Pipeline inspection tool with oblique magnetizer
US8653811B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/87
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pipeline inspection tool has an even number “n” of spiraled pole magnets spaced equidistant apart and spanning the length of the tool. Each pole magnet, which preferably has a conformable upper surface, is rotated or spiraled about the tool body so that a second end of each pole magnet is offset a predetermined amount “α” relative to a first end of that same pole magnet. The amount of rotation α applied to each of the pole magnets produces a magnetic field oblique to the central longitudinal axis of the tool body (and therefore the pipe) and one that covers 360° of the internal wall surface of the pipe. A helical-shaped array of magnetic flux sensors may be arranged about the tool body and substantially equidistant between adjacent pairs of pole magnets. The tool detects axially oriented, circumferentially oriented, and volumetric anomalies and allows for single pass inspection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.