JP2009229451A - In-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection and inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection and inspection apparatus smoothly movable in a pipe only by water pressure without using a cable for power supply to an ultrasonic probe and signal transmission and reception, and a cable using a coil spring or the like for the in-pipe transfer of the ultrasonic flaw detection and inspection apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection and inspection apparatus is composed of a waterproof structure 20 storing the ultrasonic probe 11, an ultrasonic wave generating and receiving device 12 having a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery 13 which are connected to one another by flexible structures; and an aligning tool 14 holding at least the ultrasonic probe almost at the center of the pipe. The waterproof structure is provided with a float for causing buoyancy in water flow, a structure or member for easily receiving water pressure, and a member for reducing contact friction with a pipe wall. The contact resistance to the pipe wall is thereby reduced to allow movement by water flow in the pipe. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection device, and in particular, without using a cable using a coil spring or the like for transferring the ultrasonic flaw detection inspection device in a tube, or a cable for power supply or signal transmission / reception. The present invention relates to an in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus capable of measuring the thickness and scratches of tubes such as boiler tubes in heat exchangers such as thermal power plants while transferring the ultrasonic inspection apparatus with pressure. .

  Since tubes such as boiler tubes in heat exchangers such as thermal power plants pass high-temperature and high-pressure fluid inside, it is necessary to inspect the pipes for scratches, cracks, thinning, and the like. However, since tubes such as boiler tubes in such heat exchangers as thermal power plants have various structures around them after installation, it is difficult to perform external flaw detection, thickness inspection, and the like.

  Therefore, as an ultrasonic probe used for inspecting such a tube such as a boiler tube, the applicant of the present application is shown in, for example, Patent Document 1 as an example, and as shown in FIG. An elastic probe holder 72 connected by an elastic material 73 such as a spring coil, and two elastic members arranged opposite to the front and rear of the ultrasonic probe holder 72 of the flexible shaft 73 for alignment. The wire end fixing ring 78 and the two rings are arranged at substantially equal intervals around the ring 78, with the first predetermined inclination angle in the circumferential direction and the second predetermined inclination angle with respect to the axial center at both ends. Various in-tube ultrasonic probes having a twisted basket type aligning tool 83 having a plurality of elastic wires (alignment jigs) 77 attached to 78 have been proposed.

  In FIG. 21, reference numeral 70 denotes an intraductal ultrasonic probe, 71 an ultrasonic probe main body, and 74 an endoscopic ultrasonic probe 70 that can smoothly pass even when the tube is bent. A leading end guide for guiding, 75 is a cable joint for connecting the flexible shaft 73 and the conveying cable 76, 79 is a coil pressing spring for keeping the compression pressure to the tube wall of the twisted basket type aligning tool 83 substantially constant, Reference numeral 80 is a spring pressure adjusting nut, 81 is a test tube to be inspected by the in-pipe ultrasonic probe 70, 82 is an ultrasonic propagation medium for flaw detection, and conveyance water feeding of the in-pipe ultrasonic probe 70 is performed. It is water that doubles as.

  The in-pipe ultrasonic probe 70 shown in FIG. 21 inspects the pipe while performing the transfer inside the pipe by pushing with a cable using a coil spring or the like. It is shown as an in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus in patent document 2 which becomes an application. FIG. 22 shows an outline of this, and the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus of FIG. 22 is a guide device for feeding a connection type guide rod 90 provided with an insertion device 88 at the tip into the header 85. 89, the end of the guide rod 90 fed into the header 85 is coupled, and a coil spring 94 provided with a local water immersion probe head (ultrasonic probe body 71 in FIG. 21) at the tip is connected to the guide rod 90. An ultrasonic flaw detection device (Pulser / Receiver) 97 connected to each end of the water hose 96, a water pump 98, Without cutting the boiler pipe 86, and without using large equipment or a large amount of water, the water is fed by the water pump 98 and the pipe is fed by the feeding device 91. Moving the probe head immersion local water in the tube by a coil spring 94 which is fed to, it is obtained by allowing the ultrasonic testing of the boiler tubes 86 inner surface. In FIG. 22, 87 is an inspection hole, 92 is a rotary inlet guide, and 93 is a support frame.

  In Patent Document 3, a cable for signal transmission / reception is connected, and an ultrasonic measurement device that is inserted into a tube and detects whether there is an abnormality in the tube wall is smoothly moved by water pressure. A front alignment moving member and a rear alignment moving member are attached via a connecting body having portability, and a conical guide is provided in front of the front alignment moving member and behind the rear alignment member. Each is provided with a rear conical guide, and the front conical guide and the conical bottom of the rear conical guide face each other, so that the ultrasonic pressure measuring device can be efficiently received by receiving water pressure efficiently. An ultrasonic measurement device that can be moved is shown.

