Claims:We Claim:

1. A device (300) for detecting thickness of a conduit (111), the device (300) comprising:
a plurality of links (100) pivotally connected to each other, wherein at least one link of the plurality of links (100) is configured as a carrier link (10);
a sensor (3) secured to the carrier link (10) and configured to transmit and receive signals through a surface of the conduit (111); and
an actuation unit (4) operatively coupling connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side, the actuation unit (4) configured to actuate the carrier link (10) between a first position (E) and a second position (S) through the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side,
wherein, in the second position (S), the carrier link (10) is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with a surface of the conduit (111) to detect thickness of the conduit (111).

2. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conduit is filled by coolant fluid including water.

3. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1 comprises an image capturing unit (1) secured to one of the plurality of links (100) ahead of the carrier link (10), the image capturing unit (1) configured to capture images inside the conduit (111).

4. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an axis of the carrier link (10) is offset from an axis of the plurality of links (100) in the second position (S), and wherein the axis of the carrier link (10) is substantially aligned with the axis of the plurality of links (100) in the first position (E).

5. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation unit (4) comprises:
an actuation rod (11) coupling the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side; and
an actuator (12) operatively coupled to the actuation rod (11), wherein the actuator (12) is configured to extend or retract the actuation rod (11).

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein extension and retraction of the actuation rod operate the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side away from and towards the carrier link, respectively.

7. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (340) is an ultrasonic sensor.

8. A system (500) for detecting thickness of a conduit (111) of a metallurgical furnace (200), the system (500) comprising:
a device (300) for detecting thickness of a conduit (111), the device (300) comprises:
a plurality of links (100) pivotally connected to each other, wherein at least one link of the plurality of links (100) is configured as a carrier link (10);
a sensor (3) secured to the carrier link (10) and configured to transmit and receive signals through a surface of the conduit (111); and
an actuation unit (4) operatively coupling connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side, the actuation unit (4) configured to actuate the carrier link (10) between a first position (E) and a second position (S) through the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side,
wherein, in the second position (S), the carrier link (10) is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with a surface of the conduit (111) to detect thickness in the conduit (111)
a control unit (8) communicatively coupled to the sensor (3) and the actuation unit (4), the control unit (8) is configured to:
actuate, the actuation unit (4) to operate the carrier link (10) between a first position (E) and a second position (S) through the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side, wherein, in the second position (S), the carrier link (10) is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with a surface of the conduit (111);
operate, the sensor to transmit and receive signals through the surface of the conduit; and
determine, thickness of the conduit based on the signals received from the sensor.

9. The system (500) as claimed in claim 8 comprises an image capturing unit (360) coupled to the control unit (8) and positioned on at least one of the plurality of links (100) to capture images inside the conduit (111), the control unit (8) is configured to analyses the images of the conduit received from the image capturing unit (1) .

10. The system (500) as claimed in claim 8 comprises a display unit communicatively coupled to the control unit (8), the control unit (8) is configured to display thickness of the conduit (111) through the display unit.

11. The system (500) as claimed in claim 8, wherein an axis of the carrier link (10) is offset from an axis of the plurality of links (100) in the second position (S), and wherein the axis of the carrier link (10) is substantially aligned with the axis of the plurality of links (100) in the first position (E).

12. The system (500) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the conduit is filled by a coolant fluid including water.

13. A method for detecting thickness of a conduit (111) of a metallurgical furnace (200), the method comprises:
introducing a device (300) along the guide tube (370) into the conduit (111);
actuating, by a control unit (8), an actuation unit (4) to operate the carrier link (10) from a first position (E) and a second position (S) through the connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10) on either side, wherein, in the second position (S), the carrier link (10) is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with a surface of the conduit (111);
operating, by the control unit (8), a sensor (3) to transmit and receive signals through the surface of the conduit (111); and
determining, by the control module (8), thickness of the conduit (111) based on the signals received from the sensor (3).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure, in general, relates to a field of measurement. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to cooling stave used in a blast furnace. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a device and a system for measuring thickness along a length of the cooling stave.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Blast furnace is a structure employed for smelting of iron from iron ore. The blast furnace is typically lined with refractory firebricks to withstand higher temperatures approximate 1900? or higher during smelting process. To cool the blast furnace, cooling staves have been employed. Such cooling staves circulates coolant fluid and are installed between a shell of the blast furnace and the refractory firebricks. The cooling staves are defined with internal channels for circulating the coolant fluid. The cooling staves are defined with a ribbed profile, that provide slots for mounting refractory bricks which form the innermost lining of the furnace, and also serving as fins which enhance heat transfer. The cooling staves in conjunction with the refractory firebricks are configured to extract heat and thereby protect the shell of the blast furnace from elevated temperatures.

