Method and apparatus for inspection of corrosion and other defects through insulation
US9255875B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F17/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Detection of corrosion and other defects in piping is needed to prevent catastrophic pipeline failure. Sensors, systems and methods are provided to enable detection of such defects. These apparatus and methods are configured to characterize pipe protected by insulation and conductive weather protection. The sensors may utilize inductive and/or solid state sensing element arrays operated in a magnetic field generated in part by a drive winding of the sensor. Multiple excitation frequencies are used to generate the magnetic field and record corresponding sensing element responses. Relatively high excitation frequencies may be used to estimate the properties of the weather protection and sensor lift-off while lower frequencies may be used to detect internal and external pipe damage. Linear arrays may be moved to generate damage images of the pipe providing size and location information for defects. Two dimensional sensor arrays may be used to provide imaging without moving the sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.