Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting tubulars employing flexible inspection shoes

Abstract

Tubular member inspection apparatus, systems and methods for inspecting tubulars of a variety of diameters. An EMI inspection shoe includes a flexible, generally arcuate body having a leading end, a trailing end, a non-working major face, and a working major face. The leading end, trailing end, non-working major face, and working major face at least partially define an inspection zone therebetween. One or more magnetic flux detectors are carried by the flexible, generally arcuate body in the inspection zone. One or more pressure actuators removably attached to the non-working face are configured to exert pressure on one or more regions of the flexible, generally arcuate body in the inspection zone during an EMI inspection of a tubular, forcing the flexible, generally arcuate body to contort into a generally contoured shape as it passes over a contoured region of the tubular.