WO2009002250A1 - Dispositif, système et procédé d'inspection par ultrasons pour objets non plans - Google Patents

Dispositif, système et procédé d'inspection par ultrasons pour objets non plans Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009002250A1
WO2009002250A1 PCT/SE2008/050260 SE2008050260W WO2009002250A1 WO 2009002250 A1 WO2009002250 A1 WO 2009002250A1 SE 2008050260 W SE2008050260 W SE 2008050260W WO 2009002250 A1 WO2009002250 A1 WO 2009002250A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transducer
inspection
holder
holders
transducers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2008/050260
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Christophe Mattei
Lars Gustafsson
Original Assignee
Bodycote Materials Testing Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bodycote Materials Testing Ab filed Critical Bodycote Materials Testing Ab
Publication of WO2009002250A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009002250A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/223—Supports, positioning or alignment in fixed situation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/023—Solids
    • G01N2291/0231—Composite or layered materials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/26—Scanned objects
    • G01N2291/269—Various geometry objects
    • G01N2291/2693—Rotor or turbine parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and a system for ultrasonic inspection of composite structures.
  • the invention also relates to methods for inspecting structures, and more particularly for inspecting the structure of non planar objects, such as wind power blades.
  • Non-destructive inspection of structures involves thoroughly examining a structure without harming the structure or requiring significant disassembly of the structure.
  • Non-destructive inspection is typically preferred to avoid the schedule, labor, and costs associated with removal of a part for inspection, as well as avoidance of the potential for damaging the structure.
  • Non-destructive inspection is advantageous for many applications in which a thorough inspection of the exterior and/or interior of a structure is required.
  • Document US,A,3251220 discloses an apparatus for ultrasonic testing of railways provided with a substantially flat and elongated surface. Each of the ultrasonic units for detecting of the railway is independently movable in a vertical direction to conform to the surface contour changes. The apparatus is however designed to adapt with substantially flat and elongated surfaces.
  • non-destructive ultrasonic inspection can be used to inspect wind power blades.
  • Ultrasonic inspection of wind power blades permits to detect porosity and delaminations in the skin of the blade as well as lack of adhesion in the bonded parts of the blade.
  • the inspection of wind power blades has two main challenges: the total area to be inspected is very large and the geometry of the area to be inspected is not flat. This often implies that the inspection has to be performed manually, leading to long inspection time, limited reliability and no possibility to document the inspection. Therefore, a need exists for improved apparatus, systems and methods for ultrasonic inspection of large composite structures which have a non-flat surface.
  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of a structure comprising a plurality of transducers suitable for ultrasonic inspection, a chain of transducer holders comprising one transducer holder for each transducer, means for pivotably and resiliently connecting each transducer holder to the neighboring transducer holder in such a way that the chain of transducer holders can adapt to the surface of the structure, and means for tiltably connecting each transducer to a transducer holder.
  • Each transducer is preferably a single piezo-electric transducer, and is attached to a transducer holder by two fastening means in such a way that it can tilt.
  • the chain of transducer holders comprises a plurality of transducer holders that can accommodate commercially available transducers.
  • Each transducer holder is linked to the neighboring holder through pivotable and resilient connecting means such as a spring loaded link in order to ensure a good contact between the transducer and the surface.
  • Each transducer holder preferably comprises a base part and a prong part.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises a handle which permits to apply the apparatus against the surface of an object to be inspected.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a rotary encoder build-in in a wheel that comes in contact with the object under investigation.
  • the encoder wheel is connectable to a computer, and the registration of the position allows the generation of scan pictures as each signal is associated with a position.
  • the apparatus may also include one or more extra support wheels.
  • An attachment point for linking the apparatus to a second apparatus for through transmission measurements may also be provided.
  • the apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises an attachment point for water spray for introducing water or another suitable liquid between the surface of the object to be inspected and the transducers.
  • the present invention also relates to an improved system for ultrasonic inspection of a structure comprising an apparatus in accordance with the invention and a computer, wherein the apparatus is connected to the computer.
  • the present invention furthermore relates to methods for inspecting structures.
  • the apparatus according to the invention can be used in the pulse-echo configuration or the through transmission configuration.
  • the pulse-echo configuration an ultrasonic pulse is sent from each transducer and detected by the same transducer.
  • the chain of transducer holders comprising the transducer holders is applied on the object under investigation and each transducer probes the volume situated under the transducer in question. This method is typically used for inspecting areas such as the leading edge of a wind turbine blade.
  • an ultrasonic pulse is sent from each transducer in one apparatus and detected by another transducer located on the other side of the object under investigation.
  • This configuration requires the use of two similar chains of transducer holders and a U-shaped link between the arrays in order to ensure a good alignment of the elements.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention may be provided with a display, such as a LCD-display, so that an operator can monitor the signals from the transducers during inspection and thus secure that the transducers are in reliable contact with the surface of the object to be detected.
  • a display such as a LCD-display
  • the present invention also relates to a scanner trolley comprising an apparatus according to the invention for ultrasonic inspection of structures.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is preferably used for inspection of wind turbine blades. However, the apparatus may also be used for other structures which require ultrasonic inspection.
  • Figure 1 discloses a profile of an object having an irregular shape, namely a wind power blade
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic view from above of a transducer holder in which a transducer has been pivotably mounted
  • Figure 3 presents a schematic side view of said transducer holder
  • Figure 4 shows a chain of transducer holders suitable for ultrasonic inspection of objects having an irregular shape
  • Figure 5 shows a chain of transducer holders according to fig. 4 in a different configuration.
  • Figure 6 presents the principle of operation for inspection with an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in pulse-echo configuration
  • Figure 7 presents a more detailed illustration of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention for inspection of objects having irregular shape
  • Figure 8 discloses the apparatus according to fig. 7 which includes an encoder wheel for scanning of an object having an irregular shape
