] To perform a check, the probe 23 is first moved axially relative to the support 7, along rail 101, so as to place it opposite a first section of piping to be inspected.

[0142] Then, the support 7 is moved around the pipe 3. The probe 23 is moved together with the support 7. The belt 11 runs around the pipe, as described previously. The support 7 is driven in rotation by the motor 107, or is moved manually by the user.

[0143] The probe 23 is then moved axially again relative to the support 7, to a new position opposite a second section of pipe to be inspected. Then, the support 7 and the probe 23 are rotated around the pipe again, so as to inspect the second section of the pipe.

[0144] The probe can then be moved again to check other sections of the piping.

[0145] Thus, once assembly 1 is securely placed on the pipe 3, it is possible, without moving assembly 1, to inspect the portion of the pipe extending along the entire length of the rail 101. In particular, it is possible to inspect the pipe at the circumference on which the belt 11 is placed.

[0146] The assembly 1 described above has multiple advantages.

[0147] The fact that the support comprises two lateral arms, each carrying one of the two rollers, and a central arm connecting the two lateral arms to each other, the central arm having a shape adapted to allow the probe to move axially from the central position on both opposite sides of the support, facilitates the use of the control assembly. Once the control assembly is in place on the piping, the probe can monitor the portions of the piping located on both sides of the support.

[0148] Because the support is divided into two independent half-supports, the placement of the support around the piping is facilitated.

[0149] Because the second strand passes to the second side of the central axis, the belt is entirely arranged on this second side. It is arranged in a C-shaped loop, with the two rollers forming the ends of the C. It can thus be put in place easily against the pipe wall. In US 4,387,598, the belt is arranged in a loop around the pipe. The loop formed by the belt must first be opened, then the belt placed around the pipe, and then the loop must be closed. This is a complex operation that weakens the belt. The invention does not have this drawback.

[0150] Furthermore, the fact that the assembly includes at least one spacer keeping the first and second strands of the belt apart means that there is no contact between the first and second strands, and that the second strand can move relative to the first strand without wear.

[0151] The fact that the spacer is in contact with the first and second strands via rollers means that the belt is likely to roll circumferentially around the pipe, like a caterpillar. This facilitates the circumferential movement of the support around the pipe. As described above, the first strand remains in position against the surface of the pipe, and the second strand moves circumferentially by rolling on the rollers.

[0152] The fact that each spacer comprises a frame, at least one inner roller mounted on the frame and in contact with the first strand, and at least two outer rollers mounted on the frame and in contact with the second strand, ensures that the second strand is properly guided. Using two outer rollers allows for better control of the gap between the second and first strands than if only one outer roller were used. This makes it possible to maintain a smaller radial gap between the second and first strands, and thus to reduce the overall size of the control assembly in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0153] The fact that the tensioning device comprises at least one tensioning roller pressed against the inner surface of the belt at the second strand and a mechanism configured to move at least one tensioning roller from a starting position located radially at a first distance from the pipe wall to at least one tensioning position located radially at a second distance from the pipe wall greater than the first, makes it very convenient to tension the belt. This tensioning device is simple and robust.

[0154] The fact that the mechanism comprises a slide linked to one of the lateral arms of the support, a slide guided in translation by the slide, and an actuator driving the slide in translation within the slide, with the tensioning roller being linked to the slide, allows the tensioning roller to be moved simply and efficiently. This mechanism is robust.

[0155] The fact that the tensioning roller is mounted on an intermediate frame linked by a pivot joint to the frame of at least one spacer allows control of the circumferential position of the spacer.

[0156] The fact that the belt has an external surface designed to be pressed against the pipe wall, the external surface having two lateral ribs extending along two lateral edges of the external surface, the two ribs defining a central groove between them, means that the belt can be placed directly on a weld to be inspected. Indeed, the weld can, in some cases, create a bulge on the surface of the pipe. The bulge fits into the central groove. In the absence of a central groove, the belt would in this case be partially lifted, and the inspection assembly would be poorly secured to the pipe.

[0157] Set 1 can have multiple variants.

[0158] The support does not necessarily have the shape described above and illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. For example, the central arm might not be U-shaped but a simple arc following the pipe wall. In this case, the probe can only move from its central position on one side of the support, specifically on the side where the two rollers are located. The probe cannot pass through the support. Other support shapes can be considered.

