Description:“A HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE DIGITAL ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTOR MACHINE FOR FIELD INSPECTION OF BOILER COMPONENTS”

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] This invention relates to the design of an apparatus for holding and carrying of Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Products. This apparatus is a movable type of stand with height adjustment for handling the portable Ultrasonic Flaw detector machine without an additional manpower.

[002] This invention is in particular directed to a Height Adjustable Apparatus for Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Components.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:
[003] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[004] The Applicant manufactures boiler auxiliaries’ products such as Fans, Air preheater, electro static precipitators, damper and gates.

[005] The impeller shaft assembly of fan product is a completely welded structure and is made from high tensile steel with backward curved blades. The selection of the material and thickness for the impeller/shaft are determined on the basis of the stress analysis/critical speed programme carried out for each impeller and shaft. The impeller consists of centre plate, blade, cover plate and impeller ring. All Weldments particularly butt joints are inspected thoroughly by Non Destructive Testing Viz. Ultrasonic Testing (UT) on the field. The job orientation and height will vary from 500 mm to 2100 mm.

[006] The conventional method of Ultrasonic scanning of job is done by holding the machine in one hand and scanning with other hand and sometimes an additional manpower is required to hold the machine for the components at different heights as the scanning machine cable length is standard and for use at different heights. During the scanning of the jobs, monitoring of pulse echo of machine display for evaluation of job is prime important to the operator. Hence the machine is kept close to the operator to assess the job inspection quality.

[007] This adjustable apparatus for holding and carrying of Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Auxiliaries Products is useful for bulk scanning at limited manpower. The safety of the machine is also taken care by the newly developed apparatus as this apparatus holds the machine away from the job scanning location and spilling off consumable like couplant, dust or any other contaminants on the display of the machine.
PRIOR ART

[008] Reference may be made to the following known arts:

[009] In JPH08201360A: Portable ultrasonic flaw detecting device for round steel-
[0010] A portable ultrasonic flaw detecting device used for the internal flaw detection of a round steel such as a round steel bar or a round steel pipe. A flexible guide member having a slit-like groove section in the longitudinal direction is wound on the outer periphery of a specimen, a probe held in the groove section of the guide member is movably scanned by a scanner wound between pulleys, and the guide member is made movable in the axial direction of the specimen at the prescribed pitch. The flaw detection signal is recorded by an ultrasonic flaw detector, and the reliability of the scanning and recording of the internal flaw detection of a round steel can be increased.

[0011] In KR101819846B1: Ultrasonic testing device and ultrasonic testing method-
[0012] An ultrasonic inspection apparatus having an array-type probe, and wetting of the work piece is almost limited to the inspection surface. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes a work holder for holding a work with the inspection surface facing downward, an array type probe for ultrasonic wave-guiding the work, An arm for holding the array type probe so as to be opposed to each other below the inspection surface of the work; X-axis direction scanning means, for horizontally scanning the work piece in a state in which the liquid surface is in contact with the inspection surface of the work by surface tension, And Y-axis direction scanning means for scanning the Y-axis direction.

[0013] In EP 2 538 211 B1: Apparatus and method for the ultrasonic testing of a railway wheel-

[0014] The ultrasonic testing apparatus has an ultrasonic sensing assembly operating in cooperation with a CPU which coordinates the ultrasonic sensing assembly with the wheel handling capabilities of the ultrasonic test fixture (through control of the pneumatic cylinders).

[0015] In EP 2 549 271 B1: Railway wheel test fixture and ultrasonic testing apparatus comprising such a test fixture-

[0016] A test fixture and an ultrasonic testing apparatus comprising such a test fixture are provided for the application of automated ultrasonic testing to a railway wheel. To achieve faster data collection rates, as well as more accurate and reproducible ultrasonic test data, a novel method and apparatus are presented for mitigating the oscillations and other dynamic instabilities resulting from railway wheel rotation in the ultrasonic test fixture. More specifically, a novel drive assembly in the ultrasonic test fixture adaptively accommodates dimensional tolerances in the rotating railway wheel, dampening deflections and other oscillations that would otherwise potentially affect the accuracy and reproducibility of ultrasonic test data.

[0017] With reference to the above patents, all of them are successful in performing the scanning using Ultrasonic flaw detection of different products of weldments and base material. However, there is no discussion on apparatus which can hold the machine for ease of doing scanning of height jobs with limited manpower.

[0018] In view of the above, the present invention has been introduced.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION:
[0019] Primary object of the invention is to provide Height adjustable apparatus for portable digital ultrasonic flaw detector machine for field inspection of boiler components.

[0020] Another object of this invention is to ensure improved safety of the machine with fast production rate with low manpower and skill.

[0021] Yet another object is to provide Height adjustable apparatus for portable digital ultrasonic flaw detector machine, which is easy to move from one place to another place using the revolving wheels of the apparatus.

[0022] Still another object is to provide Height adjustable apparatus for portable digital ultrasonic flaw detector machine that the machine accessories and consumable for scanning can be placed on this apparatus itself for better access to the operator so that the higher production rate can be achieved without additional skilled manpower.

[0023] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0024] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0025] According to this invention, there is provided a Height Adjustable Apparatus for Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Auxiliary Components.

[0026] This apparatus is a movable type of stand with height adjustment for handling the portable Ultrasonic Flaw detector machine without the use of an additional manpower to ensure the safety of the machine with fast production rate with low skill.

