Real Time, Handheld Ultrasound Camera For Inspecting Inner Pipe and Tubing Surfaces

Piping and tubing represent a particularly difficult inspection challenge in industry. With access limited to the outside surface of a target, conventional A-scan ultrasonics is usually the inspection technique of choice. However, this A-scan technology isvery tedious and difficult to interpret. We propose developing a real time high resolution ultrasound camera for this problem. The ultrasound camera represents an approach whereby an inspector could place a probe up to a tube, such as an aircraft tailhook, and get instant imagery of subsurface faults. The lens based system is analogous to conventional camcorders which are sensitive to visible light. The basis of the technology is a two-dimensional array of pixels, each element being sensitive toultrasound. This technology can be pervasive over a wide range of industrial and medical applications. Piping and tubing is a very large industry which could greatly benefit from a real time ultrasound camera system. The chemical and petrochemicalindustries are among the many users of such a device. The low cost (under $10,000) production unit price will allow a high level of market penetration. This same production system could be adapted for the aerospace, medical, and food and beverageindustries.