Integrated ultrasonic testing and cathodic protection measurement probe

US10234375B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY · SA

Inventors

• Fadl Abdellatif · Thuwal, SA
• Hamad Al-Saiari · Thuwal, SA
• Ali Outa · New York, US
• Ayman Amer · Thuwal, SA
• Sahejad Patel · Thuwal, SA
• Ameen Obedan · Thuwal, SA
• Hassane Trigui · Thuwal, SA

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 3, 2016
• Grant date: Mar 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/101
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This application discloses integrated probes and probe systems, which can be attached to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. In some embodiments, the integrated probe system couples an inner and outer gimbal together such that one or more electrically conductive legs pass from the outer gimbal through the inner gimbal. These legs are arranged about an ultrasonic sensor which extends from the front surface of the inner gimbal. When the integrated probe contacts the underwater surface, both the ultrasonic sensor and at least one leg contact the surface, thereby providing substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.