Measuring device for use with tubular products
AssigneeElectric Power Research Institute, Inc.
InventorFrederick M. Fisher
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus for detecting variations in the internal dimensions of a pipe includes a plurality of cantilever members for engaging the internal surface and strain gauges mounted on the cantilever members which are responsive to the flexing of the cantilever members. A Wheatstone bridge is utilized to measure changes in resistance of the strain gauges and hence the amount of flexing of the cantilevers due to undulations in the internal surface. The apparatus is particularly useful in detecting and measuring dents in tubes of nuclear power plant steam generators caused by corrosion of steel support plates.
Claims7
Apparatus for detecting denting in the internal surface of a tube due to corrosion of support plates comprising support means of suitable dimensions for moving through said tube, said support means including an outer housing and a plurality of spring means for engaging said internal surface and maintaining said outer housing generally in line with the center line of said tube;
- a plurality of flexible members extending from said support means, each of said flexible members having a surface portion for engaging said internal surface;
- transducer means mounted on each of said flexible members for sensing flex of said member;
- and eddy current detection means for detecting the presence of tube support structures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.