Method and apparatus for digital thread inspection

Abstract

A compact inspection assembly comprising digital sensors and/or laser measurement systems to validate attributes of pipe and associated threaded connections. An elongate body member is partially inserted into a central bore of a pipe section. A stabilizing centralizer assembly is selectively expanded to engage against the inner surface of the pipe section and prevent axial and rotational movement of the body section relative to the pipe section. An automated sensor assembly, attached to the body member and positioned in proximity to a threaded connection, measures data regarding the pipe and associated threaded connections. The measured and recorded data can be compared to predetermined standards (such as, for example, original equipment manufacturer and/or end user specifications or requirements) to verify pipe/connection compliance with desired standards.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A digital inspection apparatus for inspecting a threaded connection of a pipe section comprising:
 a) a robotic arm assembly;   b) a sensor mounting assembly operationally attached to said robotic arm assembly, wherein said sensor mounting assembly comprises a substantially U-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, wherein said first and second legs are positioned in substantially parallel orientation to each other and define a gap configured to receive a portion of said threaded connection; and   c) at least one data acquisition sensor operationally attached to said sensor mounting assembly and configured to acquire data regarding said threaded connection.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said acquired data comprises at least one optical image of threads, thread nose, seal area, shoulders, relief grooves, roots, crests, pitch (including variable pitch), pipe outer diameter, pipe inner diameter, pipe ovality or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one data acquisition sensor comprises a digital camera, laser scanner, optical sensor, ultrasonic transducer, or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one data acquisition sensor is oriented in a phased array. 
     
     
         5 . A method for inspecting a threaded connection of a pipe section comprising:
 a) providing a digital inspection assembly, wherein said digital inspection assembly comprises:   i) a robotic arm assembly;   ii) a sensor mounting assembly operationally attached to said robotic arm assembly, wherein said sensor mounting assembly comprises a substantially U-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, wherein said first and second legs are positioned in substantially parallel orientation to each other and define a gap configured to receive a portion of said threaded connection; and   iii) at least one data acquisition sensor operationally attached to said sensor mounting assembly and configured to acquire data regarding said threaded connection;   b) acquiring data regarding said threaded connection using said at least one data acquisition sensor; and   c) rotating said data acquisition assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of said pipe section.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said acquired data comprises at least one optical image of threads, thread nose, seal area, shoulders, relief grooves, roots, crests, pitch (including variable pitch), pipe outer diameter, pipe inner diameter, pipe ovality or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said at least one data acquisition sensor comprises a digital camera, laser scanner, optical sensor, ultrasonic transducer, or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said at least one data acquisition sensor is oriented in a phased array. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising measuring the length, the internal diameter or ovality of said pipe section using at least one laser measurement tool. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising comparing data acquired using said at least one data acquisition sensor against predetermined value.