Description:F O R M 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
The Patent Rule, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)

ENCLOSURE FOR SENSORY PROBE AND REMOTELY OPERATED SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE

PLANYS TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.,
AN INDIAN COMPANY, HAVING ADDRESS AT
NO. 5 JAYA NAGAR EXTENSION, BALAJI NAGAR MAIN RD, G.K. AVENUE, PUZHUTHIVAKKAM, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU 600091

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

TECHNICAL FIELD
[1] The present invention relates to an enclosure for a sensory probe and a remotely operated submersible vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[2] Storage tanks that store volatile and non-volatile fluids need to be periodically inspected for smooth day to day operation and to prevent unplanned maintenance or downtimes, catastrophic damages and loss of lives. A conventional inspection process involves draining the contents of the tank to a holding tank to facilitate personnel assisted inspection. Prior to inspection, the tank needs to be made safe for human entry. This typically involves removing hazardous hydrocarbon flumes, raising scaffolding and other operational safety requirements, sand blasting, and clearing the tank floor off corrosion products. Visual inspection or non-destructive testing (NDT) is then performed on the tank floor and any areas of concern are investigated and appropriate maintenance procedures are employed. However, such a conventional process is cumbersome and is often hazardous to the personnel involved in inspection. In order to mitigate these risks and to significantly reduce downtimes, robotic systems capable of on-line inspection are preferred in recent times which do not require emptying the contents of the tank to carry out inspection.
[3] In an on-line robotic inspection methodology, a robotic system is deployed from a manhole on the roof of the tank. The system may be controlled by a pilot from a control module at a safe distance away from hazardous or explosive substances such as hydrocarbons. The robotic system carries numerous payloads including non-destructive testing equipment, position and depth sensors, and data processing and relay modules to enable end-to-end inspection of the subcomponents of the tank without having to decommission the entire tank or remove its products.
[4] Non-destructive testing techniques for on-line inspection of a storage tank floor that use ultrasonic, magnetic flux, and eddy current based probes are known. For example, US20180306667A1 describes a remotely operated vehicle capable of performing ultrasonic inspection in explosive environments while being submerged. The vehicle of US20180306667A1 makes use of sensors and operational methodological arrangements for safe operation, which is expensive.
[5] Accordingly, there has been identified a need for a cost-effective solution of providing a protective enclosure for a probe to ensure safe operation of the probe in explosive and immersed conditions. For a reliable non-destructive testing system, it is required to design an enclosure to protect the probe from damage that may result while the probe interacts with its environment, and to avoid explosion of the probe in an explosive chemical atmosphere. A conventional unmanned robotic inspection system includes a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer mounted in the system and a matching member encapsulating said transducer. A pulser is used to supply an energising voltage to the piezoelectric transducer, resulting in a reverse piezoelectric effect (the so-called inverse effect) leading to rapid morphological changes in the transducer. These pulses are then transmitted to the matching member by means of a fluid couplant provided between the transducer and the matching member. The pulses are reflected at each interface of the surface to be investigated and re-transmitted via the matching member, causing mechanical vibration to be applied to the piezoelectric transducer. This mechanical vibration is converted into an electrical signal by the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric transducer (the so-called direct effect) which can be observed by means of a diagnostic equipment.
[6] However, it has been identified that the matching member degrades over time and repeated use, which affects the accuracy of inspection. In case of a conventional on-line inspection vehicle system wherein the sensory probe is encapsulated by the matching member, it is required to disassemble the entire probe assembly to replace the matching member, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. The quantity and hence the cost of the matching member also becomes high. Further, in case where the operating fluid in which the vehicle maneuvers is changed, a different vehicle configured with the corresponding matching member for that operating fluid needs to be employed for inspecting a submerged surface in that operating fluid. This requires having different vehicles for different operating fluid environments, which is not economical. It has been observed that the conventional vehicle systems lack the flexibility of replacement of matching member in an easy, convenient, and inexpensive manner. Further, there has been identified a need to devise an enclosure for a probe that is intrinsically safe against explosions in the operating fluid. Additionally, there has also been identified a need to mitigate a risk of air entrapment between the sensory probe and the matching member as well as between the matching member and the surface to be examined, so as to avoid inaccuracies in inspection. Accordingly, there exists a long-standing need to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[7] Accordingly, the inventors of the present application have devised an enclosure for a sensory probe that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems and any other associated problems identifiable by a person skilled in the art.
[8] An aspect of the present invention pertains to an enclosure for a sensory probe of a non-destructive testing system for inspecting submerged surfaces, said enclosure comprising: a sleeve for accommodating at least one sensory probe and a couplant therein, said sleeve having a first end and a second end; a first end cap sealably and removably fixed at the first end of the sleeve for removably inserting said sensory probe into the sleeve; a flange attached to the second end of the sleeve, said flange including an extended surface having at least one first cut-out portion; and a second end cap provided with a central through hole, said second end cap having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve for sealably and removably accommodating a matching member between the second end cap and an inner surface of the flange, said matching member configured to transmit pulses from the sensory probe towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface towards the sensory probe through the central through hole, said second end cap having at least one second cut-out portion at an outer periphery thereof extending up to the matching member, said second cut-out portion configured to overlap with the first cut-out portion of the flange, thereby avoiding air entrapment between the matching member and the surface under inspection upon submersal of the enclosure, thus enhancing the accuracy of inspection.
