Modular Ultrasonic Scanner for Tubular Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-destructive testing methods for industrial piping inspections, such as x-ray and ultrasonic techniques, face challenges in tight spaces due to bulky equipment and safety hazards associated with radioactive materials, limiting their effectiveness in detecting defects like cracks and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A modular scanner and probe holding apparatus with adjustable connective links and a spring-loaded tail link that fits around tubular bodies, allowing for flexible and secure positioning of ultrasonic probes in tight spaces, combined with an encoder for positional data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional ultrasonic equipment is used, then inspection capability is provided, but the equipment is too bulky for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is divided into multiple modular components including connective links, tail links, and probe holder links that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the scanner to be configured in different sizes and shapes to fit various pipe diameters and tight spaces while maintaining ultrasonic inspection capability.
2Reliability
If x-ray inspection is used, then defect detection capability is provided, but safety hazards and job delays occur due to radioactive material handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the x-ray inspection system with an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic scanner uses acoustic waves instead of ionizing radiation to detect defects, eliminating radioactive material hazards while maintaining reliable defect detection capability through acoustic echo analysis.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional scanning hardware is used, then inspection function is provided, but the hardware is too large for piping with limited radial clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescopic connective links and adjustable probe holder positions. These dynamic features allow the scanner profile to be reduced and configured to fit within the limited radial clearance of various pipe sizes while maintaining the inspection function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual probe translation is used, then inspection of tight spaces is possible, but productivity is reduced due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is designed to be self-propelling around the pipe circumference using the pipe surface itself as a track. The modular links and probe holder mechanism allow the scanner to maintain its position and move autonomously, eliminating the need for continuous manual translation while maintaining the ability to inspect tight spaces.
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 safe inspection of piping and tubing in confined spaces by providing a compact, adjustable, and secure scanning system that can detect defects without the need for manual translation and minimizes job delays.
Implementation Method 1
At least one tail link is connected to an end of the assembly. The tail link is biased by a spring to apply a force against the tubular body to hold the assembly in place.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a modular scanner and probe holding apparatus for inspection, which consists of an assembly of a plurality of connective links rigidly connected. The connective links are added or removed from the assembly to size the assembly so the assembly extends more than half way around a circumference of a tubular body to be inspected. At least one tail link is connected to an end of the assembly. The tail link is biased by a spring to apply a force against the tubular body to hold the assembly in place. A probe holder link is provided that connects to the connective links and has a probe holder for holding a probe.