Eddy current inspection tool which is selectively operable in a discontinuity detection mode and a discontinuity magnitude mode
- Livermore, CA
A miniaturized inspection tool, for testing and inspection of metal objects in locations with difficult accessibility, which comprises eddy current sensing equipment (12) with a probe coil (11), and associated coaxial coil cable (13), coil energizing means (21), and circuit means (21, 12) responsive to impedance changes in the coil as effected by induced eddy currents in a test object to produce a data output signal proportional to such changes. The coil and cable are slideably received in the utility channel of the flexible insertion tube 17 of fiberoptic scope 10. The scope 10 is provided with light transmitting and receiving fiberoptics for viewing through the flexible tube, and articulation means (19, 20) for articulating the distal end of the tube and permitting close control of coil placement relative to a test object. The eddy current sensing equipment includes a tone generator 30 for generating audibly signals responsive to the data output signal. In one selected mode of operation, the tone generator responsive to the output signal above a selected level generates a constant single frequency tone for signalling detection of a discontinuity and, in a second selected mode, generates a tone whose frequency is proportional to the difference between the output signal and a predetermined selected threshold level.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Petrini, Richard R. (Livermore, CA);Van Lue, Dorin F. (Livermore, CA)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4412177
- OSTI ID:
- 864755
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
current
inspection
tool
selectively
operable
discontinuity
detection
mode
magnitude
miniaturized
testing
metal
locations
difficult
accessibility
comprises
sensing
equipment
12
probe
coil
11
associated
coaxial
cable
13
energizing
means
21
circuit
responsive
impedance
changes
effected
induced
currents
produce
data
output
signal
proportional
slideably
received
utility
channel
flexible
insertion
tube
17
fiberoptic
scope
10
provided
light
transmitting
receiving
fiberoptics
viewing
articulation
19
20
articulating
distal
permitting
close
control
placement
relative
tone
generator
30
generating
audibly
signals
selected
operation
level
generates
constant
single
frequency
signalling
difference
predetermined
threshold
receiving fiber
data output
signal proportional
threshold level
eddy current
output signal
eddy currents
circuit means
current sensing
light transmitting
single frequency
selected level
close control
coil cable
flexible tube
current inspection
tone generator
selected threshold
detection mode
impedance change
coaxial coil
inspection tool
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