Adjustable Detector Shoe Spacing for Multi-Diameter Tubular Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular inspection methods are inefficient for inspecting multiple diameters of tubular goods due to the need for frequent changes of sensor shoes, which slows down production and causes wear, and current systems are not adaptable for different pipe diameters.
Innovation Solution
A tubular member EMI inspection apparatus with a frame, magnetic flux generator, and detector assembly that uses quick-acting couplings and telescoping or iris mechanisms to removably attach detector shoes, allowing for adjustable spacing and easy change between different tubular diameters, enabling continuous inspection with reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor shoes are frequently changed to inspect different tubular diameters, then inspection accuracy is maintained, but production efficiency deteriorates due to downtime and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor shoe support system incorporates telescoping members with adjustable lengths that can be extended or retracted to accommodate different tubular diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need to physically change sensor shoes for different pipe sizes, maintaining optimal detection spacing while enabling continuous inspection across multiple diameters, thus resolving the contradiction between inspection accuracy and production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor shoe design with adjustable support mechanisms serves multiple functions by accommodating various tubular diameters through telescoping members and iris mechanisms. This universal sensor shoe system replaces the need for multiple dedicated sensor shoes for different pipe sizes, reducing changeover time and wear while maintaining inspection accuracy across all diameters
2Measurement precision
If sensor shoes are designed for fixed diameter inspection, then detection sensitivity is optimized, but adaptability to different diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor shoe support system incorporates telescoping members with adjustable lengths that can be extended or retracted to accommodate different tubular diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need to physically change sensor shoes for different pipe sizes, maintaining optimal detection spacing while enabling continuous inspection across multiple diameters, thus resolving the contradiction between inspection accuracy and production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple telescoping member lengths and iris positions to match common tubular diameters. Before inspection begins, the appropriate configuration is selected and set, allowing the sensor shoe to be optimally positioned for the specific diameter without requiring physical modification or change of the sensor shoe itself, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity while achieving adaptability
3Measurement precision
If contact surfaces of sensor shoes continuously contact tubular surfaces, then optimal spacing is maintained, but wear increases requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
A non-contact positioning mechanism using telescoping members and iris mechanisms serves as an intermediary between the sensor shoe and tubular surface. Instead of direct contact, the sensor shoe is positioned at the precise optimal spacing through these intermediary mechanisms, eliminating friction and wear on both the contact surfaces and shim while maintaining accurate detection spacing throughout the service life
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and rapid inspection of tubulars with varying diameters, reducing wear and increasing production speed by allowing quick changes and maintaining optimal detection sensitivity without the need for multiple sensor shoes, thus enhancing the economic viability of tubular production.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic inspection (EMI) of metal pipe or solid metal tubular members by magnetic means conventionally involves magnetizing the member to create a magnetic field which extends circumferentially
Implementation Method 2
characterized by lines of magnetic flux which extend either axially of the tubular member or generally perpendicular to its axis
Implementation Method 3
The sensing of variations in a magnetic field in a pipe wall is customarily achieved by passing or moving an induction coil or similar device through the magnetic field and any magnetic field variations to induce voltages in the coil
Data Source
AI summary
Tubular member inspection apparatus, systems and methods for inspecting tubulars of a variety of diameters. One apparatus includes a frame, at least one magnetic flux generator contained in a coil annulus, and a detector assembly supported by the coil annulus. The coil annulus and the detector assembly each have inlet and outlet openings for passing a tubular member there through. The detector assembly has one or more magnetic detectors (magnetic, eddy current, or both) configured to be spaced a first distance from the tubular member during an inspection. The one or more magnetic detectors are each contained in one or more detector shoes removably attached to corresponding one or more detector shoe supports by one or more quick-acting couplings. Another apparatus includes an adjustable iris.