[9] In another aspect, the present invention provides a remotely operated submersible vehicle for inspecting submerged surfaces, said vehicle comprising: a chassis frame; a non-destructive testing system housed in said chassis frame, said non-destructive testing system having at least one sensory probe, and an enclosure for housing said sensory probe therein, the enclosure comprising: a sleeve for accommodating at least one sensory probe and a couplant therein, said sleeve having a first end and a second end; a first end cap sealably and removably fixed at the first end of the sleeve for removably inserting said sensory probe into the sleeve; a flange attached to the second end of the sleeve, said flange including an extended surface having at least one first cut-out portion; and a second end cap provided with a central through hole, said second end cap having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve for sealably and removably accommodating a matching member between the second end cap and an inner surface of the flange, said matching member configured to transmit pulses from the sensory probe towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface towards the sensory probe through the central through hole, said second end cap having at least one second cut-out portion at an outer periphery thereof extending up to the matching member, said second cut-out portion configured to overlap with the first cut-out portion of the flange, thereby avoiding air entrapment between the matching member and the surface under inspection upon submersal of the enclosure, thus enhancing the accuracy of inspection.
[10] The present invention provides a means to conveniently replace the matching member. Further, the configuration of the enclosure allows the matching member to be inexpensive. The enclosure provides intrinsic safety to the sensory probe, by acting as a mechanical barrier against explosions in the working fluid, thereby avoiding said explosions to reach towards the sensory probe. The enclosure of the present invention avoids air entrapment between the probe and the matching member as well as in a gap between a bottom surface of the matching layer to a surface under inspection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[11] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[12] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the enclosure according to an exemplary / preferrable embodiment of the invention;
[13] Figure 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross section view of the enclosure according to the embodiment; and
[14] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the parts of the enclosure shown along with a sensory probe according to the embodiment.
[15] Like reference signs have been used that refer to like elements throughout the description and drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[16] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these details.
[17] One skilled in the art will recognize that various implementations of the present disclosure, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
[18] However, the systems are not limited to the specific implementations described herein. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known mechanisms are not described in detail.
[19] Furthermore, connections between components within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components may be modified or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
[20] References in the present disclosure to “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “according to an embodiment” at various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[21] The terminology used in the present disclosure is only for the purpose of explaining the embodiments and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the expression “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “include”, “has” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[22] In general, the present invention describes an enclosure for a sensory probe of a non-destructive testing system for inspecting submerged surfaces. The enclosure of the present invention has a configuration that allows for easy and convenient replacement of a matching member, and also avoids air entrapment between the matching member and the surface under inspection when the enclosure is submerged.
[23] The enclosure of the present invention can be used in submersible vehicles such as submarines, remotely operated submersible vehicles (ROV), autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) systems etc. or in submersible systems or regions of boats and ships.
[24] An aspect of the invention provides an enclosure for a sensory probe of a non-destructive testing system for inspecting submerged surfaces. The enclosure comprises a sleeve for accommodating at least one sensory probe and a couplant therein. The sleeve has a first end and a second end. A first end cap is sealably and removably connected to the first end of the sleeve for removably inserting the sensory probe into the sleeve. A flange is attached to the second end of the sleeve. The flange includes an extended surface having at least one first cut-out portion. A second end cap having an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the sleeve sealably and removably accommodates a matching member between the second end cap and an inner surface of the flange. The second end cap has a central through hole configured to allow the matching member to transmit pulses from the sensory probe towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface towards the sensory probe. The second end cap includes at least one second cut-out portion at its outer periphery, that extends up to the matching member. The first and the second cut-out portions referred herein are through-holes. The second cut-out portion of the second end cap is configured to overlap with the first cut-out portion of the flange, thereby avoiding air entrapment between the matching member and the surface under inspection upon submersal of the enclosure thus enhancing accuracy of inspection.
[25] According to the embodiment, the second cap has an inner diameter lesser than the inner diameter of the flange.
[26] According to an embodiment, the second cap has an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the sleeve.
[27] According to an embodiment, the sensory probe is an ultrasonic transducer.
[28] According to an embodiment, the sensory probe is a piezoelectric transducer.
[29] According to an embodiment, the enclosure comprises one or more annular rings at at least one of the first end cap and the sleeve at an inner surface thereof, for concentrically self-aligning the sensory probe with respect to the sleeve for accurately positioning the sensory probe dispensing high tolerance requirements of the internal walls of the enclosure.
[30] According to an embodiment, the first end cap comprises an orifice for sealably passing a transmission lead therethrough for enabling a connection of said transmission lead with the sensory probe.
