3~
Case IS/16176
~J~83-0072)
T~~P_~Ea~ E~ ÇQ~
S ~A~ D ~F ~E ~JF~ImT~O~
-~~ This invention relates to devices ror
inspection and measurement or pipe threads and, more
particularly, to the inspection of pipe threads
utilized in oil-drilling eaui?ment to determine that
such threads are wit~in tolerances.
Threaded couplings and the threaded
end-por.ions of pipes are used for joining pipes
together in numerous situations ranging from
~5 applications in the home to industrial applications.
In certain situations, particularly in the c~se of
oil-drilling equipment, pipes naving 2 relatively large
diameter and long lengths are employed. Such pipes
re~uire a correspondingly large area of thread to
ensure adequate strength to a threaded joint. To
ensure ease or joining such pipes, and to insure that
tbe resulting joints will h2ve adeauate strength and
*
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will not leak, it is essential that t~e thr~ads be made
with su~ricient precision to allow t:he threaded
enc-portion of a pipe to be pro~erly threaded into a
cou~ling.
A problem arises with res~ect to the
ins~ection ~rocess for determining that ad`equate
precision is ?resent in the pipe thread, namely, that
the process is not accomplished as readily zs wculd be
desired and that, furthermore, not all measurement
parameters can be inspected by existing ins~ection
equipment. mhe parameters of a thread w~ich are useful
in deter~ining the accuracy of fit in a joint are
ciscussed - in the American Petroleum Institute
Specification 5B. These lnclude lead error, thread
; helght error, pitch line non-lineari,y, 2verase taper
znd in,erval taper. Reference is made to p~ 2 & 14 o
the API Specirication for a discussion of the latter
two parameters. The problem is compounded in that,
heretorore, more than one article of measuring
equipment needed to be employed in the measurement of
these par2meters while no commercially available
equipment ~ppears to be available for measurement of
~59~3 ~
the pitch line non-linearitv
The follcwing U S Patents are exemplzr~ of
the s.ate of the art~ A portable thread measuring
device for mezsuring the distance of a pipe thread to
t~e end o the pipe is taught in the ~orton 4,184,265
Devices for measuring taper are shown in Dietrich
~` 3,961,047, Mittenbergs 3,047,960 and ~ossztl 4,139,9~7
A device for measurement of pitch or a thread is taught
in Raifesh 3,827,154, Peterson 2,937,458, Schasteen
a,202,109 and Heslin 3,271,872 A device for gauaing
tle shape of threads is taught in Johnson 3,318,011
Devices for measuring thread diame~er are taught in
Reish 3,~32,935
,5 S~MMA~V OF T~E I~E~TTON
The foregoing problem is overcome by
measuring inspection apparatus wnich incor?orates the
invention so as to provide for the measurement and
tolerance inspection of all or the foregoins ~arameters
of pipe .hread This is accomplished bv a sincle
measuring device, or tool, comprising an assembly of
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probes and transducers
It is thus an object of the lnvention to
provide a measurement tool which is readily a~ached to
a ?ipe thread to provide a set of readin~s of the
foregoing parameters arter which the tool is readily
deiached from the pipe to permit use of the pipe Such
readings can be taken simultaneousl~ T~e tool is able
to take a ~ultiplicity of thread measurenents within
the confines of one instrument The tool also has the
advantage or taking a wide range of pipe sizes and
measuring both internal and external t;~eads The tool
is capable of very accurate readings without 2 good
- ceal or operator experience since it is an automatlc
system once properly set on the threads and ac.ivated
-~5 and is a ~hands off n sys~em This is because the
o~erator is not reauired to have direct interac'ion
with the sensor assembly during the takins of
measurements In fact, the operator need not have any
direct interaction with the tool as a whole, once
ins.alled and activated, during the measurenent phase~
Fur.hermore, the pipe being measured does not need to
be in a horizontal position for reliable readin~s since
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it can be measured in situ, or in its existing
position.
In accordance with the invention, the
neasurement tool comprises a palr of ar~s configured
; as jaws or gripping the pipe or coupling, each arm
having a handle on its end. One of the jaws contacts
- ~ the outside surface of the threaded portion of a pipe
. .,
or coupling while the other jaw contacts the inner
surface of the pipe or coupling. The tool is readily
held Dy its handle and tne jaws are reacily opened and
closed to facilitate manual attachment and detachment
or the tool from the thread being inspected.
