The invention is directed to a system and method for non-invasive pipeline inspection. According to one embodiment, the system includes a processor, an analyzer, and a wave launcher. The wave launcher is adapted to transmit an input wideband waveform having a selected input energy into the pipeline along a longitudinal axis, and to receive from the pipeline a reflected component of the input waveform having a reflected energy. The analyzer is adapted to generate the input waveform, and to receive the reflected component of the input waveform from the wave launcher. The processor is adapted to compare the input waveform with the reflected component of the input waveform to determine characteristics.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/222,170 entitled "Non-Invasive Pipeline Inspection Using Radiosounding," filed on Aug. 1, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
A method and associated algorithms for identifying and distinguishing geometric feature signals from defect signals in the NDE of longitudinal structures. The method includes the steps of collecting an interrogation signal (including reflected components) from a longitudinal structure under evaluation and comparing it with a selected reference signal from a known geometric feature maintained in a database. The comparison involves a determination of the signals phase. Same phase signals identify the source as a geometric feature, while opposite phase signals identify the source as a defect. The comparison involves the steps of gating each of the signals and creating an array of correlation values between points on each. The correlation values are analyzed and a determination (based on comparing maximum and minimum correlation values) is made of the signal phases. A reliability factor may be determined by comparison of the correlation values and the maximum and minimum thereof.
Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
Deterioration of reinforced concrete pipes is checked and the deterioration progress level is classified. Based on the inspection result, a portion to be inspected in detail in an inspection area is selected. With respect to the selected portion to be inspected in detail, the pipe thickness and the diameter of reinforcing bars are measured and the location of reinforcing bars in the portion to be inspected in detail are checked. Using the data of the thickness of a pipe, the diameter of the reinforcing bar and disposition of the reinforcing bars, structural analysis is carried out and the strength of the reinforced concrete pipe is calculated. The calculation result is used as information for evaluating the deterioration state of the reinforced concrete pipe.
A method for inspecting welds between welded tubular ends includes arranging a series electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) assemblies in circumferential direction adjacent to an inner and/or outer surface of at least one of the welded tubular ends and inducing the EMAT assemblies to transmit sequentially or simultaneously acoustic shear wave signals towards the weld and to detect the shear waves reflected by and/or passing through the weld while the EMAT assemblies are maintained in a substantially fixed position relative to the weld such that at least a substantial part of the weld is scanned by the EMAT assemblies instantly after the weld is made.
