Boiler tube inspection probe with centering mechanism and method of operating the same
US7694564B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A centering apparatus for internal nondestructive testing of a tube to be inspected includes an elongated shaft member coupled to an inspection probe; a plurality of fingers, pivotally attached at a first end thereof to a mounting surface affixed to the shaft member, the plurality of fingers circumferentially surrounding the shaft member; and an expansion mechanism, disposed between the plurality of fingers and the shaft member, the expansion mechanism configured to selectively and outwardly extend a second end of the plurality of fingers with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft member, so as to bring the second end of the plurality of fingers into contact with an inner surface of the tube to be inspected, thereby centering the inspection probe within the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.