In one embodiment, the tool incl~des an
assembly of sensors and probes 'or cetectins the
"t.5 positions of portions of the pipe thread. The sensor
assembly is mounted on one of the jaws which also
serves as a base ror an inclinometer. The second jaw
pivotably connects with the first jaw and terminates in
a pair of contacts or legs which are placed against the
~o other surface of the pipe wall to secure tne tool rrom
wobbling. The first jaw includes a pair of contacts or
legs which are spaced apart in a direction parallel to
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the axis or the pipe being measured so as to secure the
tool from any rocking motion relat~ve to the pipe or
coupling. The two legs on the first ja~ and the two
legs on the second jaw work in collaDoration to assure
s stable support of the tool on the plpe.
Average tnread taper is me2sured bv the use
- of an inclinometer that is mounted on the first jaw.
Ta~er measurement requires that ~-~o measurements be
taken on the pipe thread; a first in the vicinity of
the top of the pipe thread and a second in the vicinity
of the bottom of the pipe thread. These two readings
of the inclinometer are then subtracted .^rom one
another to provide the true taper of the thread. As is
well kno~n, such ta~er facilitates the insertion or the
,~lS threaded end~portion of a pipe into a threaded
coupling. Proper tolerznces of such taper alas in the
fitting of the pipe to the couplins.
Thread height error is obtained by a set
or probes which comprise rod-shaped members slidably
mounted within a cvlindrical housing for movement
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
The probes are pointed for lnsertion into the troughs
~25~
of the threads. The probes are connect~d with
trznsducers which measure such motion. In addition,
each probe is moun~ed by a slide to the base of the
rirst jaw so as to permit lateral, or transverse,
motion in a direction generally parallel to the axis of
tne pipe îor alignment of the terminus or tip of 2
probe with the low point of a trough. 3y use of more
than one of the heisht measuring probes, it is possible
to obtain a plurality of such measurements
simultaneously for 2 more accurate determination of the
thread helght at various s~aced intervals along the
thr aced length.
Additional probes are mounted by slides to
the base of the first jaw for bo~h longitudinal motion
. .
in a direction normal to the axis of the pipe as well
as transverse motion in a direction parallel to the
axis of the pipe. These additional probes are
employed with transducers for measuring the transverse
motion so as to obtain the value of t~e lead error of
the thread. The probes utilized in tne lead error
measurement are terminated in ball (spherical) contacts
which set within the troughs of the thread. The legs
~2S~
which support the first jaw along the thread are
provided with ball contacts for inser~ion within the
thread troughs. To this end, one oî these legs is
~ounted in a sliding fashion to the first ~aw so as to
accommodate and lead error that misht exist between
these threads.
The non-llnearity of pitch line of the thre2d
is obtained by the use of probes displaceable in a
direction normal (or radial) to the axis of the pipe
which are terminated in ball-type contacts~ For this
purpose, it is advantageous to employ the two end legs
for providing reEerence values of height at the ends of
the base of the .irst jaw with the probes Ibeing
utilized to provide intermediary values of ~adial
displacement. Transducers are used to sense the
. .
displacement of the probes in the rzdial direction to
provide a set OL electrical sisnals representing the
deviation of the pitch line from a straight line drawn
between the two end legs. Such deviation is most
useful in determining whether the thread of the pipe
and the thread of the coupling will mate properly, or
whether there will be high spots ca~sing binding or low
~ll;25~g~3~
spots causing too loose a fitting with the ensuing loss
of integrity and leakage.
A further eature in the cons.ruction of the
assembly of the probes is the ln.erleaving of the
positions or the height error measurement probes with
the lead error measurement probes within a plane
containing the axis of the pipe so as to provide fo- a
better distribution of the measure~ent sites for each
of the roregoing measurements.
~o facilitate the ensuing disclosure of the
invention, the invention wi;1 be described with
reference to taking measurements principally or the
external thread of a pipe. However, it should be
understood that the tool is not limited to external
~'5 thread application. The tool is equally applica~le to
taking the same measurements on internally threaded
pipe. Indeed, it is considered an important aspect of
the tool that it can be used randomly ror measuring
internally or externally threaded pipes without any
change whatsoever to the tool.
