The working principle of the pipeline intelligent pig and the structure of ultrasonic probe array used to detect defects in oil/gas pipeline are introduced. The effects of the array＇ s radial position in pipe on defe...The working principle of the pipeline intelligent pig and the structure of ultrasonic probe array used to detect defects in oil/gas pipeline are introduced. The effects of the array＇ s radial position in pipe on defect resolution are analyzed. The causes leading to radial positioning error are investigated. An algo- rithm for the radial self-positioning is presented. The experimental results show that the radial self-positioning algorithm can eliminate the array＇ s space position error effectively and improve the defect resolution.展开更多
Because the UT （ultrasonic testing） flexible probe technology may be an appropriate answer to examine components with uneven surface, AREVA has developed an industrial application of the CEA＇s （French Atomic Energ...Because the UT （ultrasonic testing） flexible probe technology may be an appropriate answer to examine components with uneven surface, AREVA has developed an industrial application of the CEA＇s （French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies） flexible phased arrays sensors. As a ＂first of a kind＂ project, the challenges faced were significant, including developing a phased array smart probe suitable for industrial use on rather simple but large scale geometries, permitting UT propagation within a constraining media structure and then targeting a qualification according to ENIQ （European Network for Inspection Qualification） methodology. A prototype flexible probe, designed for UT validation, and final flexible linear array probes permitting the UT behavior （as, e.g., detection and sizing from diffraction type echoes） to be maintained on wavy coupling surfaces, have been manufactured. These probes include a profilemeter with optical sensors control and a specifically designed coupling circuit （avoiding probe housing tightness issues）. Qualification has been performed using open test blocks, （where known ＂defects＂ exist, for procedure qualification）, and blind test blocks, （where ＂defects＂ are unknown, for qualification of testing personnel）. One open test bloc was customized to represent a ＂real＂ surface condition, with gaps up to 2.5 mm under the regular rigid probes. AREVAI/BGSI in Germany was selected to lead the project, with assistance in development and manufacturing sub-contracted to ＂CEA/LIST＂ laboratory, and the companies ＂IMASONIC＂ and ＂M2M＂. This paper describes the development of these probes and explains a few features （ENIQ qualification objectives fulfilled, UT data acquired on actual perturbed surface） that made their industrial implementation successful.展开更多
A manual inspection of large-diameter tubular joints is difficult. As a result a scanner with three degrees of freedom （ DOFs） was developed based on the scanning principle of ultrasonic phased array. The weld traci...A manual inspection of large-diameter tubular joints is difficult. As a result a scanner with three degrees of freedom （ DOFs） was developed based on the scanning principle of ultrasonic phased array. The weld tracing is realized by a 2DOF motion of scanner. The pose of ultrasonic probe is controlled by the third one. The control strategy is put forward based on a programmable multi-axis controller. Four kinds of scanning modes can be implemented simultaneously employing this ultrasonic inspection system. Experiments on reference blocks of tubular joints reveal that the automatic ultrasonic phased array inspection system has the same inspection accuracy as a manual ultrasonic inspection. This system is superior to the manual ultrasonic system in terms of reliability and repeatability. The artificial dejects of weld at tubular joint can be detected accurately with the presented inspection system.展开更多
文摘The working principle of the pipeline intelligent pig and the structure of ultrasonic probe array used to detect defects in oil/gas pipeline are introduced. The effects of the array＇ s radial position in pipe on defect resolution are analyzed. The causes leading to radial positioning error are investigated. An algo- rithm for the radial self-positioning is presented. The experimental results show that the radial self-positioning algorithm can eliminate the array＇ s space position error effectively and improve the defect resolution.
文摘Because the UT （ultrasonic testing） flexible probe technology may be an appropriate answer to examine components with uneven surface, AREVA has developed an industrial application of the CEA＇s （French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies） flexible phased arrays sensors. As a ＂first of a kind＂ project, the challenges faced were significant, including developing a phased array smart probe suitable for industrial use on rather simple but large scale geometries, permitting UT propagation within a constraining media structure and then targeting a qualification according to ENIQ （European Network for Inspection Qualification） methodology. A prototype flexible probe, designed for UT validation, and final flexible linear array probes permitting the UT behavior （as, e.g., detection and sizing from diffraction type echoes） to be maintained on wavy coupling surfaces, have been manufactured. These probes include a profilemeter with optical sensors control and a specifically designed coupling circuit （avoiding probe housing tightness issues）. Qualification has been performed using open test blocks, （where known ＂defects＂ exist, for procedure qualification）, and blind test blocks, （where ＂defects＂ are unknown, for qualification of testing personnel）. One open test bloc was customized to represent a ＂real＂ surface condition, with gaps up to 2.5 mm under the regular rigid probes. AREVAI/BGSI in Germany was selected to lead the project, with assistance in development and manufacturing sub-contracted to ＂CEA/LIST＂ laboratory, and the companies ＂IMASONIC＂ and ＂M2M＂. This paper describes the development of these probes and explains a few features （ENIQ qualification objectives fulfilled, UT data acquired on actual perturbed surface） that made their industrial implementation successful.
文摘A manual inspection of large-diameter tubular joints is difficult. As a result a scanner with three degrees of freedom （ DOFs） was developed based on the scanning principle of ultrasonic phased array. The weld tracing is realized by a 2DOF motion of scanner. The pose of ultrasonic probe is controlled by the third one. The control strategy is put forward based on a programmable multi-axis controller. Four kinds of scanning modes can be implemented simultaneously employing this ultrasonic inspection system. Experiments on reference blocks of tubular joints reveal that the automatic ultrasonic phased array inspection system has the same inspection accuracy as a manual ultrasonic inspection. This system is superior to the manual ultrasonic system in terms of reliability and repeatability. The artificial dejects of weld at tubular joint can be detected accurately with the presented inspection system.
