Pipe inspection systems and methods

A system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the system comprising

• at least one ultrasonic apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic sound waves to a pipe to be inspected, for receiving reflected waves back from said pipe, and for producing signals indicative of a parameter of said pipe, the at least one ultrasonic apparatus having at least one ultrasonic probe,
• control apparatus for controlling the at least one ultrasonic apparatus,
• processing apparatus for processing signals from the at least one ultrasonic apparatus,
• an elastomeric element for contacting the pipe and for contacting the at least one ultrasonic probe, the at least one ultrasonic probe located in or adjacent the elastomeric element, and
• apparatus for applying compressive force to the elastomeric element, and
• wherein the elastomeric element is a stripper element of a stripper packer system.

A system for ultrasonically inspecting pipe, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the system comprising

• at least one ultrasonic apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic sound waves to a pipe to be inspected, for receiving reflected waves back from said pipe, and for producing signals indicative of a parameter of said pipe, the at least one ultrasonic apparatus having at least one ultrasonic probe,
• control apparatus for controlling the at least one ultrasonic apparatus,
• processing apparatus for processing signals from the at least one ultrasonic apparatus,
• an elastomeric element for contacting the pipe and for contacting the at least one ultrasonic probe, the at least one ultrasonic probe located in or adjacent the elastomeric element,
• apparatus for applying compressive force to the elastomeric element,
• wherein the elastomeric element is a stripper element of a stripper packer system,
• wherein the stripper packer system is from the group consisting of a coiled tubing stripper packer system, a drilling stripper packer system, and a hydraulic workover stripper packer system, and
• wherein the at least one ultrasonic probe is mounted in or on a housing, the elastomeric element within the housing.