[0027] This apparatus includes two parts i.e. the lower part made up of tube with revolving wheels on one end for moving the apparatus from one place to another place without lifting the apparatus and other end left is free to insert the second/top part, the top part is also made up of tube mounted with tray for holding the portable ultrasonic scanning machine on one end and other end is free to insert in the bottom part of the apparatus. There is a locking arrangement on the lower part of the apparatus with set of fasteners to adjust the height of the apparatus and also it comprises of a tray with compartments fixed on the tube of lower part for placing the machine accessories and consumable for scanning the jobs. This apparatus is having height adjustment arrangement from 900 mm to 2100 mm for all types of job at any orientation and height.

[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0029] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
[0031] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-

[0032] Figure 1 shows: An apparatus for holding up Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Auxiliaries Products according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 shows: 3-D view of the apparatus with tray, bolts, revolving wheels and machine holding arrangement of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 3 shows: 3-D solid model of the apparatus for holding up Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Auxiliaries Products.
[0035] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

[0036] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] The present invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to invention on a Height Adjustable Apparatus for Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine for Field Inspection of Boiler Components.

[0038] Now, reference may be made to the figures 1 and 2.

[0039] The apparatus comprising of two parts namely lower part (1) and upper part (2). The lower part is made up of steel tube (1) with one end having multiple revolving wheels (5) and the other end is free. These revolving wheels (5) are useful for moving the apparatus from one place to another place without lifting the apparatus. At the centre of this arrangement, on the steel tube (1), a stainless steel tray (3) with a plurality of compartments is welded for placing the machine accessories and consumable for scanning the jobs.

[0040] Another steel tube of upper part (2), of lower diameter is also made up of steel tube to be placed inside the steel tube of lower part (1). The other end of steel tube (2) is mounted with a holding tray (4) for scanning machine by welding which is made up of stainless steel. There are set of bolts arrangement (6) to hold the machine at the required height on steel tube (1). The apparatus height is adjustable using this arrangement (6) from 900 mm to 2100 mm which is suitable for all types of jobs and at any height.

[0041] The material given above is for example without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
-The development is unique for holding up the Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector Machine with height adjustment and movable type stand for Field Inspection of Boiler Auxiliaries Products;
-The height of the stand can be adjustable as per requirement;
- Wheels at the bottom of the apparatus are used for revolving and moving from one place to another place without lifting;
-Scanning of various job dimensions is possible as the apparatus has the feasibility for height adjustment;
-Spilling of couplant (oil+ Greece) on the display of the machine can be avoided as the scanning machine is placed on the apparatus at required height and place.
-The apparatus has also a tray for keeping machine accessories & consumable like couplant, cotton, couplant applying brush etc.;
-No manpower/human required for holding up of portable ultrasonic flaw detractor machine;
-The apparatus weighs less than 10 kgs and is more compact in size for the easy handling and storage.
The below table shows better performance of the invention over prior art(s):
S.No Prior Art Present Invention
1 In JPH08201360A, made a fixture limited to round steel material scanning using portable ultrasonic flaw detector device. The invention is usable for all types of jobs of different sizes and at different height.
2 In KR101819846B1, made a work holder for holding the job for scanning using portable ultrasonic flaw detector device. The invention is related to an apparatus for holding the portable ultrasonic flaw detector device for scanning of various jobs of sizes..
3 In EP 2 538 211 B1, the ultrasonic testing apparatus has an ultrasonic sensing assembly operating in cooperation with a CPU which coordinates the ultrasonic sensing assembly with the wheel handling capabilities of the ultrasonic test fixture. The invention is a simple mechanical design without intervention of artificial intelligence and pneumatic devices. Comparatively very low cost design.
4 In EP 2 549 271 B1, made a fixture for test jobs of railway wheel using portable ultrasonic flaw detector device to achieve faster data collection. The invention is related to an apparatus for the portable ultrasonic flaw detector device for up keeping the device safe and user friendly and to avoid additional manpower requirement and for various jobs configuration and sizes.

WORKING OF INVENTION
[0042] The Present invention has already been put in use at our end for all types of job configurations for scanning with Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector machine. This invention completely eliminates the additional manpower for holding and moving the machine while scanning of the jobs, also this apparatus was designed to have rollers for moving from one place to another during the scanning of big jobs like impeller rings and cover plates with diameter range of 1000 mm to 5000 mm. since this apparatus having height adjustment for the jobs with elevated position 500 to 2100 mm for scanning eased. On implementation of this invention in usage, the damage to the Portable Digital Ultrasonic Flaw Detector machine is completely avoided due to spilling off oil, grease and accidental fall. The total saving from this apparatus after putting into usage is calculated to be Rs. 250000/- per annum. (Rs. Two lacs fifty thousand only).

[0043] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0044] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0045] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0046] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0048] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0049] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim
1. Height adjustable apparatus for portable digital ultrasonic flaw detector machine for field inspection of boiler components comprising of:
lower tubular part (1) housing upper tubular part (2), wherein one end of the lower part (1) is having revolving wheels (5) and other end is free,
the lower tubular part (1) is mounted with tray (3) having multiple compartments for placing the machine accessories and consumable for scanning the jobs,
the upper tubular part (2), free end of which is mounted with a holding tray (4) for scanning machine,
the lower tubular part (1) is provided with set of bolts arrangement (6) to hold the machine at the required height.
2. The Height adjustable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower tubular part (1), upper tubular part (2), tray (3) and holding tray (4) are made up of material including stainless steel.
3. The Height adjustable apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper tubular part (2) has less diameter than the lower tubular part (1).
4. The Height adjustable apparatus as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the apparatus height is adjustable by the arrangement (6) from 900 mm to 2100 mm which is suitable for all types of jobs and at any height.