Japanese Patent No. 3040641 JP-A-9-145687 Japanese Utility Model Showa 62-45167

  However, there are pipes such as boiler tubes in heat exchangers that are very long, for example, having a length exceeding 100 m. However, in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above, an ultrasonic probe is used as a coil spring. The cable is pushed and moved little by little into the pipe using the power of water and the power of water, and thus a long cable is required. However, when a cable using such a coil spring becomes longer, the weight becomes very large, and this cable is expensive because it is a special cable, and the cost of transporting the cable also increases. In addition, a winding device is required to wind the cable. However, since the cable is long, the device becomes large and handling is difficult, and skill and personnel are required for inspection.

  Furthermore, if the bend part (bending part) of piping increases, the contact resistance with the cable using such a coil spring etc. will increase, and since the flow resistance of a cable is large, the pump of the water to push in requires big force. As a result, the pump becomes larger, its transportation cost is high, and various devices are required for measurement. Therefore, handling such as installation becomes large, maintenance is not easy, and a large equipment installation space is also required. Become.

  In addition, because the pipe is inspected 360 degrees, there are areas that cannot be measured even if a plurality of channels are set. However, an increase in the number of channels increases the number of parts and the cable diameter, increasing the risk of failure and increasing the thickness measuring device. The main body becomes large, and it takes time and labor to carry, assemble, and adjust at the site, making the operation (adjustment) complicated. Eventually, it affects the transportability, which limits the increase in the number of channels. In addition, it is necessary to secure a dedicated high-voltage power supply, but there is a risk of electric shock due to the combined use of water. In overseas construction, expensive transportation costs and a long transportation period are required. The ultrasonic probe is made of metal and has a specific gravity. Therefore, there is a problem that it is easy to bend because it is large, and in that case, it comes into contact with the protrusions on the inner surface of the tube and the insertability is lowered.

  Therefore, in the present invention, without using a cable for supplying power to the ultrasonic probe and transmitting / receiving signals, and a cable using a coil spring or the like for in-tube transfer of the ultrasonic flaw detector, it is inserted into the tube. An object of the present invention is to provide an in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus in which the ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus can be smoothly moved in the pipe only by water flow pressure.

  In order to solve the above problems, an in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is fed, and ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver are applied to the pipe wall. In an in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in a tube wall, comprising an ultrasonic probe that emits an echo signal from the tube wall and sends an echo signal from the tube wall to the ultrasonic wave generation / reception device. The insertion-type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus contains the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus including a reception echo signal storage device, and a battery, respectively, and a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure; And an alignment jig that holds at least the ultrasonic probe in the approximate center of the tube, and adds a float that generates buoyancy in the water flow to the waterproof structure, thereby making contact with the tube wall. Reduce the amount of water in the pipe Characterized by being configured for movement.

  Similarly, the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is sent, and emits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver toward the pipe wall. An in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus that has an ultrasonic probe that sends an echo signal from a tube wall to the ultrasonic wave generation / reception device and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the tube wall. A flaw detection inspection apparatus accommodates the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus equipped with a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery, respectively, and a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure, and at least the superstructure It is composed of an aligning jig that holds the acoustic probe at the approximate center of the tube, and the waterproof structure is provided with a structure or member that makes it easy to receive water pressure, and can be moved in the tube by water pressure. It is characterized by

  Furthermore, an in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is fed, and emits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver toward the pipe wall. A tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus having an ultrasonic probe for sending an echo signal from a wall to the ultrasonic wave generation / reception device and detecting the presence or absence of abnormality of the tube wall. The inspection apparatus accommodates the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus having a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery, respectively, and a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure, and at least the ultrasonic wave The probe is composed of a centering jig that holds the probe at the approximate center of the tube, and the waterproof structure is provided with a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall so that it can be moved in the tube by water pressure. It is characterized by.

  In this way, the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus, the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus equipped with the storage device of the received echo signal, and the battery are respectively accommodated and connected to each other by a flexible structure. It consists of a structure and an alignment jig that holds the ultrasonic probe in the approximate center of the tube, and can be moved in the tube by water flow, thereby supplying power to the ultrasonic probe and Cables for transmission and reception, and cables using a coil spring or the like for in-tube transfer of an ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus are not necessary. Therefore, by eliminating the need for long and expensive cables and cable take-up devices, it is possible to reduce costs by eliminating the need for cable transportation costs, large, large-power pumps, etc., and take-up devices, pumps, etc. This eliminates the need for a space for installing the printer, and also simplifies handling, which eliminates the skill required for inspection, reduces the number of personnel, and simplifies maintenance.

  In addition, the absence of cables using coil springs and cables for power supply and signal transmission / reception reduces the contact resistance at the bends (bending parts) of the piping, and also allows the waterproof structure to float and flow. By providing a structure or member that makes it easy to receive, or by providing a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall on the waterproof structure, the weight of the component is canceled by the addition of floating, making it easy to receive water pressure Alternatively, by providing a member or a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall, it is possible to provide an in-tube ultrasonic inspection apparatus that can move smoothly in the tube.

  Further, by providing the float on the upstream side in the water flow direction in the waterproof structure, it is possible to prevent the component from being pressed against the pipe wall by the water flow pressure, and more effectively cancel the weight. be able to.

