Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system in a specific environment – Mechanical measurement system
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-30
2003-10-14
Barlow, John (Department: 2863)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system in a specific environment
Mechanical measurement system
Reexamination Certificate
active
06633820
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a system and apparatus for inspecting and assessing metal deterioration on ships and, more specifically, a novel inspection system using wearable computers.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
In the marine industry ships are inspected and gauged. This activity takes place at specified intervals and at predetermined locations. In particular, chemical and oil tankers and bulk carriers are subject to metal deterioration, because of corrosion, at a faster rate than other types of ships. Significant metal loss places the vessel at risk of severe casualty and/or loss.
Current inspection/gauging practice has the inspector obtaining data while on the vessel, but then information must be transferred from a hand-held device to a more powerful computer for download, comparison with a stored database and analysis. This activity takes time and the vessel, in most cases, is underway—engaged in normal operations when actual hull condition is determined. Obviously, if there is a significant problem discovered as a result of analysis, then the vessel is at risk. The overwhelming reaction to discovery of the problem is to let the vessel continue its operation. This decision can be fatal, as in the case of vessels that have been lost in heavy weather because of deteriorated hull strength.
It is important in international and other shipping, to ensure safe vessels are used at sea, and procedures are set up to minimize dangerous conditions caused by ship corrosion or failures. Since the sea is highly corrosive, the steel thickness of vessels is of critical importance to safe operation.
There are several known measurement methods of determining steel thickness; some involve destructive testing while others use non-destructive testing methods, hereinafter “NDT”. Some of these methods are disclosed in a brochure entitled “Resonance Thickness Measurement” published by Det Norske Veritas, Region Norway/RN010, Veritasveien 1, N-1322 Hovik Norway, hereinafter “Veritas”.
Merchant ships are gauged by radiographic (x-ray) or ultrasonically to asses structural condition. A leading maker of this type of ultrasonic tester is Krautkramer, whose address is 50 Industrial Park Road, Lewistown, Pa. 17044. Results pend comparison with a known database to determine metal deterioration. This may be determination on hull and internal members of the ship structure. If the deterioration is greater than preset limits, corrective action is required. The time to accomplish this and implement a repair decision may be days or even weeks during which time the ship sails with possible dangerous defects. Not only does the physical inspection take a substantial time, but also taking these readings to an off-site computer to compare against set standards also takes considerable time. A known database is usually set in the computer to be used and time available on this computer and the physical distance between the computer and the inspection site have extended the corrective period to an unacceptable time. A system for immediate and instant on-site inspection and analysis would be extremely important for this industry.
When the term “metal diagnostics” is used throughout this disclosure and claims it is intended to include all of the metal inspection methods and apparatus disclosed in the above-noted Veritas article in addition to other suitable inspection systems. The most often used NDT devices (non-destructive testing devices) in this metal inspection are ultrasonics or radiographic means, including those of Veritas. As stated in Veritas:
What is Resonance Thickness Measurement (RTM)?
1. The resonance method is a well-known principle, but not commercialized until recently due to lack of transmitter and computing technology. In contradiction to traditional ultrasonic inspection, the resonance method is capable of processing accurate thickness on heavily corroded surfaces.
What is the RTM Probe?
2. A new tool for reliable and more efficient thickness measurements on corroded steel surfaces, based upon resonance technology.
3. Present measurement range 3-30 mm, accuracy +/−0.1 mm.
4. The tool may be used in both air and fluid. When used in air, there is no need for couplant gel.
5. The mean (‘strength thickness’) of a ‘footprint’ of approx. 60 mm diameter is measured.
6. Automatic data logging of 50,000 readings with optional 20 character numeric tag.
7. The RTM method cannot be used for crack detection or lamellar check.
8. Removal of scaling (corrosion products) or coating is not required.
What is the Wet Surface Hull Scanner (WSHS)?
9. The WSHS consists of several RTM sensors mounted on a carrier (ROV) for scanning of a vessel's wet surface.
10. Due to the advanced processing, scanning at a speed of up to 1 m/s is offered, thus ensuring more cost effective inspection.
11. When combined with the specially developed high accuracy navigation system SWAPS, data from the scanned area is digitally dumped directly into a 3D product model, e.g. DNV Nauticus database. All data are processed on-line, enabling presentation of report results upon completed scanning.
Technical Summary:
ROV unit weight: approx. 50 kg
Total system weight: 150 kg
Dimensions: 1.06 m×1.25 m×0.38 m
Coverage: 100% of wet surface at detection speed of 1 m
2
/s
Survey extent: 100% of scanned area
Measurement accuracy: +/−0.1 mm
Measurement output: Mean strength thickness, independent of back wall pitting
Since inspection of ships requires climbing on or around a ship and manually maneuvering measuring devices, it is highly desirable to provide a hands-free system where the user is free to use his hands to conduct the desired analysis. Heretofore, nothing exists that allows this type of hands-free diagnostics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a hands-free diagnostics system for NDT methods of checking metal, devoid of the above-noted disadvantages.
Another object of this invention is to provide a hands-free system and apparatus for on-site determination of metal deterioration.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a more time efficient system for determination of metal deterioration on ships or other metal containing structures.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide an economical and efficient method of improving on the prior used metal deterioration determinations.
These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by a system and apparatus wherein the metal diagnostics equipment is worn by the user together with a hands-free activated wearable computer. By combining NDT metal diagnostics equipment with wearable PCs, the information becomes readily available at the site for decision makers and thus immediate corrective action can be taken. By combining an ultrasonic testing device with a wearable computer, all data manipulation can take place on board the vessel at the time of the inspection. Having this data immediately available reduces the probability of disaster to almost zero. Owners/operators can make timely and necessary repairs, so the vessel can safely resume its normal operations. As a further benefit of combining technologies, vessel crews can inspect and monitor hull conditions on a regular basis while underway, allowing for more careful planning and scheduling of repairs and/or drydockings.
An ultrasonic tester (or metal diagnostics) that can be attached to a wearable PC is that tester manufactured by Krautkramer whose address is 50 Industrial Park Road, Lewistown, Pa. 17044. As readings are obtained by the inspector, they are input directly into the full function wearable PC and compared with a known database. This provides instant results available on site so that decisions can be made before the ship can sail with a dangerous defect. This prevents casualties and saves lives and money from vessel and cargo loss. As noted earlier, the testing device or metal diagnostics can be ultrasonic or radiographic. The testing program is loaded directly into the wearable computer so that all that is need
Barlow John
Lau Tung
Ralabate James J.
Xybernaut Corporation
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