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

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868556

Kikta, Thomas J ^[1]; Mitchell, Ronald D ^[1]

---

1. Pittsburgh, PA

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)
• DOE Contract Number: AC11-76PN00014
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5166627
• OSTI ID: 868556
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
remote
tube
crevice
detection
current
voltage
probe
resistance
measurement
determining
extent
contact
electrically
conducting
conductive
tubesheet
surrounding
based
electrical
constant
source
applied
interior
probes
voltmeter
connected
measure
injection
inversely
proportional
amount
namely
measured
current injection
constant current
electrically conductive
electrically conducting
electrical resistance
current source
inversely proportional
resistance measurement
conductive tubes
voltage probe
conductive tube
/324/