Method for detecting flaws in a steam generator tube using a flexible eddy current probe having coil bank switching

• US 5,256,966 A
• Filed: 04/19/1991
• Issued: 10/26/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Combustion Engineering Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Original Assignee: Combustion Engineering Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Edwards, Lawrence J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Strecker, Gerard R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): EDMONDS, WARREN
• Application Number:
  US07/687,750
• Time in Patent Office: 921 Days
• Field of Search: 324/219-221, 324/225-227, 324/236-238, 324/239-243, 324/262
• US Class Current: 324/220
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/902 by moving the sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 27/904 with two or more sensors

Abstract

A method and apparatus for inspecting the profile of the inner wall of a conduit, such as a heat exchanger in a steam generator by a probe body that includes eddy current sensing coils. The number of eddy current sensing coils is increased for more completely sensing the conduit surface without a corresponding increase in coaxial cables by the use of a bank switch which switches respective banks of coils to existing conduits.

Claims

1. A method of detecting flaws in a tube, comprising the steps of providing a probe assembly having a probe head with a plurality of coils, dividing said plurality of coils into a first set and a second set of coils, spacing said first set and said second set about a circumference thereof, switching between said first set and said second set of coils with a bank switch, and receiving at remotely located instrumentation output signals, which are transmitted over conductors from said coils, representative of said flaws.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of switching said bank switch to said other set of coils for connecting said other set to said plurality of cables.