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Title: Method and apparatus for inspecting conduits

Patent ·
OSTI ID:415714

An apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of a conduit are provided. The method involves directing a first ultrasonic pulse at a particular area of the conduit at a first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the first ultrasonic pulse, substantially simultaneously or subsequently in very close time proximity directing a second ultrasonic pulse at said area of the conduit from a substantially different angle than said first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the second ultrasonic pulse, and comparing the received sounds to determine if there is a defect in that area of the conduit. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for carrying out the above-described method. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide the ability to distinguish between sounds reflected by defects in a conduit and sounds reflected by harmless deposits associated with the conduit. 3 figs.

Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,591,912/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-402,219
OSTI ID:
415714
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 7 Jan 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English