[31] According to an embodiment, the flange has internal threads configured to mesh with external threads of the second end cap for removably accommodating the matching member between the second end cap and the flange.
[32] According to an embodiment, the first end cap is screwed into the sleeve at the first end of the sleeve.
[33] According to an embodiment, the flange includes a mounting groove for sealably and removably gripping a peripheral region of the matching member.
[34] According to an embodiment, the matching member is made of polypropylene.
[35] According to an embodiment, the couplant is at least one of a water-based gel, honey, or grease.
[36] In an implementation, the enclosure is inserted into a storage tank for determining thickness profiles of internal surfaces of the tank by the sensory probe.
[37] In the detailed description, various features are grouped together in an exemplary embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The following embodiment is not intended to unreasonably limit the contents of the invention.
[First Exemplary and/or Preferrable Embodiment]
[38] Referring to Figures 1-3, the present invention provides an enclosure (100) for a sensory probe (200) of a non-destructive testing system for inspecting submerged surfaces. The enclosure (100) of the present embodiment is designed to completely seal and enclose the sensory probe (200) while allowing energy or sensing signals to pass through the enclosure (100) towards a submerged surface under inspection.
[39] The enclosure (100) comprises a sleeve (110) for accommodating at least one sensory probe (200) and a couplant therein. In the present embodiment, the sensory probe (200) is a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. The sleeve (110) has a first end (112) or a top end, and a second end (114) or a bottom end. A first end cap (130) is sealably and removably connected to the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) for removably inserting the sensory probe (200) into the sleeve (110). The first end cap (130) may have internal threads configured mesh with the external threads of the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) to establish a removable connection. A flange (120) is attached to the second end (114) of the sleeve (110). The flange (120) may be a separate part mounted to the second end (114) of the sleeve (110) or the flange (120) may be integrally molded or formed with the second end (114) of the sleeve (110). The flange (120) includes an extended surface (125) having at least one first cut-out portion (122). The said extended surface (125) may be a surface protruding from the cross section of the flange (120) joined at the second end (114) of the sleeve (110). The extended surface (125) may be substantially perpendicular to the cross section of the flange (120) at the interface of the second end (114) of the sleeve (110). The enclosure (100) comprises a second end cap (140) which has a diameter lesser than the diameter of the flange (120). The second end cap (140) has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the sleeve (110). The second end cap (140) has a central through-hole (145). The second end cap (140) is sealably and removably connected to an inner surface of the flange (140) for removably accommodating a matching member (150) between the second end cap and the said inner surface of the flange (140). The second end cap (140) has external threads that are configured to mesh with internal threads provided at the inner surface of the flange (140) to establish a removable connection. That is, the matching member (150) is removable through a convenient threaded assembly to allow for easy replacement of the matching member (150). Therefore, depending on the operating fluid of the tank, the matching material can be changed conveniently.
[40] The central through hole (145) of the second end cap (140) allows the matching member (150) to transmit pulses from the sensory probe (200) towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface under inspection towards the sensory probe (200). The matching member (150) is removably lodged proximate to a transmitting end of the sensory probe (200) to allow ultrasonic energy to pass through with minimal losses. In the present embodiment, a polypropylene matching member (150) is employed. However, the material choice of the matching member (150) is not limited thereto. The desired properties of the matching member (150) can be calculated, and appropriate material composition can be adopted as per the end-application. The choice of matching material is dependent on the material to be inspected, the fluid medium of operation, frequency of the ultrasonic waves, etc. The property affecting this choice is the impedance of sound in the path that the ultrasound travels. The choice of the matching material must be such that the impedance is matching between different mediums in the path of the ultrasonic wave.
[41] The couplant ensures that the matching member (150) and the sensory probe (200) are in proper contact so as to ensure an efficient transmission of energy. Generally, gel-like fluid couplants are used. Any fluid compatible with the sensory probe (200) such as water-based gel, honey, grease, etc. may be used as the couplant. The flange (120) may include a groove (G1) to at least partially accommodate an annular ring to ensure that the couplant does not leak out when the sensory probe (200) or the matching member (150) is inserted. The matching member (150) forms a seal between the flange (120) and the second end cap (140), which also helps in avoiding a leak of the couplant to the surrounding of the enclosure (100). The couplant helps in avoiding air entrapment within the sleeve (100), between the sensory probe (200) and the matching member (150).
[42] The sleeve (110), the flange (120), the first end cap (130), and the second end cap (140) may be made of metallic materials or alloys. However, the material nature of the said components is not limited thereto. The material of the sleeve (110), the flange (120), the first end cap (130), and the second end cap (140) may be suitably selected based on the end-application.
[43] In the present embodiment, the flange (120) includes the extended surface (125) having first cut-out portions (122) as mentioned earlier. The second end cap (140) has second cut-out portions (142) at its outer periphery. The second cut-out portions (142) of the second end cap (140) are configured to overlap with the first cut-out portions (122) of the flange (120) when the second end cap (140) is mounted or screwed into the flange (120). The second cut-out portions (142) of the second end cap (140) extend up to the matching member (150), particularly up to the bottom surface of the matching member (150). These second cut-out portions (142) are configured to overlap with the first cut-out portions (122) of the flange (120). In some other embodiments, there may be a single first cut-out portion (122) overlapping with one or more second cut-out portions (142). In some other embodiments, there may be a plurality of first cut-out portions (122) overlapping with a single second cut-out portion (142). In the present preferable embodiment, each first cut-out portion (122) of the flange (120) overlaps with a corresponding second cut-out portion (142) of the second end cap (140). The said first and second cut-out portions (122, 142) are through-holes. In some embodiments, the first and second cut-out portions (122, 142) both extend up to the matching member, particularly up to the bottom surface of the matching member closest to the surface under inspection. Such overlapping arrangements of the first and second cut-out portions (122, 142) as described in the foregoing helps in avoiding air entrapment between the matching member (150) and the surface under inspection when the enclosure (100) is submerged in a working fluid, thereby enhancing the accuracy of inspection.