  • Figure 9 discloses the principle of operation for inspection with an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention in through transmission configuration
  • Figure 10 discloses a more detailed illustration of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention in through transmission configuration.
  • Figure 1 shows the bonded parts of a wind power blade, such as the trailing edge bond 1 , the leading edge bond 3 and the shear web bonds 5, which typically require ultrasonic inspection.
  • Figures 2 and 3 disclose a transducer holder 2 comprising a base part 4 and a prong part 6.
  • a transducer 8, which preferably is an ultrasonic transducer, is tiltably connected to the prong part by two fastening means 10a, 10b.
  • the base part 4 comprises a hole 16, said hole 16 being fitted with a linkage means 12 which is spring loaded 14 in order to render it possible to pivotably and resiliently attach the base part 4 of the transducer holder 2 to the end part 28 of the prong part 6 of another transducer holder.
  • the end part 28 of the prong part 6 of the transducer holder 2 comprises at least one hole 18 for tiltably connecting the transducer 8 and optionally also pivotably and resiliently connecting the base part of another transducer holder.
  • said end part 28 may comprise two holes 18, 20 where one hole is used for tiltably connecting the transducer 8 and the other is used to pivotably and resiliently attaching the base part of another transducer holder.
  • transducer holders 2 ⁇ , 2 2 , 2 3 are pivotably and resiliently joined by fastening means 12 b 12 2 and spring means H 1 , 14 2 .
  • Further transducer holders 2 4 , 2 5 , 2 6 , 2 7 , 2 8 can be pivotably and resiliently joined to base parts 4 h A 2 , 4 3 as well as to the prong parts 6 ls 6 2 , 6 3 according to same pattern.
  • FIG. 5 shows a chain of transducer holders according to fig. 4 but in a different configuration, wherein the chain 30 comprises a number of transducer holders 2.
  • the transducer holders 2 are pivotably and resiliently joined by fastening means 12 and spring means (not shown in fig. 5).
  • the transducer holders 2 are pivotably and resiliently joined to each others by the base parts 4 as well as to the prong parts 6 as described in connection to fig. 4 above.
  • each holder 2 is provided with a further transducer 8', which is firmly connected to the holder 2.
  • the configuration of the chain of transducer holders 2 using spring means 14 will adapt the chain of transducer holders 2 to the curvature of a surface of the object to be measured.
  • the movement of one transducer 8 will influence the movement of an adjacent transducer 8 in order to adapt the chain of transducer holders 2 to the curvature of the surface of the object to be measured.
  • Figure 6 shows the principle of operation for inspection with an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention in pulse-echo configuration.
  • the apparatus is arranged on a curved surface of the object to be measured.
  • an ultrasonic pulse is sent from each transducer 8 ls 8 2 , 8 3 , 8 4 , 8 5 , 8 6 , 8 7 , 8 8 and detected by the same transducer.
  • Figure 7 shows a more detailed illustration of the apparatus according a first embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a handle 31.
  • the handle 31 is connected to the chain of transducer holders 2.
  • An operator grabs the handle 31 and moves the apparatus along the surface of the object to be measured. Simultaneously the operator pushes the apparatus against the surface, so that the transducers are in reliable contact with the surface.
  • the apparatus may be provided with a display (not disclosed in fig. 7) for monitoring signals from the transducers 8. Thus, the operator is informed whether the transducers 8 are in contact with the surface or not.
  • the apparatus further includes an encoder wheel 32, a support wheel 34, an attachment point for water spray 33, as well as an attachment point 35 for linking the apparatus to a second apparatus.
  • the water spry provides for a water film between the transducers 8 and the surface of the object to be measured.
  • the second apparatus may be linked to the first apparatus by a U-shaped member, which is described below.
  • the encoder wheel 32 is connected to a computer 36, for the registration of the position of the apparatus in relation to the object to be measured. This arrangement allows the generation of scan pictures as each signal is associated with a position.
  • the computer 36 is connected to the encoder wheel 32 using a cable 37. However, it is also possible to wireless transmit information about the position of the apparatus to the computer 36.
  • the signals from each transducer 8 can be processed and stored into the computer 36.
  • the inspection can thus be documented and analyzed after the object is physically inspected. Therefore, the computer 36 also is connected to the transducers 8.
  • the apparatus may also be comprised in a scanner trolley provided with a motor (not disclosed) coupled to one or both of the encoder wheel 32 and support wheel 34, so that the trolley will be driven by the motor.
  • Figure 9 discloses the principle of operation for inspection with the conformable array in through transmission configuration.
  • Two apparatus according to the invention are linked by a U-shaped member 36.
  • An ultrasonic pulse is sent from each transducer 8 ls 8 2 , 8 3 , 8 4 , 8 5 , 8 6 in one apparatus and detected by another transducer 8 r , 8 2 -, 8 3 -, 8 4 -, 8 5 -, 8 6 - located on the other side of the object under investigation.
  • the object under investigation is the trailing edge bond 1 of a wind power blade.
  • Figure 10 discloses a more detailed illustration of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention in through transmission configuration.
  • Two chains of transducer holders 2 and 2', respective, are arranged on a respective first and second arm 38 and 39, respectively, which are pivotal about a hinge or an axis of rotation 40.
  • Resilient means such as a spring 41 is arranged between the arms to achieve clamping force acting on an object (not disclosed in fig. 10) to be detected.
  • the object is intended to be arranged between the chains of transducer holders 2 and 2', which is described in connection with fig. 9.
  • the spring 41 together with the resilient and spring forced chains of transducer holders 2 secure that the transducers 8 are in reliable contact with the surface of the object.
  • the apparatus is provided with a handle 42 arranged at the hinge 40 for operation of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus further comprises an encoder wheel 32, which is connected to a computer 36, for the registration of the position of the apparatus in relation to the object to be measured.
  • the computer 36 is also connected to the transducers 8.
  • the apparatus is provided with a display 43, such as a LCD-display, so that an operator can monitor the signals from the transducers 8 during inspection and thus secure that the transducers 8 are in reliable contact with the surface of the object to be measured.
  • a display 43 such as a LCD-display
  • transducers are arranged in the chain of transducer holders.
  • any number of transducers may be arranged in a chain of transducer holders.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif et un système permettant l'inspection par ultrasons de structures composites. L'invention concerne également des procédés permettant l'inspection d'une structure, et plus particulièrement permettant l'inspection de la structure d'objets non plans, tels que des pales éoliennes.
PCT/SE2008/050260 2007-06-28 2008-03-07 Dispositif, système et procédé d'inspection par ultrasons pour objets non plans WO2009002250A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US94673707P 2007-06-28 2007-06-28
SE0701567-0 2007-06-28
US60/946,737 2007-06-28
SE0701567 2007-06-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009002250A1 true WO2009002250A1 (fr) 2008-12-31

