Detection system and method of detecting corrosion under an outer protective layer
US9733181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/8812
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Incoherent millimeter wave, sub-millimeter wave and terahertz test signals are used to probe metal substrates covered by a protective coating or outer layer, such as paint or thermal insulation, obscuring direct assessment of the substrate. The incoherent test signals, provide signal dispersion and angular variation of the test signals with respect to angular incidence to the substrate. Illumination of the substrate permits differentiation between un-corroded and corroded sections of the sample because reflectivity (and emissivity) from a metal-based substrate is heavily dependent on the surface resistivity which is dependent on the corroded state. A detector/camera is arranged to pick up reflections from the substrate and an associated control system identifies regions of the sample that reflect the test signal illumination differently or otherwise indicate a variation from a reference value. The differences therefore signify the presence or lack of corrosion or other abnormalities within or on the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.