  Further, the member that easily receives the water flow pressure is a whisker provided on a surface of the waterproof structure along the water flow direction, and the whisker has a specific gravity lighter than water, for example, the whisker By using resin or carbon fiber as the object, it is possible to have a weight canceling effect on the component with the beard planted or bonded together, and it can be moved more effectively and smoothly in the tube. An ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the structure that facilitates receiving the water flow pressure is the waterproof structure in which the area that receives the water flow pressure is increased within a range that can pass through the bend portion of the pipe, or the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure A plurality of the alignment jigs, or a structure that is easily subjected to the water flow pressure is a disk that is provided in the flexible structure and has a diameter that can pass through a bend portion of the pipe. The structure to be easily received is connected to the most downstream waterproof structure in the water flow direction and is a parachute-like material formed so as to be held by a material with a light specific gravity, or the structure to be easily subjected to the water flow pressure is the waterproof structure. The structure that is provided on the surface of the water and increases the resistance received from the water flow by disturbing the water flow, such as a blanket, or the structure that facilitates the water flow pressure is the water flow direction in the waterproof structure It is preferable that the concave portion provided on the surface on the flow side or the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure be a convex object provided on the surface along the water flow direction in the waterproof structure. It is an embodiment.

  The member that reduces the contact friction is a wheel-shaped member or a bearing formed of a low-friction coefficient member provided in the waterproof structure, so that the low-friction coefficient member is provided even when the waterproof structure approaches. The ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus can smoothly move in the pipe because it does not cause a large friction by contacting the pipe wall.

  Further, the ultrasonic probe has a plasticity capable of flaw detection in a range of 90 degrees, for example, by arranging a band-shaped ultrasonic probe having plasticity on a circular center member. If four band-type ultrasonic probes are used, the tube can be inspected 360 degrees with four channels, and there is no area that cannot be measured even if the number of channels is increased as in the prior art. The number of parts and the cable diameter are not increased. Therefore, the risk of failure increases and the wall thickness measuring device body becomes large, and the operation (adjustment) is complicated by the time and labor required for on-site transport, assembly, and adjustment, which ultimately affects transportability. Thus, it is possible to solve the problem that the increase in the number of channels is limited. In addition, since there is no need for a high-voltage power supply, there is no risk of electric shock, and problems such as contact with the protrusions on the inner surface of the tube and a decrease in insertability can be solved.

  Further, the waterproof structure is made of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of water, so that the waterproof structure itself also has a floating effect, and the weight of the component is canceled and the pipe is inserted into the pipe smoothly. An ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the ultrasonic insertion inspection apparatus is provided with position information recognition means, after the inspection is completed, data on the time when the sound wave was received, inspection of the tube such as a boiler tube, wall thickness inspection, etc. It is possible to specify the position of a scratch or the like by matching the data.

  As described above, the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention accommodates the constituent elements in a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure, and holds the ultrasonic probe substantially at the center of the pipe. By providing the core jig, it can be easily moved in the tube only with water flow pressure, the cable for power supply and transmission / reception of signals to the ultrasonic probe, and the pipe transfer of the ultrasonic inspection equipment A cable using a coil spring or the like is not necessary. Therefore, by eliminating the need for long and expensive cables and cable take-up devices, it is possible to reduce costs by eliminating the need for cable transportation costs, large, large-power pumps, etc., and take-up devices, pumps, etc. This eliminates the need for a space for installing the printer, and also simplifies handling, which eliminates the skill required for inspection, reduces the number of personnel, and simplifies maintenance.

