Pipe inspection systems and methods
First Claim
1. A method for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the method comprisingcompressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe apparatus of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected thereby forcing the elastomeric element against the pipe, wherein the compressing force is applied generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
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Accused Products
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; 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; and, in certain aspects, a system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the system with a housing, a packer element in the housing with an opening through which a pipe to be inspected is passable, and at least one ultrasonic probe in or on the housing useful in conjunction with an ultrasonic apparatus for inspecting pipe.
62 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising
compressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe apparatus of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected thereby forcing the elastomeric element against the pipe, wherein the compressing force is applied generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
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14. A method for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising
compressing with a compressing force an elastomeric element between an ultrasonic probe apparatus of an ultrasonic pipe inspection system and a pipe to be inspected thereby forcing the elastomeric element against the pipe, and wherein the elastomeric element is a packing element.
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15. A system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the system comprising
at least one ultrasonic apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic sound waves to a pipe to be inspected, for receiving reflected waves back from said pipe, and for producing signals indicative of a parameter of said pipe, the at least one ultrasonic apparatus having at least one ultrasonic probe, control apparatus for controlling the at least one ultrasonic apparatus, processing apparatus for processing signals from the at least one ultrasonic apparatus, an elastomeric element for contacting the pipe and for contacting the at least one ultrasonic probe, the at least one ultrasonic probe located in or adjacent the elastomeric element, and apparatus for applying compressive force to the elastomeric element, and wherein the elastomeric element is a stripper element of a stripper packer system.
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23. A system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the system comprising
at least one ultrasonic apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic sound waves to a pipe to be inspected, for receiving reflected waves back from said pipe, and for producing signals indicative of a parameter of said pipe, the at least one ultrasonic apparatus having at least one ultrasonic probe, control apparatus for controlling the at least one ultrasonic apparatus, processing apparatus for processing signals from the at least one ultrasonic apparatus, an elastomeric element for contacting the pipe and for contacting the at least one ultrasonic probe, the at least one ultrasonic probe located in or adjacent the elastomeric element, apparatus for applying compressive force to the elastomeric element, wherein the elastomeric element is a stripper element of a stripper packer system, wherein the stripper packer system is from the group consisting of a coiled tubing stripper packer system, a drilling stripper packer system, and a hydraulic workover stripper packer system, and wherein the at least one ultrasonic probe is mounted in or on a housing, the elastomeric element within the housing.
Specification