Two-stage corrosion under insulation detection methodology and modular vehicle with dual locomotion sensory systems
US10697935B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/954
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for inspecting insulated equipment for corrosion under insulation are provided. The system includes an autonomous unmanned vehicle having aerial and ground locomotive capabilities. The vehicle includes an infrared detector and a pulsed eddy current sensor. In the method, infrared waves emitted from the equipment are detected along the equipment with the infrared detector. Using the infrared detector, at least one image of an inner surface of the equipment is developed based on the detected infrared waves. At least one area that is susceptible to corrosion is determined based on the at least one image. The susceptible area is inspected with the pulsed eddy current sensor, which induces an eddy current in the inner wall of the equipment. Based on a rate of the decay in strength of the eddy current, it is determined whether corrosion exists at the susceptible area using a processor configured by code.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.