  In addition, the absence of cables using coil springs and cables for power supply and signal transmission / reception reduces the contact resistance at the bends (bending parts) of the piping, and also allows the waterproof structure to float and flow. By providing a structure or member that makes it easy to receive, or by providing a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall on the waterproof structure, the weight of the component is canceled by the addition of floating, making it easy to receive water pressure Alternatively, by providing a member or a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall, it is possible to provide an in-tube ultrasonic inspection apparatus that can smoothly move in the tube.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an intraductal ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container that accommodates a battery, an ultrasonic generator / receiver, an ultrasonic probe, and the like in the intraductal ultrasonic inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the arrangement state of the band-type plastic vibrator used in the ultrasonic probe constituting the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an example of a configuration for facilitating movement of the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus according to the present invention in the tube, and is a configuration diagram in the case where a float is added. FIG. 5 is an example of a configuration for facilitating movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus according to the present invention in a tube, and is a configuration diagram when a whiskers are added. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. The outer diameter of the elements constituting the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus is increased. It is a block diagram at the time of enlarging the area which hits. FIG. 7 is an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the tube of the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus according to the present invention, in the case where the number of jigs for aligning the ultrasonic probe is increased. It is a block diagram. FIG. 8 is an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and a disk is used as a member connecting elements constituting the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus. It is a block diagram at the time of attachment. FIG. 9 is an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and a parachute or disk is used as the leading component in the traveling direction of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus. It is a block diagram at the time of attaching a water-receiving part of a shape. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the tube of the intraductal ultrasonic inspection device according to the present invention. A blanket is formed on the surface of the ultrasonic probe constituting the intraductal ultrasonic inspection device. It is a block diagram at the time of providing the member which disturbs a water flow like this. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. A depression is formed on the side where the water flow of the elements constituting the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus hits. It is a block diagram at the time of providing and raising water flow pressure. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. The elements constituting the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus are provided with unevenness to provide a hydrodynamic force. It is a block diagram in the case of using. FIG. 13 is an embodiment for increasing the moving force in the pipe of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. The coefficient of friction with the tube wall is set as an element constituting the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus. It is a block diagram at the time of providing the wheel-like thing to reduce, for example. FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment having position information recognition means of an intraductal ultrasonic inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment having position information recognition means of an intraductal ultrasonic inspection device according to the present invention. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the sound wave transmitter is attached via an insertion nozzle provided at the end of the boiler tube. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of sound wave information and received signal information. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating reception results and measurement positions. FIG. 19 is a graph for confirming position information. FIG. 20A is a configuration diagram of an embodiment having position information recognition means of another in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 20-2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment having position information recognition means of another in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a conventional in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus that has been pushed into a pipe by a cable. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an apparatus for inspecting a pipe in a heat exchanger such as a thermal power plant using a conventional in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified, but are merely illustrative examples. Not too much.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of an intraductal ultrasonic inspection device 10 according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is an ultrasonic probe (sensor), 12 is an ultrasonic wave having a storage device for sending ultrasonic waves to the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 and storing echo signals obtained from the tube wall. A generator / receiver (Pulser / Receiver), 13 is a battery as a power source for driving the ultrasonic generator / receiver 12, 14 is an alignment jig that allows the ultrasonic probe to be positioned at the center of the tube, 15 A tip guide 16 for allowing the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus 10 to slide while contacting the head so as not to be caught at the bent portion, is a flexible shaft.

  Among these components, the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 corresponds to the ultrasonic probe main body 71 in the conventional apparatus described with reference to FIG. 21, and the alignment jig 14 has a plurality of the same in FIG. 21. Similar to the twisted basket type aligning tool 83 made of the elastic wire (alignment jig) 77, the ultrasonic probe can be positioned at the center of the tube. The distal end guide 15 corresponds to the distal end guide 74 that guides the tube insertion type ultrasonic probe 11 and other components so that they can smoothly pass through the bent portion (bend portion) of the tube, and the flexible shaft 16 is flexible. It corresponds to a shaft (elastic material such as a spring coil) 73. Of these components, the alignment jig 14, the tip guide 15 and the like can be used in various forms in addition to the form shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 contains a battery 13, an ultrasonic generator / receiver (Pulser / Receiver) 12, an ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11, etc., in the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention and are flexible to each other. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus accommodating container that is a waterproof structure connected by a flexible shaft 16 that is a structure and having a waterproof structure. The in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention is formed into a circular shape or an oval shape using a material having a specific gravity lighter than water, such as PP resin, so that air can be trapped inside as a waterproof structure. In this way, the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus 10 is transported in a floating state, and even if there is a protrusion on the inner surface of the tube, it does not come into contact and cause friction.

  This in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection / testing device storage container 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as a waterproof structure 20) is an ultrasonic wave formed in a circular or elliptical shape with a light material such as PP resin as described above. A storage unit 21 for storing a probe (sensor) 11, a storage unit 22 for storing an ultrasonic wave generation / reception device (Pulser / Receiver) 12, a battery 13, a lid 13, and one end can be closed. The storage unit 23 is connected to the flexible shaft 16 formed of soft rubber such as PVC.

  As described above, each of the storage portions 21, 22, and 23 is preferably formed into a circular shape or an oval shape so that the frictional resistance is reduced when contacting the tube wall. You may form in a shape. The flexible shaft 16 that connects the storage portions 21, 22, and 23 is illustrated in a simplified manner in FIG. 2, but the connection portion with the storage portions 21, 22, and 23 can be formed into a screw shape and firmly coupled. In addition, it is necessary to provide a reliable waterproof structure. Therefore, for example, a waterproof structure is formed by forming one side in an uneven shape, such as a joint between a gas outlet and a gas pipe, and pressing the flexible shaft 16 with a strong pressing force, or using a waterproof oil or the like. To do. In addition, it is preferable to increase the flexibility so that the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus can smoothly pass through a bend portion of a tube such as a boiler tube.

  In the intra-tube ultrasonic probe 70 described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the power source of the intra-tube ultrasonic probe 70, the cable 95 for signal transmission / reception of the ultrasonic probe, and the test tube 81 The transfer cable 76 (coil spring 94 in FIG. 22) for moving the tube-insertable ultrasonic probe 70 is integrated with the transfer cable 76 using the water flow pressure of the water fed by the water pump 98. The in-pipe type ultrasonic probe 70 has been moved, but the in-pipe type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention does not use these cables 76 and 95, and the battery 13 as the power source and the ultrasonic probe are used. The ultrasonic generation / reception device that performs ultrasonic transmission to the toucher 11 and reception of the received echo signal is used as a constituent element of the in-tube ultrasonic inspection device 10 and the in-tube ultrasonic inspection device 10. Can be moved only by water pressure It is obtained by way.

