EA017013B1 - Means for pipe control, displacement device for use thereof and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The means for pipe control are disclosed that can be rotatably mounted on means for displacement adapted to be displaced along the pipe, said control means comprising at least a first and a second receiving/transmitting acoustic units. The first of said units is adapted to generate and receive transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, and the second of said units is adapted to generate and receive transverse ultrasound waves propagated in the direction forming an acute angle with a normal to the pipe surface. The use of acoustic waves propagated in two directions for pipe control allows to increase defect detection reliability and provides the possibility to determine the type of the detected defect.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices and methods for diagnosing the condition of materials and structures and can be used in the examination of technological and trunk pipelines.

State of the art

A large number of devices for monitoring pipelines are known, for example, diagnostic shells, self-propelled installations of a wheeled or tracked type, etc.

From the application for US patent 2005/0072237 known diagnostic projectile, moved in a controlled pipeline by the flow of the transported product. The diagnostic projectile contains a measuring module having an acoustic receiving-emitting system containing at least one electromagnetic-acoustic transducer (EMAT) and configured to be installed at the required distance from the surface of the controlled object to ensure constant acoustic contact.

However, due to limited maneuverability, this diagnostic projectile cannot be used to control complex piping. In addition, to ensure the reliability and necessary performance of control of large diameter pipes, it is required to use a large number of electromagnetic-acoustic transducers, which increases the cost of this device. In addition, this projectile is able to detect only crack-like defects oriented along the pipe.

U.S. Patent Application 2006/0164091 describes a device for electromagnetic control of pipes that is rotatably mounted to means of movement in a pipe provided with a rotational assembly. The device comprises a base, which is connected to the node of rotation of the means of movement in the pipe and on which the means of magnetization of the pipe wall are installed, made in the form of magnetic poles located at the ends of the magnetically permeable rod fixed to the base. In addition, the device contains an array of electromagnetic field converters, also installed on the basis of the device at a certain distance from the magnetization means along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The electromagnetic field converters are made in the form of Hall sensors.

The base of the device is made in the form of a shaft, which is connected to the node of rotation of the means of movement in the pipe and is located coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the pipe. In addition, the rod is made telescopic, which allows inspection of pipes of various diameters. However, the spacing of sensors and magnets along the axis of the pipe, which is necessary for implementing the technology of electromagnetic diagnostics, does not allow creating a compact device that, when passing through the pipeline, is able to overcome sections with a large angle of rotation. In addition, this device has a low sensitivity to defects.

The closest analogue of the proposed utility model is the RF patent for utility model No. 66547. This patent discloses pipe monitoring means that can be mounted rotatably on moving means configured to move in the pipe and each containing receiving and emitting acoustic blocks, each of which is made with the possibility of excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves and their reception.

The patent also discloses a corresponding movable pipe control device used in conjunction with said control means.

In the means of control according to patent No. 66547, an electromagnetic-acoustic principle is used to excite and receive an acoustic wave in the object under study, which allows, on the one hand, to increase the reliability of control compared to the solutions described above, and on the other, due to a single premium-emitting acoustic unit, to provide the necessary compactness of the device and, therefore, the ability to control sections of pipelines with a large angle of rotation.

However, it should be noted that pipe defects in pipelines can be of various types, have different structures, shapes and sizes. Different types of defects have different causes and a different effect on the quality of the pipes, so the classification of defects in monitoring the condition of the pipes is important. Using the means of patent No. 66547, it is difficult to determine the type of defect, which makes the analysis of the condition of the pipes limited. In addition, some types of defects, for example stress-corrosion cracks, cannot be detected by these means with sufficient reliability.

Thus, there is an obvious need for further improvement of pipe inspection tools to increase the reliability of the assessment of the condition of pipelines and to enable the determination of the type of defects. Therefore, the urgent task is to develop tools and methods for pipe control that could solve the problems identified.

- 1 017013

Disclosure of invention

An object of the present invention is to provide means and a method for monitoring pipes that can accurately determine the presence of defects both on the outer surface of the pipe and in the body of the pipe, measure the thickness of the walls of the pipeline, and also enable the determination of the type of defects. In this case, it is necessary to provide a mobile device with which these means can be used.

The problem is solved due to the fact that in the means of pipe control, which can be mounted rotatably on the means of movement, made with the possibility of movement in the pipe, and which contain at least the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks, each of which made with the possibility of excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves in the pipe and their reception, at least the first of these blocks is made with the possibility of excitation and reception of transverse ultrasonic waves, distributed x in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, and at least the second of these blocks is configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in a direction that is acute to the pipe surface normal to the pipe surface.