Due to factors such as burden speed, hardness of burden material, high temperature, material pressure and the like, external surfaces of the cooling staves are subjected to wear, especially the ribs. This wear of the ribs (i.e., the cooling staves) leads to leakage of a coolant which reduces the cooling effect and results in damage of the shell of the blast furnace. Further, the leaked coolant enters the blast furnace resulting in catastrophic failure of the blast furnace and cause industrial hazards, which is undesired. Hence, it is desirable to inspect the cooling staves for leakage periodically. However, as the cooling staves are located inside the shell and forms the innermost layer, they are not accessible from outside and is difficult to monitor condition of the cooling staves.

Considering the above, with advancements in technology, various techniques or device have been developed for monitoring the thickness of the cooling staves. Conventional measuring techniques include positioning a thickness measuring device at an accessible location (i.e., inlet or outlet) of the cooling stave, thereby measuring thickness of the cooling stave at a specific location. However, as the wear pattern of the cooling staves may not be uniform, the wear along the length of the cooling staves cannot be measured by the conventional measuring techniques, which is undesired since, measuring thickness at a specific location may not be reliable.

Furthermore, in the conventional measuring techniques, demand for draining of coolant from the cooling staves for testing. Draining of the coolant abrupts operation of the blast furnace, thereby affecting the production. In addition, conventional measuring techniques require minimum or no air gap between the measuring device and the cooling stave for effective thickness measurement. For achieving zero air gap, the conventional measuring devices are configured to apply a thin layer of couplant i.e., oil, grease, water between the measuring device and the cooling stave. This configuration renders the measuring device complex and cumbersome to use.

Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.

]

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a device and system as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the device and system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for detecting thickness of a conduit is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other, wherein at least one link of the plurality of links is configured as a carrier link. A sensor is secured to the carrier link and configured to transmit and receive signals through a surface of the conduit. Further, the device includes an actuation unit operatively coupling at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. The actuation unit is configured to actuate the carrier link between a first position and a second position through the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. In the second position, the carrier link is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links to bring sensor in contact with a surface of the conduit to detect thickness of the conduit.

In an embodiment, the conduit is filled with coolant fluid including water.

In an embodiment, the device includes an image capturing unit secured to one or the plurality of links ahead of the carrier link. The image capturing unit is configured to capture images in-side the conduit.

In an embodiment, an axis of the carrier link is offset from an axis of the plurality of links in the second position, and wherein the axis of the carrier link is substantially aligned with the axis of the plurality of links in the first position.

In an embodiment, the actuation unit includes an actuation rod coupling the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. An actuator is operatively coupled to the actuation rod, wherein the actuator is configured to extend or retract the actuation rod. Extension and retraction of the actuation rod operate the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side away from and towards the carrier link, respectively.

In an embodiment, the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for detecting thickness of a conduit of metallurgical furnace is disclosed. The system includes a device for detecting thickness of a conduit. The device includes a plurality of links pivotally connected to each other, wherein at least one link of the plurality of links is configured as a carrier link. A sensor is secured to the carrier link and configured to transmit and receive signals through a surface of the conduit. Further, the device includes an actuation unit operatively coupling at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. The actuation unit is configured to actuate the carrier link between a first position and a second position through the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. In the second position, the carrier link is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links to bring sensor in contact with a surface of the conduit to detect thickness of the conduit. The system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the sensor and the actuation unit. The control unit is configured to actuate the actuation unit to operate the carrier link between a first position and a second position through the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. In the second position, the carrier link is being configured to be raised relative to the other links of the plurality of links to bring the sensor in contact with a surface of the conduit. The control unit is configured to operate the sensor to transmit and receive signals through the surface of the conduit. Further, the control unit is configured to determine thickness of the conduit based on signals received from the sensor.

In an embodiment, the system includes a display unit communicatively coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to display thickness of the conduit through the display unit.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for detecting thickness of a conduit of a metallurgical furnace is described. The method includes introducing a device along the guide tube into the conduit. The method further includes actuating by a control unit, an actuation unit to operate the carrier link from a first position and a second position through the at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. In the second position, the carrier link is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links to bring the sensor in contact with a surface of the conduit. The method further includes operating a sensor by the control unit to transmit and receive signals through the surface of the conduit and determine thickness of the conduit based on the signals received from the sensor.