  By doing so, even a tube such as a boiler tube in a heat exchanger with a length exceeding 100 m is long, heavy and difficult to handle, so it requires skill and personnel for inspection, and is expensive and expensive. The cost of transporting cables and the need for a cable winding device can be improved, and the pump that requires a large force due to the flow resistance of the cable due to the contact resistance of the bend (bent part) of the pipe can be small. . In addition, the space required for the inspection is reduced, and it is possible to easily perform flaw detection, thickness inspection, and the like of a tube such as a boiler tube at a low cost.

  However, when the cables 76 and 95 are eliminated and the in-pipe type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus 10 is moved only by water flow pressure to perform ultrasonic flaw detection, the attitude of the ultrasonic probe 11 cannot be controlled. Therefore, it is preferable to perform a 360-degree inspection around the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 at a time, and the inspection data needs to be held in the ultrasonic generator / receiver 12. Further, since the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus 10 is moved in the pipe only by the water flow pressure, a mechanism for enabling the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus 10 to easily move in the pipe is also required.

First, the mechanism is such that an inspection at 360 degrees around the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 can be performed at one time. However, since the ultrasonic probe used conventionally is a rigid body, it is emitted by the vibrator. The range in which ultrasonic waves can be scanned is limited, and even if four channels are used, only a narrow range as indicated by 31 in FIG. On the other hand, for example, an ultrasonic transducer arranged on a curved surface has recently emerged, such as the “IRA series (product name)”, an insertion ring angle probe for interpolation, which is sold by, for example, LS As shown by 30 in FIGS. 3 (B-1) and 3 (B-2), four of them are arranged in the central portion 33 of the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 in accordance with the curvature thereof. By setting the respective scan ranges to 90 degrees indicated by 34, it is possible to scan 360 degrees around the central portion 33 at a time. 3 (B-1) and 3 (B-2) show the four band-type vibrators 30 divided into two for easy understanding of the description. Arrange the four at different angles.
In the above example, four ultrasonic transducers are arranged, but six or eight ultrasonic transducers may be arranged according to the corresponding angle of the transducer.

  The echo signal from the tube wall obtained from the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 is stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic wave generation / reception device 12, and this in-pipe ultrasonic inspection device 10. After being discharged from a tube such as a boiler tube, only the data is taken out to a personal computer and analyzed for the location of scratches and thinning.

  At that time, the position of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 in the pipe becomes a problem. For example, a bend part (bent part) of a pipe such as a boiler tube or a weld part of the pipe generates a special echo. A transmitter for measuring a time interval between echoes and equally dividing the interval or transmitting a signal for recognizing position information from the in-tube ultrasonic inspection device 10 is used to obtain a position from the signal. May be.

  By doing so, the tube can be easily inspected 360 degrees, and the problem of an increase in the number of parts and the cable diameter as in the conventional apparatus is not caused. In addition, there is no increased risk of failure or an increase in the thickness measuring device body, and on-site transportation, assembly, adjustment, and operation are easy, and there is no need for risk of electric shock, high transportation costs, and long transportation periods. It becomes.

  Next, a mechanism for facilitating the movement in the pipe by the water flow pressure in the pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram in the case where the float 41 is added in the first embodiment of the configuration for facilitating the movement in the tube 40 of the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention. In the figure, 11 is an ultrasonic probe (sensor), 12 is an ultrasonic generator / receiver (pulser / receiver), 13 is a battery, 16 is a flexible shaft, and the alignment jig 14 and tip guide in FIG. 15 etc. are omitted. Reference numeral 40 is a tube such as a boiler tube in the heat exchanger, 41 is a float added to the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 in this figure, 42 is a water flow direction, and in the following description, the same components are assigned the same numbers. Detailed description will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, among the ultrasonic probe 11, the ultrasonic generator / receiver 12, the battery 13, and the like constituting the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus 10, for example, a heavy battery or an abbreviated part of the pipe 40 is always used. The ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 or all preferably located in the center is formed by confining air with a resin having a specific gravity lighter than water, or by adding a float 41 made of light wood. The weight is canceled so that the component does not sink in water, and friction is caused with the tube 40 so that resistance is not generated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the float 41 is added to the upstream side in the water flow direction of the component (sensor 11 in the example of FIG. 4) in the direction 42 in which the water comes. That is, when the float 41 is added to the downstream side of the component 11, the component 11 may be pressed against the wall of the tube 40 by the water flow pressure, and friction may increase, but if the float 41 exists on the upstream side, the component 11 is not pressed against the wall of the tube 40 by the water flow pressure, and can be smoothly moved in the tube 40 by the water flow pressure.

  FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of a configuration for facilitating movement of the in-tube ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, and has a whisker shape on the surface of the waterproof structure 20 along the water flow direction. It is a block diagram at the time of adding the thing 43. FIG. In the figure, 11 is an ultrasonic probe (sensor), 16 is a flexible shaft, and the ultrasonic generator / receiver 12, battery 13, alignment jig 14, tip guide 15 and the like in FIG. 1 are omitted. The same applies to the following description of the embodiments. Reference numeral 40 denotes a tube such as a boiler tube in the heat exchanger, 42 denotes a water flow direction, and 43 denotes a whisker attached to the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11. It is obvious that the component to which the whiskers are added is not limited to the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11, and the same applies to the following description.

