Varco I/p, Inc.

Joseph Gregory Kemper

Clive Lam

Antonio Manocchio

A method, in at least certain aspects, for ultrasonically inspecting a tubular member, the tubular member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two spaced-apart ends including a first end of the tubular member, the method including transmitting sonic beams to the tubular member with transducers such that sonic beams are reflected from the inner surface of the tubular member, the outer surface of the tubular member, and from the first end of the tubular member, sensing the first end of the tubular member, completing inspection of all or of substantially all of the outer surface of the tubular member for outer surface defects while continuing to inspect the inner surface of the tubular member for inner surface defects, continuing to inspect the inner surface of the tubular member for inner surface defects, the transducers continuing to transmit sonic beams for the inspection of the inner surface of the tubular member until the transducers are near the first end of the tubular member; and apparatus for such methods.

Flaw detection in tubular members

A method for ultrasonically inspecting a tubular member which has a first surface spaced-apart from a second surface by a thickness of the tubular member, and two spaced-apart ends the method including transmitting sonic beams to the tubular member with transducer apparatus which are reflected from the first surface and from the second surface, the transducer apparatus controlled by control apparatus, while to inspect the first surface for first surface defects, moving the transducer apparatus adjacent sensing apparatus which signals the control apparatus to cease processing of signals related to inspection of the second surface, and, the transducer apparatus continuing to transmit sonic beams for the inspection of the first surface, and completing inspection of substantially all of the second surface for second surface defects while continuing to inspect the first surface.

Tubular member flaw detection

A method for ultrasonically inspecting a tubular member, the tubular member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two spaced-apart ends including a first end of the tubular member, the method including transmitting sonic beams to the tubular member with transducers such that sonic beams are reflected from: the first end and the inner and outer surface of the tubular member, completing inspection of the outer surface of the tubular member while continuing to inspect the inner surface of the tubular member, and sensing a distance from the transducers to the first end of the tubular member, continuing to transmit sonic beams for the inspection of the inner surface of the tubular member until the transducers are near its first end; and, in one aspect, detecting an inner surface defect near the first end of the tubular member after the outer surface inspection has ceased.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Joseph Gregory Kemper