Ico, Inc.

William W Curtis, Jr

Roy C Grubbs

Kevin D Logan

Clive C Lam

John A Miller

Michael K Schoonover

The defect detection system of the present invention includes an encircling coil for providing a saturating DC magnetic fields to tubular goods. Also included is an encircling drive coil for applying a low level AC field using three-phase AC. Encircling pick up coils within the AC drive coils detect uniform, time varying magnetic fields to reveal defects within the tubular goods passing through the system.

Rotating electromagnetic field defect detection system for tubular goods

A test apparatus 10 for testing the diameter of oilfield tubulars having various nominal diameters includes a machine frame 12 for successively receiving the axially movable tubulars, and upper and lower radially opposing carriages 16 and 18 each movable relative to the machine frame. First and second light generating sources 24 and 26 are each mounted on a respective carriage and transmit a wide light beam directed to intersect radially opposing sides in the oilfield tubular, such that the width of each light beams is reduced by engagement with the tubular. First and second light detectors 28 and 30 are each mounted on the carriages and are positioned for detecting the position of the reduced width light beams relative to the carriages and generating test signals in response thereto. Computer 32 is provided for receiving test signals from the sensors and generating a tubular diameter test measurement in response thereto. The test apparatus includes upper and lower optical shutters 52 and 54 each mounted on the carriages and movable from an active standardization check position to an inactive position. Each shutter has an opening therein for transmitting a preselected reduced width light beam past the shutter. Micrometer 56 is provided for measuring a radial spacing between the first and second carriages and generating a carriage spacing signal in response thereto. According to the method of the invention, a specific test specimen 42, 44 is positioned for calibrating the spacing between the carriages. The carriages are then moved to a standardization position and shutters are used to perform a standardization check on the equipment. Assuming this standardization check is passed, the shutters are moved to an inactive position and tubulars then tested for diameter and ovality. Significant savings are realized by not having to recalibrate the test apparatus for each size nominal diameter tubular being tested, and by not requiring a test standard for each size tubular capable of being tested.

Method and apparatus for high speed measurement of oilfield tubular

A system 10 for elongate metal goods comprises automated tubular inspection equipment 12 within an inspection area 13 for initially inspecting goods, and particularly oilfield tubulars, and a monitor 32 within a prove-up area 30 for viewing inspection data. An inspection computer 16 electronically records the inspection data and cooperates with a prove-up computer 38 to verify that all flagged suspect tubulars have been tested. Prove-up data may be input to the prove-up computer either directly from test equipment 40 or through a keypad 36. The prove-up report generated by the computer 38 may be electronically transmitted in real time to a monitor 24 outside the prove-up area for viewing the prove-up report data. According to the method of the invention, the prove-up operator may display inspection data on the monitor 32 to facilitate the inspection of suspect tubulars within the prove-up area. The prove-up operator electronically inputs prove-up data to the computer 38, which generates both interim and final prove-up reports which are then electronically transmitted to an inspection office and, if desired, to the customer of the tubular inspection service. Real time prove-up reports substantially assist the inspection service company and the customer to control the inventory of tubulars shipped to the inspection area, to adjust inspection limits for the automated inspection equipment, and to facilitate invoicing and claim filings.

Oilfield tubular inspection method and apparatus

A plurality of magnetic field members are provided, each for selectively generating a time-varying magnetic field for combination into a o time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Additionally, a traverse magnetic field member is provided which selectively generates a time-varying traverse magnetic field with magnetic flux lines which are substantially traversed to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. The plurality of magnetic field members and the traverse magnetic field member are maintained out of contact with the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. Magnetic particles are placed on selected portions of the cylindrical ferromagnetic member. A time-varying composite longitudinal magnetic field and a time-varying traverse magnetic field are applied to the cylindrical magnetic member, while it is being rotated. An operator inspects the outer and/or inner peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical member to detect defects therein from accumulations in magnetic particles at leakage fields corresponding to magnetic discontinuities of defects in the cylindrical ferromagnetic member.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

William W Curtis, Jr