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

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1a is a magnified view of portion A of Fig. 1, which illustrates a sectional view of a conduit in the wall of the blast furnace, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a system for detecting thickness along a length of the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the system of FIG.2 for measuring thickness of the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a device of the system of FIG.2 for measuring thickness of the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the device of FIG.4 depicted in operating condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure

Figs. 6a and 6b illustrates the device of FIG.4 with various actuation units, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting thickness of the conduit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for measuring thickness along a length of a conduit such as cooling stave in the blast furnace is disclosed. The system may include a device that is configured to travel into the conduit for detecting thickness. The device may be configured to displace along the entire length of the conduit. The device may include a plurality of links that pivotally connected to each other. At least one link of the plurality of links may be configured as a carrier link. A sensor such as but not limiting to an ultra-sonic sensor is secured to the carrier link and may be configured to come in contact with a surface of the conduit. The sensor is configured to transmit and also receive signals through the surface of conduit. Further, the device includes an actuation unit operatively coupling at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. The actuation unit is configured to actuate the carrier link between a first position and a second position through at least one link of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link on either side. In the second position, the carrier link is being configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links to bring the sensor in contact with the surface of the conduit to detect thickness of the conduit. In an embodiment, the sensor and the actuation unit may be communicatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may operate the senor and the actuation unit to perform respective functionalities to determine the thickness of the conduit which will be elucidated in the forthcoming embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the forthcoming paragraphs also illustrate the method of operating the system or device for detecting thickness of the conduit.

The terms “comprises…. a”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system and method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such system or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG(s) 1 to 7. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific system or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms of “adjacent,” “next to,”, “top”, “below”, “above”, “right,” “along” and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention

Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a blast furnace (200). The blast furnace (200) may be provisioned with a plurality of cooling staves or conduits (111) [hereafter referred to as conduit (111)] between a shell (101) and a refractory lining [not shown in figs]. The conduit (111) may be configured to channelize coolant fluid including water and extract heat from blast furnace (200) to protect the shell (101) and other portions of the blast furnace from high temperatures. In an embodiment, the conduit (111) may be defined with any profile including but not limited to circular, capsule, square, rectangular, triangular, and any other geometrical shape. The conduit (111) may be made of cast iron, copper and any other material suitable for channelizing the coolant, exchange heat and capable of withstanding high temperatures. The conduit (111) may be defined with an inlet/outlet port (130) [refer Fig. 1a] for introducing and extracting the coolant from the conduit (111). The conduit (111) may include a channel defined by an inner surface and a plurality of ribs (110) defined on the outer surface. The conduit (111) may be adapted to receive coolant fluid such as water. The ribs (110) [as shown inn Fig. 1a] may be configured to facilitate effective heat transfer between the coolant and the blast furnace (200) through conduction. In an embodiment, exposure of the conduit (111) to elevated temperatures may result in wear of the conduit (111). The wear may be caused by the descending burden material into the blast furnace and the rising gas flow until the new slag layer formed over the hot face of the staves and may result in failure of the conduit (111), which leads to catastrophic failure of the blast furnace (200) due to ingress of coolant into the blast furnace (200).

It should be noted that, the blast furnace and the cooling staves referred are for illustration only and cannot be construed as limitation as the conduit (111) adapted in any systems.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates a schematic view of a system (500) for measuring thickness of the conduit (111). The system (500) of the present disclosure may be adapted to measure thickness of the conduit (111) along its entire length. As seen in Fig, 2, the system (500) may include a device (300) for measuring thickness of the conduit (111). The device (300) may be ingressed into or removed from the conduit (111) from the inlet/outlet port (130). In an embodiment, a guide tube (370) may be provided at the inlet/outlet port (130). The guide tube (370) may be configured to be received in the inlet/outlet port (130) of the conduit (111). In an embodiment, the guide tube (370) may be a hollow elongated structure, which may be positioned in the inlet/outlet port (130) of the conduit (111). The device (300) may be received or positioned in the guide tube (370) and may be configured to displace along the guide tube (370) and transverse into the conduit (111) along its length. The system (500) further includes a control unit (8) communicatively coupled to the device (300) and configured to operate one or more components of the device (300) which is elucidated in the forthcoming embodiments.

