Ultrasonic inspection system utilizing acoustic coupling media

An inspection method, comprising:

• inserting a probe assembly into an interior of a powerplant, the powerplant comprising a component within the interior of the powerplant, the probe assembly including a conduit and an inspection probe, the inspection probe including a probe head located within a bore of the conduit, and the probe head comprising an ultrasonic transducer;
• translating the conduit longitudinally along a centerline of the probe assembly to sealingly engage a distal end of the conduit against the component;
• translating the inspection probe longitudinally along the centerline of the probe assembly to abut the probe head against the component, wherein an acoustic coupling media is disposed within the bore of the conduit contacting the probe head and the component;
• and
• determining presence of a defect internal to the component using the probe assembly, the determining of the presence of the defect comprising generating an ultrasonic signal using the ultrasonic transducer, and directing the ultrasonic signal from the probe head, through the acoustic coupling media, into the component.

A system for inspecting a powerplant component, the system comprising:

• a conduit extending longitudinally along a centerline from a base end of the conduit to a distal end of the conduit, the conduit configured to translate longitudinally along the centerline such that the distal end of the conduit is operable to sealing engage a surface of the powerplant component;
• an inspection probe including a probe body and a probe head connected to the probe body, the probe body projecting longitudinally into a bore of the conduit to the probe head, a distal end of the probe head configured to abut against the surface of the powerplant component, and the probe head comprising an ultrasonic transducer;
• a preload device configured to preload at least one of the conduit or the probe head longitudinally against the surface of the powerplant component;
• and
• an acoustic coupling media for directing into the bore of the conduit and contacting the probe head and the surface of the powerplant component.