[44] In some embodiments, the flange (120) may include internal threads configured to mesh with external threads of the second end cap (140) for removably accommodating the matching material (150) between the second end cap (140) and the flange (120). The flange (120) may also include a mounting groove for sealably and removably gripping a peripheral region of the matching member (150).
[45] The flange (120) comprises a groove (G2) (Refer Figure 2) for housing an annular ring therein, so as to provide an effective seal for the matching member (150). Another groove (G3) is provided on the first end cap (130) at an interface between the first end cap (130) and the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) to at least partially accommodate an annular ring therein, to maintain a concentric relation between the probe (200) to the sleeve (110). In other embodiments, at least one of the first end cap (130) and the sleeve (110) comprise one or more annular rings at their inner surfaces. This allows for accurate positioning of the sensory probe (200) in the sleeve (110). Hence, the tolerance requirements for machining the internal walls of the enclosure (100) can be drastically eased. In other words, high tolerance requirements of the internal walls of the enclosure (100) can be dispensed.
[46] In the present embodiment, the first end cap (130) comprises an orifice for sealably passing a transmission lead (160) therethrough for enabling a connection of the transmission lead (160) with the sensory probe (200). However, in alternate embodiments, there could be multiple sensory probes housed in the enclosure and multiple transmission leads could be passed through the first end cap to connect with the sensory probes. In the present embodiment, the said orifice of the first end cap (130) is sealed with epoxy resin or any other suitable sealant. The transmission lead (160) may not be a singular element, but there could also be a plurality of transmission leads in other embodiments. Power and data are transmitted to and from respectively from sensory probe (200) through the transmission lead(s) (160).
[47] In the present embodiment, the first end cap (130), the second end cap (140) and the flange (120) have a circular cross section. In other words, the first end cap (120), the second end cap (140) and the flange (120) are cylindrical. In other embodiments, the first end cap, the second end cap and the flange may have non-circular cross sections.
[48] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of parts of the enclosure (100) along with the sensory probe (200). The assembly of enclosure (100) for non-destructive testing may be made as described in the following. The sensory probe (200) is inserted into the sleeve (110) of the enclosure (100) till the annular ring-sealing groove (G1). A couplant of desired material is then filled into the sleeve (110) from the bottom end (114) or the second end (114) of the sleeve (110). The matching member (150) is then positioned at the bottom of the flange (120). The second end cap (140) is screwed to an inner surface of the flange (120) to position and affix the matching member (150) in place. Thus, the couplant is sealed within the enclosure (100) and is arrested from leaking outside the enclosure (100). The transmission lead (160) and any other cables are passed through the orifice of the first end cap (130) for connecting with the sensory probe (200). The first end cap (130) is then screwed onto the first end (112) of the sleeve (110).
[49] In another assembly method, the first end cap (130) may be screwed onto the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) prior to the insertion of the sensory probe (200) or prior to filling the enclosure (100) with the couplant. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned assembly methods. A person skilled in the art may contemplate and devise different assembly sequences by referring to the foregoing description whilst ensuring that the contents of the enclosure (100) are sufficiently sealed from its surrounding operating fluid.
[50] In an implementation, the enclosure (100) is submerged in a storage tank containing a fluid, so that the sensory probe (200) can be used to carry out inspection of the storage tank surfaces. Determination and/or measurement of thickness profiles of submerged surfaces of the tank, including the shell wall, the roof, and the bottom plate is crucial in inspection, as it makes it possible to determine the extent of deposition of scales and/or hazardous matter on the tank surfaces. Based on the inspection results, appropriate measures may be employed for the maintenance of the tank. This is particularly helpful in inspecting storage tanks carrying hazardous and inflammable liquids such as hydrocarbons. The enclosure may be made of materials suited to withstand explosions in such liquid environments. Surfaces of the enclosure may also be coated with fire retardant or fireproof coatings for enhanced safety of the enclosure and the sensor housed therein.
[51] Another aspect of the present invention discloses a remotely operated submersible vehicle for inspecting submerged surfaces. The vehicle comprises a chassis frame and a non-destructive testing system housed in said chassis frame. The said testing system includes at least one sensory probe (200). The vehicle further comprises an enclosure (100) for housing said sensory probe (200) therein. The enclosure (100) according to an embodiment has the configuration as described in the first exemplary and/or preferable embodiment.
[52] Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:
a) The present invention provides a means to conveniently replace the matching member. Further, the configuration of the enclosure allows the matching member to be inexpensive.
b) The enclosure of the present invention avoids air entrapment between the probe and the matching member as well as in a gap between a bottom surface of the matching layer to a surface under inspection.
c) The enclosure of the present invention is intrinsically safe against explosions in the operating fluid.
d) The enclosure of the present invention enables the sensory probe to be concentric to the enclosure with high degree of accuracy without high tolerance requirements during machining with the provision of annular rings which self-align the probe to the enclosure.
[53] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.
, Claims:We claim:

