Apparatus and method for inspection of components made of electrically conductive material by partial saturation eddy current testing

摘要

A method and apparatus for the inspection of electrically conductive components 2 is described. The described apparatus comprises a sensor module having a magnetiser unit 3 suitable for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component 2 and an eddy current probe 5. The variable DC magnetic field 22 and eddy current probe are configured to perform a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe further comprises a magnetic field sensor 6 that provides a means for measuring the permeability within the test component. Employing the magnetic field sensor provides apparatus that is more accurate and flexible in its modes of operation since such sensors provide a means for the actual permeability of a material being tested to be measured. The variable DC magnetic field may be generated for example by a rotatable permanent magnet 13 in a yoke or by an electromagnet. The described methods and apparatus find particular application in the inspection of tubular components used in the oil and gas exploration and production industries.