Method and apparatus for external pipeline weld inspection
US9217720B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/629
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for external inspection of a pipeline circumferential weld. This comprises a radiation source (5) and radiation detector (3). Both units are controllably movable around a drive band or track (7) which is fitted around the circumferential weld. To align the source with the detector the source and detector are moved with respect to each other clockwise and anticlockwise around an initial position while sampling the radiation detected at a number of positions. A position of maximum strength of the radiation signal detected can then be determined such that the center point of the radiation source may be located. The source and detector are then substantially aligned with each other and means are provided to move the source and detector circumferentially around the weld while remaining substantially in alignment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.