System for characterizing surfaces of pipes, ducts or similar structures
US5686674A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B23/08
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for characterizing contamination or integrity information from within a pipe, including a flexible tubular membrane which is extendable within the pipe and inflatable to a diameter effective to urge the tubular membrane against the rigid wall. The tubular membrane has a first end and a second end, and is initially rolled up and connected to a reel inside of a deployment system. A tether connects the deployment system to a characterization tool retained within the tubular membrane, which is attached adjacent to the second end of the tubular membrane. When the system is engaged, pressurized fluid enters the tubular membrane causing the membrane to invert and distend into and through the pipe's interior. Simultaneously, the attached characterization tool is towed adjacent to and in parallel with the path of the tubular membrane's second end, is protected from contamination by the surrounding tubular membrane, and is capable of repetitive testing for several forms of information, such as structural integrity of the pipe's interior or radioactive contamination. As the tool traverses the pipe's interior, this information is transmitted to a data acquisition system. When the syst…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.