Thus, in these means, two channels are used, namely, direct input channels, in which ultrasonic waves are excited in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, and an inclined input, in which ultrasonic waves are excited at an acute angle to the normal to the pipe surface. Analysis of the signals associated with each channel allows, firstly, to increase the reliability of the analysis by identifying defects that may not be detected using only one channel, and secondly, to determine the type of defects, for example, crack-like defect or ulcerative corrosion.

These first and second blocks usually contain common means of magnetization of the pipe wall region, and each of these blocks contains an electromagnetic field transducer.

The pipe inspection means preferably comprise a base on which said units are mounted.

It is advisable to perform these blocks with the possibility of simultaneous excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves at one point.

The specified acute angle in the preferred embodiment is 30 °.

At least the first and / or second of these blocks, as a rule, is configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasound waves with linear polarization.

The means of magnetization of the pipe wall region and the electromagnetic field transducers of each of the blocks during operation are preferably arranged so that at least one cross section of the pipe passes through them.

Typically, an electromagnetic field transducer comprises an inductor.

The pipe monitoring means may comprise at least one explosion protection device, which preferably comprises an optocoupler and a plate, which during operation is located between one of these units and the corresponding region of the pipe wall and on which at least a part of the supply circuit of the optocoupler radiation source is applied so that rupture of this circuit leads to the cessation of operation of the corresponding electromagnetic field transducer.

The specified plate is usually made with the possibility of transmission of an electromagnetic field and, for example, can be made ceramic.

Pipe controls typically include means for visually inspecting pipe walls.

The pipe control means generally comprise at least one suspension unit of the receiving-emitting acoustic unit connected to the base by means of a manipulator, which is preferably made telescopic.

The suspension unit can be connected to the manipulator with the possibility of rotation around three perpendicular axes.

This problem is also solved by the fact that in a movable device for monitoring pipes, containing means of movement made with the possibility of movement in the pipe, and means of control pipes installed with the possibility of rotation on the means of movement and containing at least the first and second receiving radiation acoustic blocks, each of which is configured to excite transverse ultrasonic waves in the tube and receive them, at least the first of these blocks is configured to excite and receiving transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, and at least the second of these blocks is configured to excite and receiving transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction that is acute to the pipe surface normal.

The problem is also solved due to the fact that in the method of control of pipes, including the excitation in the pipe wall of transverse ultrasonic waves; reception of these waves; determination of changes in the amplitude of these waves during their propagation in the pipe wall and / or their propagation time in the pipe wall to monitor the condition of the pipes and / or determine the pipe wall thickness, excitation

- 2 017013 the reception and reception of these transverse ultrasonic waves include, respectively, the excitation and reception of the first transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, and the excitation and reception of the second transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in the direction normal to the pipe surface, an acute angle, and said determination of changes in amplitude and / or propagation time includes determining changes in amplitude of said first and second waves as they propagate in pipe and / or time of their distribution in the pipe wall.

Preferably, said acute angle is set to 30 °.

These first and / or second waves are usually linearly polarized.

The excitation and reception of these first and second waves, as a rule, is carried out by means of at least the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks, respectively, which are located with a working gap relative to the pipe wall and have common means of magnetizing the region of the pipe wall and each of which contains the electromagnetic field converter.

The value of the specified working clearance may be from 0 to 0.5 mm.

The method may further include determining the duration of the reverberation-noise characteristics of the first waves, and with an increase in the specified duration, an increase in the working gap is determined, and when it is reduced, a decrease in the working gap is determined.

Brief Description of the Figures

The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of pipe controls;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a suspension of receiving-emitting acoustic blocks;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the suspension of receiving-emitting acoustic blocks;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of a television camera;

FIG. 6 shows a plate with a part of the supply circuit of an optocoupler radiation source applied to it;

FIG. 7 illustrates the principle of operation of an electromagnetic-acoustic transducer.

The implementation of the invention

The proposed pipe inspection means comprise an ultrasonic inspection module 35 shown in FIG. 1, and a base (not shown) on which it is mounted. The module 35 and the base are mounted rotatably on the means of movement in the pipe, made in the form of tracked means of movement.