Turning now to Fig. 3, which illustrates a schematic view of the device (300). The device (300) may include a plurality of links (100) each pivotally connected to adjacent link. In an embodiment, the plurality of links (100) may be connected to each other with a single degree of freedom or may have more than one degree of freedom. Further, least one link of the plurality of links (100) may be configured as a carrier link (10). The at least one carrier link (10) may be configured to accommodate at least one sensor (3) which is configured to measure the thickness of the conduit (111) at a single point. In an embodiment, the sensor (3) may be but not limiting to an ultrasonic sensor or an ultrasonic transducer. In an illustrated embodiment, the device (300) includes one carrier link (10) and the same should not be construed as a limitation, since the device (300) may include more than one carrier link (10) based on the configuration of the device (300). The carrier link (10) may be designed to displace from a first position (E) [ as shown in FIG.4] and a second position (S) [as shown in FIGs 3 and 5]. An imaginary axis of the carrier link (10) may be offset from an imaginary axis of the plurality of link (100) in second position (S). The imaginary axis of the carrier link (10) is substantially aligned with the imaginary axis of the plurality of links (100) in the first position (E). In some embodiments, the at least one carrier link (10) may be disposed offset to a longitudinal axis (A-A) of the plurality of links (100). The offset position of the at least one carrier link (10) may facilitate in positioning the at least one sensor (3) proximal to the surface of the conduit (111). Further, connecting links (2, 5) of the plurality of links adjacent to the carrier link (10). The connecting links (2, 5) may also be referred to as links (2, 5). The connecting link (2, 5) is configured to connect the plurality of links (100) to the carrier link (10) on either sides of the carrier link (10) and between the plurality of links (100). The at least one connecting link (2, 5) may be configured to connect the at least one carrier link (10) with the plurality of links (100) and may be adapted to displace the at least one carrier link (304) between the first position (E) and the second position (S). In the second position (S), the carrier link (10) may be configured to be raised relative to the other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with the conduit to detect thickness of the conduit (111). Furthermore, the device (300) may include an actuation unit (4) disposed across at least one carrier link (10) and operatively coupled to the connecting links (2, 5). The actuation unit (4) is configured to actuate the connecting link (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10). In an embodiment, the actuation unit (4) may include an actuation rod (11) coupled to both the link (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100) adjacent to the carrier link (10). Also, the actuation unit (4) also includes an actuator (12) operatively coupled to the actuation rod (11). In an embodiment, there may two actuation units one behind the other as shown in FIG. 5 for appropriate holding of the carrier link. The actuator (12) may be configured to extend or retract the actuation rod (11). In an embodiment, the actuation unit (4) may include a pneumatic cylinder (P) [as shown in FIG.6a]. The pneumatic cylinder (P) may be operated by a trigger module (9). The trigger module (9) may be associated with the control unit (8) and may be configured to trigger the pneumatic cylinder (P) to actuate the carrier link (10) to displace between the first position (E) and the second position (S). In another embodiment, the actuation unit (4) may include a motor and belt drive unit (M and D) [as shown in FIG.6b] configured to displace carrier link (10) between first position (E) and the second position (S). In some embodiments, the motor may be coupled to linear actuation mechanism such as lead screw or ball screw.

In an embodiment, the device (300) may include an image capturing unit (1). The image capturing unit (1) may be accommodated within a provision defined in at least one link of the plurality of links (100). In an illustrated embodiment, as seen in Fig. 3, a provision may be defined in a link at an end/starting of the plurality of links (100) ahead of the carrier link (10). The image capturing unit (1) may be configured to capture images within the conduit (111) and provide visuals of any blockages and profile within the conduit (111). In an embodiment, the image capturing unit (1) may be including but not limited to a camera, a proximity sensor, image sensor, light sensor, and the like. The image capturing unit (1) may be configured to determine the position of the carrier link (10) within the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the system (500) as described above may include the control unit (8). The control unit (8) may be communicatively coupled to the device (300). In an embodiment, the control unit (8) may be communicatively coupled to the sensor (3) and may be configured to analyze and determine thickness of the conduit, based on signals sensed by the sensor (3). Further, in another embodiment, device (300) may include a display screen [not shown in Figs.], which may be communicatively coupled to the control unit (8) and may be configured display images captured by the image capturing unit (1). Further, the display screen may be configured to display the measurement values and location of the measurement.

FIG.7 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a flowchart of the method for detecting thickness of the conduit (111).

