Apparatus and method for inspecting pipes and tubes using guided wave probes

摘要

(57) Abstract: An apparatus and method for directing ultrasonic and magnetostrictively generated mechanical waves from an external point to an internal point within a small diameter pipe, pipe, or cylindrical structure. The present invention provides a cylindrical waveguide gun that is small enough to be inserted into the target tube 24 and configured to maintain mechanical contact with the inner diameter of the target tube 24. 10 has a built-in external mechanism for generating a wave. A standard ultrasonic generator or magnetostrictive / mechanical wave generating coil 16, 18, 20 is placed over the waveguide 12 outside of the target tube 24 and the target tube through the waveguide 12. A suitable mechanical wave is generated up to a point inside 24. The mechanical interface 14 between the waveguide 12 and the inner diameter surface of the probe allows a test wave 36 and a received return signal wave 37 to be transmitted between the target tube 24 and the waveguide 12. Located and provided at one point in the target tube 24.