.a~s~
- 9a -
According to a broad aspect of -the present inven-
tion there is provided a portabl.e, automatic thread inspec-
tion tool for measuring a plurality of parame-ters on a pipe
thread and the like in situ irrespective of whether the
thread is internal or external to the pipe. The tool
comprises frame means adapted to be readily installed over
the wall of a pipe from the pipe end~ Means is l.ocated on
the frame means for generating a first signal representative
of the thread height error. Means is also located on the
frame means for generating a second signal reresentative of
the thread lead error. Means is located on the frame means
for generating a third signal relating to the average taper
of the thread. Means is associated with the frame means for
receiving the first, second and third signals and generating
a displ.ay of the thread height error, thread lead error, and
average thread -taper rela-ting -to the thread being measured.
~25~
.
~ F pESC~I TIO~ ~F T~E D~
The aforementioned zspects and other eatures
of the invention are explained in the followlng
description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawing wherein:
Figure 1 is a stylized view of the measuring
tool of t~e invention shown attached to the threaded
portion of a pipe, and being connected to electrlcal
circuitry for processing the signals received from the
tool;
Figure 2 is an enlarged frac~entary view of
the tool of Figure 1, ~i~ure 2 showing a detailed
arrancement of the components of a sensor assem~ly of
~-i Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of ~ointed
probes 28C and 28E used in the thread height
measurement including a transducer, the probe also
being shown in Figure 2;
~igure 4 is a schematic illustration of the
ball probes, such as probe 28D, used to measure the
lead error, cumulative lead, and non-linearity of the
.. . . . .. . . . ..
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11
pitch line.
~igure 5a is a schematic lllustr2tion of the
probes on the thread area of a pipe similar to Flgure
2, but in simpler form.
s Flgure 5b is a chart showing the various
LVDTs used in the tool shown in ~igure 2.
Figure 6 is a sche~atic illustration of the
average taper measurement.
Figure 7 is a graphical lllustration of an
example of a theoretical pipe thre~d profile depicting
various as?ects of the thread.
Figure 8 is a graphical illustration of the
same thread profile show in Figure 7, but also
de~icting z ball type probe seated in tbe trough of t~e
thread.
,
~igure 9 is a graphical illustration or a
theoretical pipe thread profile showing four intervals
of measurement used to aetermine if non-lineari'y of
pitch line exists.
Figure 10 is a graphical illustration,
(without the thread being shown) of the same four
intervals of measurement as in l~igure 9, but in an
, . .. ~
," , ~Z~
actual pipe wherein there exists pitch line
non-linearity~
Figure ll i5 a chart showing sample
calculations of average taper, interval. taper, lead
error, non-linearity of pitch line and thread height
error.
Figure l~ is a schematic illustration of an
instrument to assure proper placement of the tool in
th e pipe.
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of
rragmentary portions of the pipe and tool showing the
support arrangement of the tool when installed on an
externally threaded pipe.
Figure 14a is a schematic illustration of the
~5 tool and pipe in Figure 13, but viewing it from the end
of the pi pe .
Figure 14b is a schematic illustration of the
same tool as in Figure 14a, but installed on an
internally threaded pipe.
Figures 14c and d are side by side views.
similar to Figures 14a and b, respectively, showing
that there is no change of distance bet-~een the 1st jaw
~ 3~
and prohes in using the tool for external and internal
threads.
Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of
three styles of tool that will cover practically all 8
S round casing pipe sizes.
Fisure 16 is an abbreviated block diasram of
the signal processor sbown in Figure l.
Figure 17a shows the standoff system of the
tool when the stando~f ball probe falls within the
established range of the standoff mechanism.
Figures 17b and c show the standoff system o
the tool when the standoff ball probe falls outside the
established range of the standoff mechanism.
Figure 18 shows a sample printout from the
thread measurement system.
Figure l shows a stylized view of a thread
measurement system 20 for measurement of th~
characteris~ics o~ the thread 22 of a pipe 24. The
system 20 includes a measurement tool 26 which
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14
incorporates the inventlon and co~prises a set or
probes 28 which contac~ the thread 22 ror measuring tbe
thread characteristics. Also included in the sys~em 20
is a cor.sole 30 comprising a display 32 which ~resents
s inrormation such as the characteristic being measured
and the value of the measurement under control of push
buttons of a keyboard 34 on the console 30. Also
included in the console 30 is a signal processor 36
which is electrically connected via cables 37-~8 to the
tool 26 for extracting data from the sisnals detected
by the probes 28. The aata is coupled from the
processor 36 to the display 32 for presentation to an
operator of the system 20. A printer can lalso be
coupled with the console to create a hard copv record
of the mezsurements. A sample record produced by such
a prin.er ln conformanc~ with the measurements or the
various parame.ers as described hereinarter is shown in
Figure 18.