As illustrated in FIG.7, the method comprises one or more blocks illustrating the method for determining flowchart for detecting thickness of the conduit (111). The method may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions. Generally, computer-executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof

Referring to FIG.7, which illustrates the method for detecting thickness of the conduit (111). In an illustrated embodiment, the conduit (111) includes the inlet/outlet port (130) perpendicular to the passageway of the conduit (111) and the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since the conduit (111) may include inlet and outlet port defined within the passageway of the conduit (111). Further, the device (300) may be positioned along the inlet/outlet port (130). In an embodiment, the device (300) may be positioned within the guide tube (370). Upon positioning the device (300) at the inlet/outlet port (130), the device (300) may be displaced towards the conduit (111). As shown at block 101, the device (300) may be introduced into the conduit (111) and displaced into the channel defined in the conduit (111). The device (300) may be displaced within the channel of the conduit until the inspection region is reached.

As shown at block 102, once the device (300) reaches the point of inspection, the actuation unit (4) may be actuated by the control unit (8). Once the actuation unit (4) is actuated, the actuation unit (4) may operate the carrier link (10) between the first position (E) and the second position (S) through the at least one link (2, 5) of the plurality of links (100). In the second position (S), the carrier link (10) is configured to be raised relative to other links of the plurality of links (100) to bring the sensor (3) in contact with a surface of the conduit (111). In an embodiment, the device (300) may be introduced into the conduit (111) with the presence of the coolant liquid. As shown at block 103 and 104 upon abutting of the sensor (3) to the surface of the conduit (111), the control unit (8) may operate the sensor (3) to generate the signals to propagate into the inner surface of the conduit (111). In an embodiment, the coolant acts as coupling medium between the sensor (3) and the surface of the conduit (111). The coupling medium facilitates the transmission of ultrasonic waves from sensor to the conduit (111). The coupling medium displaces the air and allows sound energy into the surface of the conduit (111) such that a usable ultrasonic signal can be obtained. In other words, the coupling medium eliminates vacuum present and enables smooth flow of ultrasonic signals to the conduit (111). The signals or waves which are transmitted into the inner surface of the conduit (111) and received back by the sensor (3) for determining the thickness of the conduit (111). In an embodiment, the sensor (3) may continuously determine thickness of the conduit (111), during traversing of the device (300) within the conduit (111), thereby determining the thickness at a point along the length of the conduit (111). The result i.e., the thickness may be displayed by the display unit.

In an embodiment, the inlet/outlet port (130) may be defined diagonal or traverse to the conduit (111). Further, the inlet/outlet port (130) may be defined in line with the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the device (300) may be automatically displaced into the conduit (111) by an actuator such as but not limiting to a motor, a robot, and the like that may be actuated by the control unit (8). Further, the device (300) may be manually displaced into the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the device (300) may be coupled with a feeder assembly [not shown in figs.]. The feeder assembly may be a chain link assembly which may be configured to displace the device (300) into the conduit (111) and along the length of the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the control unit (8) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit (8) may include functional units such as a pulser/receiver, digitizer, transducer and a data acquisition system. The pulser/receiver may be configured to produce a high voltage electrical pulse. Further, driven by the pulser, the transducer may generate ultrasonic waves. The waves may propagate through the coolant and then the surface of the conduit (111). When there may be any discontinuity i.e., interface/crack in the wave path, only a part of the wave will be reflected from the discontinuity. The reflected wave signal may be then transformed into an electrical signal by the transducer and could be displayed on the display screen. Furthermore, the velocity of the waves through the surface of the conduit (111) and the travel time of the waves, may be directly converted to determine the thickness of the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the system (500) is simple in construction which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance.

In an embodiment, the device (300) is configured to enter into the conduit (111) without any external intervention and automatically aligns and interacts with the inner surface of the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the device (300) is configured to utilize the already present coolant in the conduit (111) as the propagation medium for measuring the thickness of the conduit (111) and eliminates extra mechanism for spraying propagating medium onto the surface of the conduit (111).

In an embodiment, the system (500) and the device (300) of the present disclosure allows measurement to be made relatively inexpensive by eliminating complex mechanism like bellows and pneumatic actuators for travel of the device (300).

It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the device (300), the system (500) and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
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 particular 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 analogous 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.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
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.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
500 System
300 Device
200 Blast furnace
100 Plurality of links
1 Image capturing unit
2, 5 Adjacent link/connecting link
3 Sensor
4 Actuating unit
7 Plurality of links
8 Control unit
9 Trigger module
10 Carrier link
11 Actuation rod
12 Actuator
P Pneumatic cylinder
M and D Motor and belt unit
First position E
Second position S
101-104 Flowchart blocks