A method and apparatus for tube crevice detection and measurement

Patent Application · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6120178

Kikta, T J; Mitchell, R D

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the extent of contact between an electrically conducting tube and an electrically conductive tubesheet surrounding the tube, based upon the electrical resistance of the tube and tubesheet. A constant current source is applied to the interior of the electrically conducting tube by probes and a voltmeter is connected between other probes to measure the voltage at the point of current injection, which is inversely proportional to the amount of contact between the tube and tubesheet. Namely, the higher the voltage measured by the voltmeter, the less contact between the tube and tubesheet.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Bettis Atomic Power Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC11-76PN00014
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): PATENTS-US-A7707538
• Application Number: ON: DE93015701; PPN: US 7-707538
• OSTI ID: 6120178
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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