Improvements in and relating to ultrasound probes
AssigneeCavendish Nuclear Limited
InventorsRandika Kosala Wathavana VITHANAGE, Charles Norman MACLEOD, David Ian Arthur LINES
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Abstract
An ultrasound probe and method of use are provided, wherein an ultrasound emitting transducer is mounted on an axial element which is supported in a rotatable configuration. A compliant element, such as a high temperature silicone rubber, provides a contact surface for the welding locations being probed and defines the outside of a space to which coolant is provided. The coolant ensures optimum operating conditions for the transducer, even when used to probing welding locations which are still at high temperatures, for instance in excess of 350° C. A probe which can be used closer to and sooner after welding has occurred results.
Claims23
An ultrasound probe comprising:
- an axial element;
- an ultrasound emitting transducer mounted on the axial element;
- two or more support elements rotatable mounted relative to the axial element;
- a compliant element, the compliant element being mounted on the two or more support elements and providing a continuous surface in at least one direction;
- wherein the two or more support elements and the compliant element at least partially define an internal volume for the probe, the transducer being provided within the internal volume;
- the probe further comprising an inlet for coolant to the internal volume and an outlet for coolant from the internal volume.
A method of performing an ultrasound based investigation of a substrate, the method including:
- providing an ultrasound probe comprising:
- an axial element;
- an ultrasound emitting transducer mounted on the axial element;
- two or more support elements rotatable mounted relative to the axial element;
- a compliant element, the compliant element being mounted on the two or more support elements and providing a continuous surface in at least one direction;
- wherein the two or more support elements and the compliant element at least partially define an internal volume for the probe, the transducer being provided within the internal volume;
- the probe further comprising an inlet for coolant to the internal volume and an outlet for coolant from the internal volume;
- the method further providing:
- placing at least a section of the compliant element in contact with the substrate;
- passing ultrasound from the transducer into the substrate and detecting ultrasound returns from the substrate;
- wherein coolant is fed into the internal volume via the coolant inlet and coolant is removed from the internal volume during the passing of ultrasound.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.