Electric field expansion system for low voltage conductivity inspection
US10451515B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M5/0083
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Extensions exited from electrodes of an electroscan probe, allowing for operation in a wide range of pipe sizes, particularly large diameter pipes, by extending the maximum effective distance of the electric fields generated by the probe. The extensions preferably extend radially from each of the electrodes, and are sized to bring tips of the extensions close to the pipe wall. The extensions can be joined by lanyards to assist in keeping them spaced apart. At least some extensions preferably have bulbous tips, preferably at least partially formed of non-conductive material to keep adjacent extensions from touching each other, especially extensions coupled to different electrodes. The extensions, in one embodiment, are threaded into collars adjacent to each electrode and selected to have a length appropriate for the pipe diameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.