The caterpillar moving means has two lower tracks attached to the platform and configured to fit the diameter of the pipeline, and an upper retractable track for expansion when moving along vertical sections. Such a constructive implementation of the moving means allows for in-line diagnostics of horizontal, inclined and vertical sections of technological pipelines of various diameters. In addition, the moving means has a rotation unit connected to the base and providing circular movement of the base and module 35 in the pipe.

Module 35 contains a sealed housing 1, on which two telescopic manipulators 2 are mounted on diametrically opposite sides.

At the end of each manipulator 2, a suspension 4 is mounted for rotation (Fig. 1-3), in which the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks are mounted, made in the form of an electromagnetic-acoustic transducer (EMAT) 5. The execution of the 2 manipulators telescopic allows you to install suspensions 4 to the surface of the monitored pipeline and ensure constant acoustic contact of the EMAT and the pipe surface when diagnosing pipes of different diameters, as well as in the case of ovality of the monitored pipeline.

Manipulators 2 can be moved apart and folded using a common drive (not shown). Each manipulator 2 contains a spring 6, which allows you to compensate for the uneven distance from the housing 1 to the surface of the controlled object during the diagnostic examination. Due to this design of the manipulator 2 between the EMAT 5 and the surface of the pipeline, a working gap of 0 to 0.5 mm is provided.

The suspensions 4 contain a trolley 7 with wheels 8. The suspensions 4 are spring-loaded by means of the springs 6 of the manipulators 2, so that the wheels 8 are abutted on the inner surface of the pipe and allow the suspensions 4 to move along this surface in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipe.

The cart 7 contains a bracket 9 with a hinge 10 and a frame 11. EMAT 5 is mounted on the frame 11 through the gasket 12, which allows you to adjust the size of the working gap between the working surface of the EMAT 5 and the surface of the controlled object. The hole 28 of the hinge 10 is designed to install the rod of the manipulator 2.

Due to the fact that the manipulators 2 are made telescopic, the translational movement of the suspensions 4 along the axis of these manipulators is ensured. Thanks to the hinge 10 to which it is attached

- 3 017013 rod of the manipulator 2, it is possible to rotate the suspensions 4 around the point of their attachment to the manipulator 2 around three perpendicular axes with rotation, tilt and swing. This design of the suspension 4 allows you to pass bumps in the pipe with a constant working clearance. The cables 13 of each suspension 4 shown in FIG. 1, are led into the housing 1 through the pressure glands 14 and connected to electronic nodes (not shown) located in the housing 1 and providing EMAP 5 operation, control of the extension drive of the manipulators 2 and viewing cameras 3 installed in the housing 1 and designed to control guidance EMAP 5 on the controlled area of the wall of the pipeline, as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 4, EMAT 5 contains a magnetic system including permanent magnets 15, for example, based on сплава-Re-B alloy, and two electromagnetic field transducers, which include two flat high-frequency inductors (not shown), located one above the other parallel to each other directly below magnetic system. One of the coils is helical and ensures the excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves in the pipe in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, i.e., in the direction normal to this surface, and the reception of these waves. Thus, by means of a spiral coil, a direct input channel is realized. The second coil is a meander and provides the excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in the direction normal to the surface of the pipe with an acute angle, preferably 30 °, and receiving these waves. Thus, by means of a meander coil, an oblique entry channel is realized. Magnets 15 are placed in the housing 16, and high-frequency coils are located on the substrate 17 one above the other and filled with a layer of polyurethane 21 with a thickness of 0.2 mm. Thus, the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks are formed, which have a common magnetic system and each of which contains a corresponding coil. The housing 16 and the substrate 17 are interconnected by screws (not shown). A sealing ring 20 is provided in the housing 16 to prevent moisture from entering the housing. EMAT 5 also contains a cover 18 with a pressure lead 19 and cables 13 in a protective sheath with a pressure lead 14. The diameter of the EMAT working area is 10 mm.

EMAP 5 performs both the functions of an emitter of ultrasonic waves and their receiver. Moreover, the above-described EMAT design, in which two inductor coils are located one above the other with the formation of two receiving-emitting acoustic blocks with a common magnetic system, provides simultaneous excitation of the transverse ultrasonic waves by the indicated blocks at one point. In addition, the magnetic system and coils of each of the blocks during operation are arranged in such a way that at least one cross section of the pipe passes through them. This ensures the compactness of the device and the possibility of passing bent sections of pipelines with large bending angles.

The substrate 17 comprises a window into which the plate 36, shown in FIG. 6. Plate 36 is configured to transmit an electromagnetic field. Plate 36, for example, may be made of ceramic.