  In the second embodiment, the surface along the water flow direction of the waterproof structure 20 such as the ultrasonic probe 11, the ultrasonic generator / receiver 12, the battery 13, etc. constituting the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detector 10, A drag 43 is added to increase the drag against the water flow 42. The whiskers 43 are preferably made of, for example, resin or carbon fiber having a specific gravity lower than that of water, and may be planted or adhered to the waterproof structure 20. Further, the length is not particularly limited as long as the resistance against the water flow 42 can be increased, but the waterproof structure 20 may be positioned at the center by contacting the tube wall of the tube 40, The frictional resistance may not be generated by preventing contact.

  FIG. 6 is a third embodiment of the configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection device 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, and shows the elements constituting the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection device 10. It is a block diagram at the time of increasing the area which receives the water flow pressure in the accommodated waterproofing structure 45 in the range which can pass the bend part in the pipe | tube 40 (increase in an outer diameter).

  In the figure, 45 is a waterproof structure for accommodating, for example, a sensor or the like of the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 with an increased outer diameter, and 46 is a waterproof structure for the conventional in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10. For example, when the waterproof structure 46 is circular or elliptical, its diameter is increased in the direction opposite to the center direction of the tube 40 in the figure. Also in the case where the waterproof structure 46 such as this sensor has a polygonal column shape, the maximum diameter portion is increased within a range that can pass through the bend portion of the tube 40.

  By doing in this way, the water flow pressure which the waterproof structure 46 receives from the water flow 42 becomes large, and the pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus 10 can be moved more smoothly.

  FIG. 7 is a fourth embodiment of the configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which includes the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 connected to the tube 40. A plurality of alignment jigs 14 are provided to be positioned at substantially the center of the center, and the total water flow pressure received by each alignment jig 14 is increased so as to increase the drag force against the water flow 42.

  That is, the alignment jig 14 has a plurality of elastic wires (alignment jigs) 77 and positions the ultrasonic probe (sensor) 11 at the approximate center of the tube 40 as described with reference to FIG. Thus, water pressure is received by a large number of elastic wires 77. For this reason, when a plurality of alignment jigs 14 are provided, the water flow pressure received from the water flow 42 increases accordingly, so that the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus 10 can move smoothly in the tube 40, and the ultrasonic probe can be used. Since the force for positioning the child 11 at the approximate center of the tube 40 increases accordingly, the accuracy is improved.

  FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which is a flexible connecting the accommodating portions 21, 22, and 23. A plurality of disks 48 are provided on the shaft 16, thereby increasing the resistance against the water flow 42.

  Unlike the alignment jig 14, the disk 48 needs to have a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter that can pass through the bend portion of the tube 40, and the area that receives the water flow pressure is inevitably small. Thus, the drag force against the water flow 42 can be increased, and the movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 in the pipe 40 becomes smooth.

  FIG. 9 is a sixth embodiment of a configuration for facilitating movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which is the waterproof structure 20 on the most downstream side in the water flow direction. A parachute-like object 50 or a disk 51 formed so as to be held by a material having a light specific gravity such as aluminum or plastic is connected by a light wire 52 or the like so that water flow pressure can be effectively used.

  Unlike the alignment jig 14, the parachute 50 and the disk 51 need to have a diameter equal to or less than the diameter that can pass through the bend portion of the tube 40, as in the case of the fifth embodiment. 50 can receive the water flow 42 greatly to increase the amount of entrainment and increase the resistance against the water flow 42. Also, since a plurality of disks 51 can be provided as in the fifth embodiment, the resistance against the water flow 42 can be increased. The movement in the tube 40 of the ultrasonic ultrasonic inspection device 10 becomes smooth.

  FIG. 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which constitutes the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10. A surface 55 having a rough surface such as a blanket is attached to the surface of the waterproof structure 20 to disturb the water flow 42 and increase the resistance received from the water flow.

  As the thing 55 which disturbs the water flow 42, you may affix not only the thing like the above-mentioned blanket but the thing like the clothes brush planted in the cloth-like thing. By disturbing the water flow 42 in this way, a part of the water flow 42 is taken in the vicinity of the waterproof structure 20, which acts as a drag against the water flow 42 and pushes the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10. The movement in the tube 40 is smooth.

  FIG. 11 shows an embodiment 8 of a configuration for facilitating movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection device 10 according to the present invention within the tube 40, which constitutes the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection device 10. It is a block diagram in the case of providing the hollow 61 in the side where the water flow 42 of the waterproof structure 20 hits, and raising water flow pressure there.

  By providing the depression 61 on the side where the water flow 42 of the waterproof structure 20 hits in this way, the water flow 42 is entrained and the pressure difference is increased, as in the case where the parachute 50 of FIG. 9 is provided. The water flow pressure can be increased, and the movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detector 10 in the tube 40 becomes smooth.

