US Patent:
20040050167, Mar 18, 2004
Inventors:
Lionel Linares - Spring TX, US
Kenneth Newman - Willis TX, US
International Classification:
G01N009/24
G01N029/00
Abstract:
Systems and methods for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the methods in certain aspects including compressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected thereby forcing the elastomeric element generally radially against the pipe, and the compressing force in the general direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe or at an angle thereto; and, in certain aspects, the systems and methods including placing a coupling between the elastomeric element and the pipe, wherein the elastomeric element surrounds the pipe, wherein the elastomeric element is a packing element, and/or wherein the packing element is a packing element of a stripper packer system and the compressive force is applied by ram(s) or piston(s); and, in certain aspects, a system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the system with a housing, a packer element in the housing, the packer element having an opening through which a pipe to be inspected is passable, and at least one ultrasonic probe in or on the housing, said at least one ultrasonic probe useful in conjunction with an ultrasonic apparatus for inspecting pipe.