On the plate 36 in the form of a snake, part 37 of the power supply circuit of an optocoupler radiation source, for example an LED, is sprayed or otherwise applied. When this circuit is broken, the corresponding radiation from the LED ceases to arrive at the optocoupler photodetector, which, in turn, leads to the termination of the supply of pulses to the high-frequency inductors of EMAT 5.

In the slots 23 of the housing 1 there are two viewing cameras 3, fixed by means of sealing gaskets 24 (Fig. 1). Each camera 3 contains a CCD module and a lens 25 mounted in a sealed explosion-proof housing 26, as shown in FIG. 5. The CCD module provides the conversion of the light flux from the controlled object into a television signal. LED illuminators 27 are also installed in the housing 26, providing illumination of the controlled object. The front of the housing 26 is closed by a removable cover 28, which provides light transmission to the input window of the lens and light from the illuminators 27. The cover 28 is provided with a gasket 29, which ensures the tightness of the camera structure. Connecting wires come out from the back of the housing 26, on which an output connector 30 is mounted for connecting the camera to power sources and a television signal receiver (not shown). Chambers 3 allow you to control the guidance of EMAT 5 on the controlled area of the pipeline wall.

Pipe control tools work as follows. To carry out the control procedure, the module 35 is fixed on the base, which is installed on the means of movement, connecting it with a rotation unit, providing a circular movement of the module 35 on the inner surface of the pipeline.

There are two options for monitoring the condition of the pipe:

continuous spiral scanning with a given step, provided by the uniform movement of the means of movement in the pipeline and the simultaneous circular movement of the EMAT 5 along the inner surface of the pipeline in a direction perpendicular to its axis;

phased circular scanning of the pipeline section with the periodic movement of the means of movement at a given step and the subsequent circular movement of the EMAT 5 along the inner

- 4 017013 of the pipeline surface in the direction perpendicular to its axis.

Prior to the control procedure, the moving means with the module 35 for ultrasonic testing installed on them are loaded into the pipeline using standard devices through the loading points, the moving means are brought into working condition and placed in the control zone. Bringing these means into working condition includes turning the tracks under the required pipe diameter, lifting the platform to the required height and pressing in the case of the upper track if necessary.

After that, a visual inspection of the control place is carried out using survey cameras 3. Next, suspensions 4 are installed near the controlled object, setting the required gap between it and the EMAT 5 by extending the telescopic manipulators 2. To ensure stable operation of the EMAT 5, the air gap between EMAT 5 and the controlled surface must be between 0 and 0.5 mm.

In the case of a spiral scan of the pipe body, translational movements of the moving means along the longitudinal axis of the pipe and the rotation of the module 35 are performed. During this movement, the EMAT 5 excites and receives ultrasonic vibrations.

In a circular scan, the moving means are first moved by a predetermined step along the axis of the pipeline, after which the module 35 is turned one revolution along the surface of the pipeline in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pipeline. When turning EMAT 5 excites and receives ultrasonic vibrations.

Step-by-step ring scanning is used for a more detailed study of areas with suspected defects that appeared during spiral scanning.

The principle of operation of the EMAT 5 is illustrated in FIG. 7. For clarity, the drawing shows only the first, spiral, coil 33, but it should be noted that in accordance with the present invention EMAT 5 also contains a second, meander coil located near the first coil so that these coils lie in parallel planes. When the EMAT 5 is fed to the controlled object 32, it is magnetized by the magnetic system 31. An alternating current is supplied to the high-frequency spiral inductor 33 and it begins to generate oscillations, which leads to the excitation of elastic vibrations on the surface of the object 32 with a frequency equal to the current frequency as well as inducing high-frequency eddy currents in a controlled object 34. Since the interaction forces of eddy currents with a magnetic field are parallel to the surface, the transverse Ultrasonic wave (8H wave) with linear polarization propagating in a direction perpendicular to the tube wall. The specified wave is reflected from the opposite wall of the pipe or from defects inside the wall. The conversion of the reflected acoustic wave into a final electrical signal occurs in the EMAT 5 coil due to the interaction of the permanent magnet field with a moving conductor, which is the surface of the object under control. Similarly, alternating current is supplied to a second, meander, high-frequency inductor. Here, the same processes as in the case of a spiral coil take place, but due to the meander configuration of this coil, a transverse ultrasonic wave (8H wave) with linear polarization is provided, propagating in the direction normal to the pipe wall, an acute angle, preferably 30 ° . The specified wave is reflected from defects in the pipe wall, and the conversion of the reflected acoustic wave into a final electrical signal is performed similarly to the corresponding conversion in the first coil. In the absence of defects, the wave excited by the meander coil continues to propagate in the pipe, repeatedly reflected from its walls, and, accordingly, the coil does not fix it. Ultrasonic waves propagating perpendicular to the pipe surface and at an angle to the normal to the pipe surface excite at the same time and at one point. The nature of the reflected signal judges the presence or absence of defects and their parameters. In particular, changes in the amplitude of the waves during their propagation in the pipe wall and / or their propagation time in the pipe wall are determined, which allows monitoring the condition of the pipes and / or determining the thickness of the pipe walls.