  FIG. 12 is an embodiment 9 of a configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which constitutes the in-tube insertion type flaw inspection apparatus 10. Concavities and convexities 63 (in this case, disk-like objects) are provided on the surface of the waterproof structure 20 along the water flow direction to generate water flow pressure.

  The unevenness may be any structure as long as it is a disk shape or an unevenness provided on the waterproof structure 20 itself as long as it causes the flowing water 42 to flow and generate a fluid force. Thereby, the movement in the tube 40 of the tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus 10 can be made smooth.

  FIG. 13 shows an embodiment 10 of the configuration for facilitating the movement of the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention in the tube 40, which constitutes the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10. It is a block diagram at the time of providing the waterproof structure 20 with the coefficient of friction with a pipe wall, for example, the wheel-shaped rotary tool, the thing of a bearing shape, etc. are provided.

  The member 65 for reducing the friction coefficient may be any member that reduces the friction generated when the waterproof structure 20 comes into contact with the tube wall. Therefore, the rotary wheel, the rotating bearing shape, the fluororesin, etc. It may be fixed using a member having a small friction coefficient. By doing so, even if the waterproof structure 20 hits the tube wall, only a very small frictional resistance is generated, so that the tube insertion type ultrasonic inspection device 10 can be smoothly moved in the tube 40.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 are configuration diagrams of Embodiment 11 in which a position information recognition means is provided in the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, sound wave transmitters 102-1 and 102-2 that transmit sound waves 101 are provided at the entrance / exit portions 40 a and 40 b at both ends of the boiler tube 40. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the front-side receiver 103-1 and the rear-side receiver 103-2 that receive the sound wave 101 are connected to the front side of the sensor 11 of the in-tube ultrasonic inspection apparatus 100 ( They are provided on the left side in the figure and on the rear side (right side in the figure).

The data information of the time when the sound wave 101 is received is stored in the storage devices 104-1 and 104-2, and after the measurement, the position is specified by matching with the thickness data.
Note that the alignment jig 14 that enables the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment to be positioned at the center of the tube is composed of a plurality of elastic wires (alignment jigs) 77 shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 16 shows a state in which the sound wave transmitter 102-2 is attached via the insertion nozzle 109 provided at the end 40b of the boiler tube 40.

  In this embodiment, two storage devices are provided so that the time data is stored independently in the front storage device 104-1 and the rear storage device 104-2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be shared by one unit.

The measurement position can be specified by the time difference obtained from the received sound wave 101.
That is, the sound wave 101 simultaneously emitted from the sound wave transmitters 102-1 and 102-2 is received by the front side receiver 103-1 and the rear side receiver 103-2, and the time information thereof is stored in the storage device 104-1. It is made to memorize | store in 104-2.

Next, an example of a method for acquiring position information will be described.
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of sound wave information and received signal information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the reception result and the measurement position. FIG. 19 is a graph for confirming position information according to the present embodiment.

First, the sound wave 101 is emitted every second from the sound wave transmitting devices 102-1 and 102-2 provided at both ends of the boiler tube 40.
As shown in FIG. 17, the emitted sound wave is stored as information (T ₁ , T ₃ ... T _m ) of the reception signal of the front side receiver 103-1, and the reception signal of the rear side receiver 103-2. Information (T ₂ , T ₄ ... T _n ).
As a result, the time signal as shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the front receiver 103-1 and the rear receiver 103-2.
When Δt is 0, the length of the boiler tube 40 is ½ of the total length, and when Δt is minimum or maximum, the length of the boiler tube 40 is full. The relationship is shown in FIGS.

  After the inspection is completed, the position of information such as flaw detection of a tube such as a boiler tube, thickness inspection, etc. can be specified by matching the data of the time when the sound wave 101 is received with the thickness measurement data.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20-1, as a position information recognition unit according to another embodiment, an encoder storage device 110 is provided on the tip side of the sensor 11, and a roller-shaped wheel member 111 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the pipe. You may make it measure a distance by.

In this case, contact wear with the inner surface of the tube is reduced by using a roller-shaped wheel-shaped member having an uneven surface so as to correspond to the unevenness of the inner surface of the tube.
The measurement position can be specified by calculating the distance from the rotational speed of the wheel-shaped member and storing it in the storage device in the apparatus.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20-2, roller-shaped wheel-like members 111A and 111B may be mounted in two directions to improve running stability.
Further, by using the spring 112, a slight pressure is applied to the inner surface of the tube to bring it into contact with the inner surface of the tube.

  As described above, the in-pipe ultrasonic inspection apparatus 10 according to the present invention accommodates components in a waterproof structure 20 connected to each other by a flexible structure, and the ultrasonic probe 11 is connected to the tube. By providing the alignment jig 14 held substantially at the center, it is possible to easily move in the tube 40 with only water flow pressure, and a cable for supplying power to the ultrasonic probe 11 and transmitting / receiving signals. In addition, a cable using a coil spring or the like for transfer in the tube of the ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus becomes unnecessary. Therefore, by eliminating the need for long and expensive cables and cable take-up devices, it is possible to reduce costs by eliminating the need for cable transportation costs, large, large-power pumps, etc., and take-up devices, pumps, etc. The installation space is not required, and handling is simplified, so inspection skills are not required, the number of personnel can be reduced, and maintenance is simplified.

