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Magnetic flux pipe inspection apparatus for analyzing anomalies in a pipeline wall

  • US 5,864,232 A
  • Filed: 08/22/1996
  • Issued: 01/26/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for analyzing anomalies in a pipeline wall comprising:

  • a body of generally cylindrical shape;

    means for supporting the body in relation to the pipeline wall;

    means for propelling the body through the pipeline;

    means for providing electrical power to the body;

    means for storing data;

    a plurality of bars disposed circumferentially around the body, each bar flexibly mounted on the body to allow the bar to move radially inwardly and radially outwardly to provide clearance for the apparatus in the event that it encounters obstructions as it travels through the pipeline;

    means mounted on the bars for generating and transmitting a magnetic field through portions of the pipeline wall adjacent the body;

    means mounted on the bars for measuring magnetic flux leakage adjacent the body caused by anomalies in the pipeline wall;

    means for transmitting the magnetic flux leakage measurements to the data storage means; and

    a plurality of wheels mounted on the bars adjacent the magnetic field generating means for bearing against the pipeline wall as the body moves through the pipeline so as to reduce wear on the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic flux leakage measuring means.

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