So, in the direct input channel, the propagation time of the wave in the pipe body to the opposite pipe surface and vice versa is determined, which makes it possible to determine the pipe wall thickness, as well as the state of the pipe surface, i.e. the presence of defects that reduce the thickness of the pipe wall. Also, by analyzing the signal in the direct input channel, you can control the size of the working gap. To do this, determine the duration of the reverberation-noise characteristics of the waves in this channel, while an increase in the indicated duration indicates an increase in the working gap, and its decrease indicates a decrease in the working gap.

The analysis of the signal in the channel of the inclined input along with the analysis of the signal in the channel of the direct input allows, firstly, to increase the reliability of determining defects in the pipe, and secondly, to obtain information about the type of detected defect.

For example, the presence of a signal corresponding to the reflected wave in the inclined input channel in the absence of a signal corresponding to the wave reflected from the defect in the direct input channel may indicate the presence of stress-corrosion cracks. However, when using only the direct input channel, such a defect may not be detected. On the other hand, the presence of both is indicated

- 5 017013 signals may indicate a volume defect in the pipe body.

Evaluation of changes in the amplitude of the wave during its propagation in the tube also allows us to assess the severity of defects.

In operation, the plate 36 acts as an explosion protection device. For example, if the EMAT 5 is in close contact with the pipeline wall, mechanical damage to the chains of high-frequency inductors or rupture of these chains is possible. This can lead, in turn, to sparking and explosion if there is an explosive gas mixture in the pipeline. The location of the plate 36 with the applied portion 37 of the supply circuit of the LED between the EMAT 5 and the magnetized region of the pipe when this contact first leads to rupture of the specified supply circuit. In this case, the corresponding radiation ceases to arrive at the optocoupler photodetector, which in turn leads to disconnection of the coil circuits, for example, the coil circuit 33, i.e. to an early shutdown of their power supply in case of danger of a mechanical circuit break. This provides explosion protection of the proposed means for pipe control and the possibility of their safe use in explosive atmospheres.

The proposed means of pipe control allow you to measure the thickness of the pipes, as well as to diagnose the technical condition of the material of the pipe body. In particular, the device allows you to determine the loss of metal on the outer surface of the pipe, internal defects of the pipe body and measure the decrease in the thickness of the pipe wall.

Claims (36)

