| 摘要 |
A system and method for acquiring three-dimensional images of a magnetic flux leakage present in steel tendons, which are embedded in concrete and/or grout. The inventive method preferably magnetizes the steel tendon. Transducers detect the intensity of the magnetic field along the steel tendon. Using this magnetic intensity, three dimensional images of the magnetic flux leakage are generated using a data acquisition and computing device. Based on these images, a user can determine whether there is a fault, and what type of fault, in the steel tendon at that location, and therefore whether it should be investigated via a more intrusive procedure. The magnetic imaging device is capable of traversing the length of the tendon. As the invention moves along the tendon, images are generated. This allows the user to determine the location and source of a defect in real-time. |
| 主权项 |
1. A method for generating a series of three-dimensional images of a magnetic flux leakage created by a fault on a steel tendon embedded in concrete, wherein said steel tendon has a length, comprising the steps of:
a. providing a magnetic flux leakage imaging system, including,
i. a north pole magnet assembly,ii. a south pole magnet assembly opposite said north pole magnet assembly,iii. a cylindrical, central testing cavity spanning the distance between said north pole magnet assembly and said south pole magnet assembly, having a first end proximate said north pole magnet assembly, a second end proximate said south pole magnet assembly, and a midpoint,iv. a series of magnets arranged radially around said first end of said central testing cavity within said north pole magnet assembly arranged such that a north magnetic pole is created,v. a series of magnets arranged radially around said second end of said central testing cavity within said south pole magnet assembly arranged such that a south magnetic pole is created,vi. an imaging array, including a series of transducers, arranged radially around said central testing cavity, proximate said midpoint of said central testing cavity,vii. a series of bars arranged radially around said central testing cavity, each having a first end and a second end, where said first end engages said north pole magnet assembly and said second end engages said south pole magnet assembly; b. providing a translation system attached to said magnetic flux imaging system, wherein said translation system is capable of engaging and translating along said tendon; c. aligning said magnetic flux leakage imaging system such that said central testing cavity surrounds and said magnetic assemblies surround said tendon, thereby inducing a magnetic field; d. engaging said tendon with said translation system; e. translating said imaging system along said length of said tendon using said translation system; f. detecting said magnetic flux leakage produced by said magnetic field on said tendon, at a series of points along said length of said tendon, by said magnetic assemblies using said imaging array; g. acquiring a voltage proportional to said magnetic flux leakage produced by said tendon at said points along said length of said tendon using a data acquisition device; h. processing said voltage using a computing device; i. generating said series of three-dimensional images of said magnetic flux leakage using said computing device as said translation system translates along said length of said tendon; and j. analyzing said series of three-dimensional images in order to determine if a point along said length of said tendon contains a fault. |
