Probe carrier system for inspecting boiler tubes

摘要

An inspection system and process for inspecting a plurality of conduits mounted in a manifold is disclosed herein. The system generally comprises a probe carrier for driving an eddy current or ultrasonic probe throughout the conduits to be inspected, and a delivery assembly detachably mountable within the manifold for remotely delivering and inserting the probe carrier into the open ends of the conduits. The delivery system includes an insertion and pusher mechanism for selectively inserting and pushing the probe carrier through the open ends of the tubes, a rail assembly which is removably mountable within the manifold, and a carriage slidably mounted on the rail assembly for supporting and axially positioning the insertion and pusher mechanism. Angular and axial electric drive motors are also provided for rotating and moving the insertion and pusher to a selected angle around and point along the longitudinal axis of the manifold. Finally, the system includes a control system having a television camera for allowing the insertion and pusher mechanism to be positioned by remote control, as well as a computer and first and second encoders operatively connected to the angular and axial drive motors for mapping the locations of the open ends of the tubes prior to the inspection operation. The invention is particularly useful in inspecting the boiler tubes mounted in a mud drum in a fossil fuel electrical power plant.