Pressure-based flaw detection
AssigneeNational Oilwell Varco, L.P.
InventorNeil West
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flaw detection system may include a dedicated monitor volume within a structural component of a system. The monitor volume may establish an air tight space bounded by at least one joint where the joint establishes a portion of a boundary of the air tight space and is in fluid communication with the air tight space. The system may also include a pressure sensing device configured for sensing the pressure in the dedicated monitor volume. A method of monitoring a system for flaw development may include monitoring a pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure in a dedicated monitor volume of a structural component of a system. The method may also include inspecting the structural component to identify a flaw location when the pressure sensor identifies a change in pressure in the dedicated monitor volume.
Claims9
A flaw detection system, comprising:
- a dedicated monitor volume within a structural component of an articulating assembly, the dedicated monitor volume establishing an air tight space bounded by a weld joint where the weld joint establishes a portion of a boundary of the air tight space and is in fluid communication with the air tight space;
- and
- a pressure sensing device configured for sensing the pressure in the dedicated monitor volume during operation of the articulating assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.