Method and apparatus for inspecting conduits

Patent · 01 January 1997

OSTI ID:870774

Spisak, Michael J ^[1]; Nance, Roy A ^[2]

---

1. Venetia, PA
2. McMurray, PA

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.

• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5591912
• OSTI ID: 870774
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/73/
ability
above-described
angle
apparatus
associated
carrying
close
comparing
conduit
conduits
defect
defects
deposits
determine
directing
distinguish
harmless
inspecting
inspection
involves
involves directing
method
method involve
method involves
particular
provide
provided
proximity
pulse
received
receiving
reflected
simultaneously
sound
sounds
subsequently
substantially
substantially simultaneous
substantially simultaneously
suitable
time
ultrasonic
ultrasonic inspection
ultrasonic pulse