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Title: Method and apparatus for remote tube crevice detection by current and voltage probe resistance measurement

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7278097

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. 4 figs.

DOE Contract Number:
AC11-76PN00014
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5166627; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-707538
OSTI ID:
7278097
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 30 May 1991
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English