Method and device for inspecting pipelines

A device for inspecting the pipe wall of a pipeline for defects, the device comprising:

• means for introducing a plurality of measuring sensors into the pipeline, each measuring sensor comprising at least one linear array of individually controllable sensor elements;
• means for defining a plurality of virtual sensors, each virtual sensor comprising a group of neighboring sensor elements;
• means for individually controlling said sensor elements of at least a portion of said virtual sensors to generate an ultrasound wave travelling towards and into said pipe wall at an irradiation angle which is inclined relative to a normal to the pipe wall;
• means for receiving ultrasound signals reflected by bordering surfaces of the pipe wall in at least a portion of said virtual sensors;
• and
• means for evaluating said received signals from differing bordering surfaces to determine pipe wall defects and further comprising at least one sensor support having said measuring sensors disposed substantially circularly around said sensor support, wherein said sensor support comprises, for each measuring sensor, at least two articulated arms which are hinge connected to each other and whose free end is hinge connected to one of a mounting element of a sensor rocker receiving said measuring sensor and to a central element of said sensor support, wherein said measuring sensors are fitted into a groove in an upper surface of said sensor rockers extending in a peripheral direction, wherein a depth of said groove corresponds substantially to a radial dimension of said measuring sensors.