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2008/050260 WO2009002250A1 (fr) 2007-06-28 2008-03-07 Dispositif, système et procédé d'inspection par ultrasons pour objets non plans

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2009002250A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010097485A1 (fr) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-02 Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. Procédés de localisation d'endommagements sur des pales d'éoliennes
CN108956765A (zh) * 2018-06-06 2018-12-07 中国农业大学 用于曲面无损检测的气压弹簧空间三自由度自适应机构

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3251220A (en) * 1962-06-27 1966-05-17 Chemetron Corp Apparatus for ultrasonic flaw testing
US4043185A (en) * 1975-02-13 1977-08-23 Granges Oxelosunds Jarnverk Ab Device for non-destructive testing of rolled steel plate and the like
DE3444481A1 (de) * 1984-12-06 1986-07-31 Stahlwerke Peine-Salzgitter Ag, 3320 Salzgitter Pruefkopfhalterung fuer die ultraschallpruefung
WO2005119054A1 (fr) * 2004-05-26 2005-12-15 Hexagon Metrology Gmbh Dispositif pour surveiller sur place des ailettes de rotor d'installations eoliennes

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3251220A (en) * 1962-06-27 1966-05-17 Chemetron Corp Apparatus for ultrasonic flaw testing
US4043185A (en) * 1975-02-13 1977-08-23 Granges Oxelosunds Jarnverk Ab Device for non-destructive testing of rolled steel plate and the like
DE3444481A1 (de) * 1984-12-06 1986-07-31 Stahlwerke Peine-Salzgitter Ag, 3320 Salzgitter Pruefkopfhalterung fuer die ultraschallpruefung
WO2005119054A1 (fr) * 2004-05-26 2005-12-15 Hexagon Metrology Gmbh Dispositif pour surveiller sur place des ailettes de rotor d'installations eoliennes

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010097485A1 (fr) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-02 Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. Procédés de localisation d'endommagements sur des pales d'éoliennes
ES2409942A1 (es) * 2009-02-27 2013-06-28 Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. Métodos de localización de daños en palas de aerogeneradores
CN108956765A (zh) * 2018-06-06 2018-12-07 中国农业大学 用于曲面无损检测的气压弹簧空间三自由度自适应机构
CN108956765B (zh) * 2018-06-06 2020-10-16 中国农业大学 用于曲面无损检测的气压弹簧空间三自由度自适应机构

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