Method and apparatus for conveying an ultrasonic sensor about an outer peripheral surface of a tube

An apparatus for conveying an ultrasonic sensor about an outer peripheral surface of a tube to perform a non-destructive evaluation thereof, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame operably configured to engage the tube;
• a flexible tension link housed in said frame, said flexible tension link being operably configured to permit the ultrasonic sensor to be mounted thereto;
• an actuator coupled to said flexible tension link and operable to cause said flexible tension link to be extended from said frame;
• and
• said flexible tension link being operably configured to urge an extended portion of the flexible tension link towards the outer peripheral surface of the tube at a plurality of locations along the extended portion to cause the ultrasonic sensor to move through an arc circumferentially around the tube while maintaining ultrasonic coupling between the ultrasonic sensor and the tube.

An apparatus for conveying an ultrasonic sensor about an outer peripheral surface of a tube to perform a non-destructive evaluation thereof, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame operably configured to engage the tube;
• a flexible tension link housed in said frame, said flexible tension link being operably configured to permit the ultrasonic sensor to be mounted thereto;
• means for extending the flexible tension link from said frame;
• and
• means for urging an extended portion of the flexible tension link towards the outer peripheral surface of the tube at a plurality of locations along the extended portion to cause the ultrasonic sensor to move through an arc circumferentially around the tube while maintaining ultrasonic coupling between the ultrasonic sensor and the tube.