Rotatable Inspection Device for Threaded Tube Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for drill pipes, such as magnetoscopy and die penetrant inspection, require extensive surface preparation and cleaning, leading to long inspection times and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable inspection device with a radially movable measuring structure and a defect detection sensor, which can be rotated about the symmetry axis of axisymmetric portions, such as threaded tubes, to rapidly and accurately detect defects without the need for extensive surface preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetoscopy or die penetrant inspection methods are used, then defect detection capability is achieved, but inspection time and preparation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (magnetoscopy, die penetrant inspection) with an electromagnetic sensing system. The sensor assembly with electromagnetic sensors detects defects through the tube wall without requiring mechanical contact or surface preparation, thereby eliminating time-consuming cleaning and preparation steps while maintaining defect detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions automatically through its rotatable mounting and radially movable sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be pre-positioned at various radial locations and the device can be rotated to align with the tube axis before inspection begins, eliminating the need for manual surface preparation and enabling immediate defect detection.
2Measurement precision
If magnetoscopy or die penetrant inspection methods are used, then defect detection capability is achieved, but surface preparation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods (magnetoscopy, die penetrant inspection) with an electromagnetic sensing system. The sensor assembly with electromagnetic sensors detects defects through the tube wall without requiring mechanical contact or surface preparation, thereby eliminating time-consuming cleaning and preparation steps while maintaining defect detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used, then defect detection is performed, but inspection speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device enables continuous defect detection along the tube as it rotates. The sensor assembly continuously monitors the tube wall during rotation, and multiple sensors can operate simultaneously at different radial positions, allowing uninterrupted inspection throughout the entire tube length without stopping or repositioning, thereby significantly increasing inspection speed while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system utilizes periodic rotation of the device around the tube axis to systematically scan the entire tube surface. The rotatable mounting allows the sensor assembly to periodically pass by different sections of the tube, ensuring complete coverage through repeated cycles of rotation while maintaining continuous detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotatable inspection device (10) for inspection of the integrity of an axisymmetric portion (210) of parts (200), for example a threaded tube (200). The rotatable inspection device (10) includes a measuring unit (20) configured to be rotated about the symmetry axis of the axisymmetric portion (210). The measuring unit (20) comprises: i) a radially movable measuring structure (22) comprising a defect detection sensor (30), wherein said measuring structure (22) is configured to urge the defect detection sensor (30) against said portion (210) to be inspected; ii) an electronic device (43) for processing and transmitting the signal measured by the defect detection sensor (30) along said portion (210), and iii) a measuring unit support (50) supporting the radially movable measuring structure (22). The electronic device (43) is configured to wirelessly transmit the processed signal to a remote monitoring unit (300).