1. An enclosure (100) for a sensory probe (200) of a non-destructive testing system for inspecting submerged surfaces, said enclosure (100) comprising:
a sleeve (110) for accommodating at least one sensory probe (200) and a couplant therein, said sleeve (110) having a first end (112) and a second end (114);
a first end cap (130) sealably and removably fixed at the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) for removably inserting said sensory probe (200) into the sleeve (110);
a flange (120) attached to the second end (114) of the sleeve (110), said flange (120) including an extended surface (125) having at least one first cut-out portion (122); and
a second end cap (140) provided with a central through hole (145), said second end cap (140) having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve (110) for sealably and removably accommodating a matching member (150) between the second end cap (140) and an inner surface of the flange (120), said matching member (150) configured to transmit pulses from the sensory probe (200) towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface towards the sensory probe (200) through the central through hole (145),
said second end cap (140) having at least one second cut-out portion (142) at an outer periphery thereof extending up to the matching member (150), said second cut-out portion (142) configured to overlap with the first cut-out portion (122) of the flange (120), thereby avoiding air entrapment between the matching member (150) and the surface under inspection upon submersal of the enclosure (100), thus enhancing the accuracy of inspection.

2. The enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end cap (130) comprises an orifice for sealably passing a transmission lead (160) therethrough for enabling a connection of said transmission lead (160) with the sensory probe (200).

