Methods and systems for monitoring a temperature of a component during a welding operation
AssigneeBWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc.
InventorsJonathan A. Blados, Steven W. Liston, Matthew E. Smith, Allan W. Springer, David A. Wilson, William P. Johns
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of monitoring a heating operation on a component by a flame torch, including the steps of producing a flame with the flame torch, rotating the component with respect to the flame so that a circular weld is created on the component, and providing a first sensor that is operatively engaged with the component so that the first sensor monitors rotation or non-rotation of the components.
Claims20
A system for monitoring a heating operation on a component by a flame torch, the system comprising:
- a first sensor that is operatively engaged with the component, the first sensor being configured to detect rotation or non-rotation of the component and produce a first electrical signal that is indicative of the rotation or non-rotation of the component;
- a second sensor that is operatively engaged with the component, the second sensor being configured to detect a temperature of the component and produce a second electrical signal that is indicative of the temperature of the component;
- a processor that is configured to receive the first electrical signal and produce an audible alarm based on the first electrical signal indicating non-rotation of the component, and receive the second electrical signal and produce an audible alarm when the temperature of the component is greater than a pre-determined temperature value;
- and
- a third sensor that is configured to detect a presence or an absence of a flame and produce a third signal that is indicative of the presence or the absence of the flame, wherein the processor is configured to receive the third electrical signal and produce an audible alarm based on the third electrical signal indicating the absence of the flame.
A method of monitoring a heating operation on a component by a heat source, comprising the steps of:
- attaching at least one temperature sensor to an outer surface of the component adjacent to a location at which a circumferential weld is to be produced;
- producing heat at the component using the heat source;
- causing rotation of the component with the respect to the heat source so that the weld is produced on the component while the at least one sensor rotates with the component;
- and
- monitoring data based on an output of the at least one temperature sensor during a time in which the weld is being produced.
A welding apparatus comprising:
- a support structure on which a component to be welded is received, said support structure being operative to rotate the component during welding;
- a flame torch operative to produce a flame that heats a location on the component at which a circumferential weld is to be produced;
- at least one temperature sensor attachable to an outer surface of the component adjacent to the location at which the weld is to be produced to rotate with the component;
- and
- a controller operative to communicate with the at least one temperature sensor during a time in which the weld is being produced,
- wherein the at least one temperature sensor comprises a plurality of temperature sensors each having a thermocouple, and
- wherein the plurality of temperature sensors each include a magnet for attachment to the outer surface of the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.