Coupling for ultrasonic inspection of pipes

US11460448B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH · DE

Inventors

• René Pfortje · Hürth, DE
• Benjamin Hoemske · Siegburg, DE
• Christof Breidenback · Hürth, DE
• Alexander Felix Fiseni · Munich, DE
• Stephan Falter · Simmerath, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 8, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 4, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 9, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/2634
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A wear sole, an ultrasonic inspection apparatus having a wear sole, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus can include a body, a wear sole, and a fluid channel. The body can define a first chamber configured to receive a first volume of ultrasonic couplant and a distal end of an ultrasonic probe. The wear sole can define a second chamber configured to receive a second volume of ultrasonic couplant and the wear sole can be removably coupled to a distal end of the body. The wear sole can also have a membrane extending thereacross for separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The fluid channel can extend through the body and the wear sole can be configured to deliver the second volume of ultrasonic couplant to the second chamber.