3. The enclosure (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flange (120) has internal threads configured to mesh with external threads of the second end cap (140) for removably accommodating the matching member (150) between the second end cap (140) and the flange (120)

4. The enclosure (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the enclosure (100) comprises one or more annular rings at at least one of the first end cap (130) and the sleeve (110) at an inner surface thereof, for concentrically self-aligning the sensory probe (200) with respect to the sleeve (110) thereby accurately positioning the sensory probe (200) and dispensing high tolerance requirements of the internal walls of the enclosure (100).
5. The enclosure (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flange (120) includes a mounting groove for sealably and removably gripping a peripheral region of the matching member (150).

6. The enclosure (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the matching member (150) is made of polypropylene.

7. The enclosure (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the couplant is at least one of a water-based gel, honey, or grease.

8. The enclosure (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the enclosure (100) is inserted into a storage tank for determining thickness profiles of internal surfaces of the tank by the sensory probe (200).

9. A remotely operated submersible vehicle for inspecting submerged surfaces, said vehicle comprising:
a chassis frame;
a non-destructive testing system housed in said chassis frame, said testing system having at least one sensory probe (200) and an enclosure (100) for housing said sensory probe (200) therein, said enclosure (100) comprising:
a sleeve (110) for accommodating the sensory probe (200) and a couplant therein, said sleeve having a first end (112) and a second end (114),
a first end cap (130) sealably and removably fixed at the first end (112) of the sleeve (110) for removably inserting said sensory probe (200) into the sleeve (110),
a flange (120) attached to the second end (114) of the sleeve (110), said flange (120) including an extended surface (125) having at least one first cut-out portion (122); and
a second end cap (140) provided with a central through hole (145), said second end cap (140) having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the sleeve (110) for sealably and removably accommodating a matching member (150) between the second end cap (140) and an inner surface of the flange (120), said matching member (150) configured to transmit pulses from the sensory probe (200) towards a surface under inspection and to transmit reflected pulses from said surface towards the sensory probe (200) through the central through hole (145),
said second end cap (140) having at least one second cut-out portion (142) at an outer periphery thereof extending up to the matching member (150),said second cut-out portion (142) configured to overlap with the first cut-out portion (122) of the flange (120), thereby avoiding air entrapment between the matching member (150) and the surface under inspection upon submersal of the enclosure (100), thus enhancing the accuracy of inspection.

10. The remotely operated submersible vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensory probe (200) is a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer.
Dated this 06th day of July, 2023
For PLANYS TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.
By their Agent


(D. MANOJ KUMAR) (IN/PA-2110)
KRISHNA & SAURASTRI ASSOCIATES LLP