[0159] According to a non-preferred embodiment, the second strand of the belt is not located on the second side of the central axis, but is located on the first side, as described in US document 4,387,598. In this case, assembly 1 includes means for guiding the second strand of the belt, arranged on the central arm of the support, so as to pass the second strand of the belt over the probe and means for connecting the probe to the support.

[0160] The belt tensioning device could be different from the device described above. The tensioning roller is, for example, moved by an electric pneumatic cylinder.

[0161] The actuator integrated into the tensioning roller movement mechanism is not necessarily a hand screw. For example, it is a threaded shaft moved by a screwdriver.

[0162] The support might not be divisible into two half-supports, but rather be a single piece. In this case, it is necessary to remove the belt to install the support around the pipe.

[0163] The connection of the probe to the support is not necessarily a connection comprising a rail and a carriage sliding along the rail. The rail could be replaced by a worm gear. Any other suitable mechanism may be used.

[0164] The probe is not necessarily axially movable relative to the support. Alternatively, the probe is fixed relative to the support. It permanently occupies its central position.

Claims

Demands

1. Control assembly for a pipe (3) having a wall (5) and a central axis (C), the assembly (1) comprising: - a support (7); - two rollers (9) mounted on the support (7), the two rollers (9) being spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the central axis (C) and defining between them a free space (13), the two rollers (9) being provided to be arranged on a first half (15) of the wall (5) located on a first side of a plane (M) containing the central axis (C); - a closed contour belt (11) arranged in a loop around the two rollers (9), the belt (11) having a first strand (17) extending circumferentially against the wall (5) from one of the two rollers (9) to the other of the two rollers (9) passing from a second side of the plane (M) opposite to the first side, and a second strand (19) extending from one of the two rollers (9) to the other of the two rollers (9) at a distance from the wall (5);- a belt tensioning device (21); - a probe (23) for monitoring the piping (3); - a connection (25) of the probe (23) to the support (7); the support (7) and the connection (25) of the probe (23) to the support (7) being configured so that the probe (23) occupies a central position in which the probe (23) is housed in the free space (13) between the two rollers (9).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the probe is axially movable relative to the support (7) from the central position.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the support (7) comprises two lateral arms (27) each carrying one of the two rollers (9), a central arm (29) connecting the two lateral arms (27) to each other, the central arm (29) having a shape adapted to allow the probe (23) to move axially from the central position of the two opposite sides of the support (7).

4. Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support (7) is divided into two independent half-supports (41, 43), each half-support (41, 43) comprising one of the two lateral arms (27) and a portion of the central arm (29), the support (7) including further a fixing (45) adapted to selectively fix the two half-supports (41, 43) rigidly to each other or to release the two half-supports (41, 43) from each other.

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second strand (19) passes to the second side of the plane (M), the assembly (1) comprising at least one spacer (53) keeping the first strand (17) and the second strand (19) apart from each other.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein at least one spacer (53) is placed between the first and second strands (17, 19), the spacer or each spacer (53) comprising a plurality of rollers (65, 67) through which said spacer (53) is in contact with the first and second strands (17, 19), such that the belt (11) is capable of rolling circumferentially around the piping (3).

7. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the spacer or each spacer (53) comprises a frame (69), the plurality of rollers comprising at least one inner roller (67) mounted on the frame (69) and in contact with the first strand (17), and at least two outer rollers (65) mounted on the frame (69) and in contact with the second strand (19).

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt (11) has an internal surface (59) provided for contacting the rollers (9), the tensioning device (21) comprises at least one tensioning roller (77) pressed against the internal surface (59) at the level of the second strand (19), and a mechanism (79) configured to move the at least one tensioning roller (77) from a starting position located radially at a first distance from the wall (5) of the pipe (3) to at least one tensioning position located radially at a second distance from the wall (5) of the pipe (3) greater than the first.

9. Assembly according to claim 8 combined with claim 3 or 4, wherein the mechanism (79) comprises a slide (81) linked to one of the lateral arms (27) of the support, a slider (83) guided in translation by the slide (81), and an actuator (85) driving the slider (83) in translation in the slide (81), at least one tensioning roller (77) being linked to the slider (83).

10. Assembly according to claim 9 combined with claim 7, wherein the tensioning roller (77) is mounted on an intermediate frame (93) connected by a pivot joint (95) to the frame (69) by at least one spacer (53).

11. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt (11) has an external surface (57) intended to be pressed against the wall (5) of the pipe (3), the external surface (57) having two lateral ribs (61) extending along two lateral edges of the external surface (57), the two ribs (61) defining between them a central groove (63).