  Further, since there is no cable using a coil spring or the like and a cable for power supply and signal transmission / reception, the contact resistance at the bend portion (bending portion) of the pipe is reduced, and the floating structure 20 By providing a structure or member that makes it easy to receive water, or by providing a member that reduces contact friction with the tube wall on the waterproof structure 20, the weight of the component is canceled by the addition of floating, and water pressure is easily received By providing the structure or member to be provided or the member for reducing the contact friction with the tube wall, it is possible to provide a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus that can smoothly move in the tube.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform inspection of tubes such as boiler tubes in a heat exchanger such as a thermal power plant that conventionally required skill, and to accurately manage the heat exchanger such as a thermal power plant. Will be able to.

10 In-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection equipment 11 Ultrasonic probe (sensor)
12 Ultrasonic generator / receiver (Pulser / Receiver)
13 Battery 14 Alignment Jig 15 Tip Guide 16 Flexible Shaft 20 In-pipe Insertion Type Ultrasonic Flaw Inspection Device Storage Container (Waterproof Structure)
21 Ultrasonic probe storage unit 22 Ultrasonic wave generation / reception device storage unit 23 Battery storage unit 24 Lid

Claims (18)

Inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is sent, emits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver toward the pipe wall, and sends echo signals from the pipe wall to the ultrasonic generator / receiver In a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus that has an ultrasonic probe and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the tube wall,
The in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus accommodates the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus having a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery, respectively, and has a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure. A body, and an alignment jig that holds at least the ultrasonic probe at the approximate center of the tube,
An in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus characterized in that a float that generates buoyancy in a water flow is added to the waterproof structure, and the inside of the tube can be moved by the water flow with less contact with the tube wall.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the float is provided on an upstream side of the waterproof structure with respect to the water flow direction. Inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is sent, emits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver toward the pipe wall, and sends echo signals from the pipe wall to the ultrasonic generator / receiver In a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus that has an ultrasonic probe and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the tube wall,
The in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus accommodates the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus having a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery, respectively, and has a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure. A body, and an alignment jig that holds at least the ultrasonic probe at the approximate center of the tube,
An in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus characterized in that the waterproof structure is provided with a structure or member that makes it easy to receive a water flow pressure, and can be moved in the tube by the water flow pressure.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the member that easily receives the water flow pressure is a whiskers provided on a surface of the waterproof structure along a water flow direction.   5. The intraductal ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the whisker has a specific gravity lighter than water.   6. The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the whiskers are resin or carbon fiber.   7. The waterproof structure according to claim 3, wherein the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure is the waterproof structure in which an area that receives the water flow pressure is increased within a range that can pass through a bend portion of the pipe. An in-pipe type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus as described above.   8. The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the alignment jigs are provided so as to easily receive the water flow pressure.   9. The inside of a pipe according to claim 3, wherein the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure is a disk that is provided in the flexible structure and has a diameter that can pass through a bend portion of the pipe. Insertion type ultrasonic inspection equipment.   The structure for facilitating the water flow pressure is a parachute-like object connected to the water flow direction most downstream side waterproof structure and formed so as to be held by a light specific gravity material. The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection apparatus described in any one of the above.   11. The structure according to claim 3, wherein the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure is an object that is provided on a surface of the waterproof structure and increases a resistance received from the water flow by disturbing the water flow. In-pipe type ultrasonic inspection system.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure is a concave portion provided on a surface of the waterproof structure upstream in a water flow direction. Inspection device.   The in-pipe insertion type superstructure according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the structure that easily receives the water flow pressure is a convex object provided on a surface of the waterproof structure along a water flow direction. Sonic inspection equipment. Inserted into a pipe into which water pressurized by a water pump is sent, emits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator / receiver toward the pipe wall, and sends echo signals from the pipe wall to the ultrasonic generator / receiver In a tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus that has an ultrasonic probe and detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the tube wall,
The in-tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus accommodates the ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic generation / reception apparatus having a storage device for received echo signals, and a battery, respectively, and has a waterproof structure connected to each other by a flexible structure. A body, and an alignment jig that holds at least the ultrasonic probe at the approximate center of the tube,
A tube insertion type ultrasonic flaw inspection apparatus characterized in that a member for reducing contact friction with a tube wall is provided in the waterproof structure so that the member can be moved in the tube by water pressure.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic inspection according to claim 14, wherein the member for reducing the contact friction is a wheel-like member or a bearing formed of a member having a low coefficient of friction provided in the waterproof structure. apparatus.   The tube according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the ultrasonic probe is configured by arranging a plastic band-shaped ultrasonic probe on a circular center member. Insertion type ultrasonic inspection equipment.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the waterproof structure is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of water.   The in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the in-pipe insertion type ultrasonic flaw detection inspection apparatus includes position information recognition means.

Images