1. Controls of pipes, which can be mounted rotatably on means of movement, made to move in the pipe, and which contain a base on which at least the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks are installed, each of which is made with the possibility of excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves in the pipe and their reception, characterized in that at least the first of these blocks is configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasonic waves, wound in the direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, at least the second of these blocks is configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasonic waves propagated in the direction normal to the pipe surface an acute angle, and at least the first and second blocks made with the possibility of simultaneous excitation of transverse ultrasonic waves. 2. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second blocks contain common means for magnetizing the region of the pipe wall, and each of these blocks contains an electromagnetic field transducer. 3. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that said blocks are arranged to excite transverse ultrasonic waves at one point. 4. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that said acute angle is 30 °. 5. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first and / or second of these blocks are configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasound waves with linear polarization. 6. Means according to claim 2, characterized in that the means of magnetizing the region of the pipe wall and the electromagnetic field converters of each of the blocks are arranged in such a way that at least one cross section of the pipe passes through them. 7. Tools according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic field transducer comprises an inductor. 8. Means according to claim 1, characterized in that they contain at least one explosion protection device. 9. Means according to claim 8, characterized in that the explosion protection device comprises an optocoupler and a plate, which during operation is located between one of these blocks and the corresponding region of the pipe wall and on which at least a part of the supply circuit of the optocoupler radiation source is applied so that rupture of this circuit leads to the cessation of operation of the corresponding electromagnetic field transducer. 10. Means according to claim 9, characterized in that the plate is configured to transmit an electromagnetic field. 11. Tools according to claim 10, characterized in that the plate is made of ceramic. 12. Tools according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that they contain means for visual inspection of the walls of the pipes. 13. Means according to claim 12, characterized in that they comprise at least one suspension unit of the receiving-emitting acoustic unit connected to the base by means of a manipulator. 14. Means according to claim 13, characterized in that the manipulator is made telescopic. 15. Means according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the suspension unit is connected to the manipulator with the possibility of rotation around three perpendicular axes. - 6 017013 16. A movable device for monitoring pipes, containing means of movement made with the possibility of movement in the pipe, and means of control of pipes mounted rotatably on means of movement and containing a base on which at least the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks, each of which is configured to excite transverse ultrasonic waves in the tube and receive them, characterized in that at least the first of these blocks is configured to excite receiving and receiving transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the pipe surface, at least the second of these blocks is configured to excite and receive transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in the direction normal to the pipe surface, an acute angle, and at least the first and second blocks are arranged to simultaneously excite transverse ultrasonic waves. 17. The device according to p. 16, characterized in that the said first and second blocks contain common means of magnetization of the pipe wall region, and each of these blocks contains an electromagnetic field transducer. 18. The device according to clause 16, wherein the said blocks are arranged to excite transverse ultrasonic waves at one point. 19. The device according to clause 16, wherein the specified acute angle is 30 °. 20. The device according to p. 16, characterized in that at least the first and / or second of these blocks is made with the possibility of excitation and reception of transverse ultrasonic waves with linear polarization. 21. The device according to clause 16, characterized in that the means of magnetization of the pipe wall region and the electromagnetic field converters of each of the blocks during operation are located in such a way that at least one cross section of the pipe passes through them. 22. The device according to clause 16, wherein the electromagnetic field transducer contains an inductor. 23. The device according to clause 16, characterized in that it contains at least one explosion protection device. 24. The device according to item 23, wherein the explosion protection device comprises an optocoupler and a plate, which during operation is located between one of these blocks and the corresponding region of the pipe wall and on which at least part of the supply circuit of the optocoupler radiation source is applied so that rupture of this circuit leads to the cessation of operation of the corresponding electromagnetic field transducer. 25. The device according to paragraph 24, wherein the plate is made with the possibility of transmission of an electromagnetic field. 26. The device according A.25, characterized in that the plate is made of ceramic. 27. The device according to any one of paragraphs.16-26, characterized in that the means of monitoring pipes contain means for visual inspection of the walls of the pipes. 28. The device according to item 27, wherein the means of control pipes contain at least one suspension unit receiving and emitting acoustic unit connected to the base by means of a manipulator. 29. The device according to p. 28, characterized in that the manipulator is made telescopic. 30. The device according to p. 28 or 29, characterized in that the suspension unit is connected to the manipulator with the possibility of rotation around three perpendicular axes. 31. A method for controlling pipes, comprising exciting transverse ultrasonic waves in a pipe wall; reception of these waves; determining changes in the amplitude of these waves during their propagation in the pipe wall and / or their propagation time in the pipe wall for monitoring the condition of the pipes and / or determining the pipe wall thickness, characterized in that the excitation and reception of these transverse ultrasonic waves include, respectively, excitation and reception by means control pipes of the first transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pipe, and exciting and receiving by means of said pipe control means in transverse ultrasonic waves propagating in the direction normal to the pipe surface is an acute angle, and the specified definition of changes in the amplitude and / or propagation time includes determining changes in the amplitude of these first and second waves during their propagation in the pipe wall and / or their propagation time pipe wall. 32. The method according to p, characterized in that the specified acute angle is set equal to 30 °. 33. The method according to p, characterized in that the said first and / or second waves are linearly polarized. 34. The method according to p, characterized in that the excitation and reception of these first and second waves - 7 017013 is carried out by means of at least the first and second receiving-emitting acoustic blocks, respectively, which are located with a working gap relative to the pipe wall and have common means of magnetizing the pipe wall region and each of which contains an electromagnetic field transducer. 35. The method according to clause 34, wherein the size of the working gap is from 0 to 0.5 mm 36. The method according to clause 34 or 35, characterized in that it further includes determining the duration of the reverberation-noise characteristics of the first waves, and with an increase in the specified duration, an increase in the working gap is determined, and when it is reduced, a decrease in the working gap is determined.