System and method of inspecting inner smooth wall of corrugated dual wall pipe

Abstract

An inspection system and method for scanning and recording defects in the surface of the smooth inner wall of dual wall corrugated plastic pipe during manufacture utilizing automated laser technology, in order to minimize potential disruptions in the manufacturing extrusion process and alleviate concerns as to improper formation of the inner wall. The inspection system includes conical laser pattern generator that passes through the dual wall corrugated pipe during the manufacturing process to complete 360 degree scan coverage of the surface of the inner smooth wall of the pipe. The inspection system further includes a set of cameras properly aligned to record comprehensive three dimensional coverage of the scanned image of the inner wall of the dual wall corrugated pipe. This inspection system and method has particular benefits in the manufacture of coilable dual wall corrugated plastic pipe, where the material make-up of the polymer melt used for the inner wall has been altered.