Automatic pipe inspection and repair system
US4787549A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1984 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49746
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tubing length or workpiece is conveyed to a readying apparatus (A) in which it is cleaned and otherwise readied for inspection. The readied tubing length is conveyed to an inspection and segregating apparatus (B). An ultrasonic array (20) inspects the tubing length, and as a result of the inspection, a switching system (26) places the inspected member on one of: an unrepairable workpiece conveyor (28); an acceptable workpiece conveyor (30); and, a repairable workpiece conveyor (32). The repairable tubing lengths are conveyed to a physical alteration apparatus (C). The physical alteration apparatus removes material, deposits material, hot isostatic pressure consolidates deposited material, and otherwise alters the repairable tubing lengths in such a manner as to bring them into conformity with preselected specifications. The altered tubing lengths are conveyed back to the inspection and segregating apparatus for reinspection. The acceptable tubing lengths are conveyed to a post-processing apparatus (D) which performs selected post-processing operations thereon, e.g., plastic coating. A computer implemented control (E) controls the inspection apparatus, the switching system, the ph…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.