| 摘要 |
An ultrasonic tube inspection system (10) capable of rapid changeover for inspecting tubes (T) of different diameter sizes includes a serial arrangement (14) of multiple separate inspection stations (14A, 14B). One inspection station (14A) is used to inspect for tube dimensions irrespective of the tube diameter size. The other inspection stations (14B) are used to inspect for flaws and are employed for different ones of the tube diameter sizes to be inspected. A set of ultrasonic transducer assemblies (58, 60) is supported at each inspection station. The transducer assemblies (58, 60) at the flaw inspection stations (14B) are in proper orientations corresponding to the diameter sizes of the particular tubes (T) to be inspected at the respective inspection stations without the need for readjustment. The inspection stations contain quantities of liquid for coupling ultrasonic energy between the ultrasonic transducer assemblies (58, 60) and the tube (T) passing through the inspection stations (14A, 14B). Liquid level control stations (18, 20) are disposed at opposite ends of the serial arrangement (14) of inspection stations (14A, 14B) and are connected in flow communication with the inspection stations (14A, 14B) for controlling liquid level in the inspection stations. Tube drives (22) are disposed adjacent the liquid level control stations (18, 20) and are operable to drive the tubes (T) through the control and inspection stations such that the tubes (T) are aligned along a common centerline (C) irrespective of which tube diameter size is being inspected. <IMAGE>
|
