Tubular member flaw detection

A method for ultrasonically inspecting a tubular member, the tubular member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface spaced apart from the second surface by a thickness of the tubular member, and two spaced-apart ends including a first end and a second end of the tubular member, the method comprising

• transmitting sonic beams to the tubular member with transducer apparatus such that sonic beams are reflected from the first surface of the tubular member and from the second surface of the tubular member, the transducer apparatus controlled by control apparatus,
• while continuing to inspect the first surface of the tubular member for first surface defects, moving the transducer apparatus adjacent sensing apparatus which signals the control apparatus to cease processing of transducer apparatus signals related to inspection of the second surface, and, the transducer apparatus continuing to transmit sonic beams for the inspection of the first surface of the tubular member, and
• completing inspection of substantially all of the second surface of the tubular member for second surface defects while continuing to inspect the first surface of the tubular member for first surface defects.