Method and apparatus for ultrasonically inspecting pipes

摘要

An apparatus for inspecting a pipe comprising a body adapted for passage through the bore of a pipe to be inspected, a main transducer array comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced transducers for transmitting ultrasound energy, the transducers being mounted on the body for movement between a retracted position, wherein the body can freely move through the bore of the pipe, and an extended position wherein the plurality of transducers are pressed into operative contact with the inner wall of the pipe, actuating means being provided for selectively urging the plurality of transducers to their extended positions, control means being provided for transmitting ultrasound energy into said pipe to propagate a guided wave within the pipe walls in at least one longitudinal direction along the pipe when the transducers are in their operative position and for receiving the propagated wave and analysing said wave to determine the presence or absence or defects in the pipe wall.