The tool 26 measures the following
characteristics of the thread 22; the taper, the lead
error, the height error, and 'he non-lineari.y of the
pitch line. Taper is the increase in the pitch diameter
33~
of the thread, in inches per foot, me2sured within an
axial plzne of the pipe 24. Lead is the distance r^rom
a point on a thread turn to a corres?onding ~oint on
the ne~t t:-~read turn measured in an axial ~lane of the
S pipe 24 parallel to ~he longitudinal axis or the pipe.
Height is the distance between the crest and the root,
- or trough, measured in an axial plane of Lhe pipe 24
normal or ~erpendicular to the longitudinal a~is of the
pipe. These measurements and others may be taken
simultaneously and, furthermore, mav be taken while the
Dipe is in situ; that ls, in its existins posi'ion such
as being stacked for storase. As mentloned above, this
description of the construction and operation of the
tool 26 is being presented principally with respect to
! `'5 the me surement of the ext~rnal thread o~ a pipe, it
being unders.ood that this description applies in an
analogous rashion to the internal thread of a coupling
(as shown in Figure l~d).
he tool 26 is formed as a set of two arms
which are hinged about a pivot 40 whereby the two arms
can grip the thread 22 in the manner or a pair of jaws.
The upper arm or jaw is formed as a base 42 which
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supports 2 sensor assembly 44 and ~n incli~ometer 46,
a.nd terminates in a handle 48. The lower arm or jaw 50
terminates a' its back end in a handle 52 opposite the
handle 48. -
~he front end of the jaw 50, as may be seen
in a cut away.portion of t;ne pipe 24, supports 2 ~zir
of contacts 53-54 which, in this e~bodiment, have a
rounded ror~ and are spaced apart along a transverse
plane or the pipe 24 for contacting the inner surrace
of the threaded portion of the pipe 24~ A spring 56 is
disposed bet~een the base 42 and the lower j2W 50 ~or
urging these two together for gripping .he thread 22.
Figure 13 shows oné manner in which the tool
is supported for taking measurements on an externally
~l~ threaded pipe. Probes 28 are supported by base 42 and
are aligned in a plane on one side of the pipe wallr
the thread side, while contacts 53 and 54 (or loading
balls) are supported by lower ar~ or jaw 50 of the tool
on the other side of the pipe wall, the non~threaded
side~ Contacts 53 and 54 are located so as to
substantially equalize the load on probe 28A and 28G.
Located between probes 28A and 28G to eliminate any
.
~2~3~
possibility of the tool rocking ~hile measurements are
being taken is eliminated.
Figures 14a and b a~e view~ of the tool
installed on external and internal pipe threads 24 and
24', respectively. It is seen that such an arrangement
of contacts 53 and 54 with the probes has advantages
when both internal and externa~ threads are to be
measured by the same tool. As seen in Figures 14c and
d, the distance D and D' are nearly identical due to
the motion of locating support and probes 28A and 28G
in the plane of measuring probes 2aB, C, D, E, and ~.
Referrins again to Figure 1, the overall size
of the tool 26 is sufficiently small so as to -be
readily carried about by a person measuring the pipe
24. The console 30 can be fabricated as a relatively
large, stand-alone console, or, preferably can be
fabricated as a miniaturized portable console tnat may
be carried about with the tool 26 in a carrying case
~not shown). The system 20 requires only that the
person manually attach the tool 26 to the thread 22,
and that he sianiry, via the keyboard 34, the values of
; relevant parameters and what measurements are to be
18
presented on the display 32. Such automa'ic opexation
of the measurins steps er.ables very accurate readings
to be taken each time the tool is used and operator
ex?erience does not enter as a factor into such
accuracy. In this respect, the tool is a ~hands off n
system O
-?; In accordance with the invention, the set of
probes 28 extend downwardly from the sensor assembly 44
within an axial plane of the pipe 24 to contact the
1~ thread 22. ~he end ones of the probes (28A and 28G)
serve as legs for support of the base 42 and the
assembly 44 upon the thread 22 to counteract the force
of the spring 56. -A horizontal bumFer probe 58 extends
from a transducer 60 supported beneath the base 42 and
~15 abuts the end of the pipe 24 for designating the
position of the tool 26 relative to the end of the
pipe. Probe sa, which can be similar to probes 28B, D
and F, provides standoff for the tool when being
located on the pipe by the operator. The standoff
probe determines how far from the end of the pipe the
first probe; for example, probe 28A in FigurQ 2, is
located.
19
A de~cription of haw the stand of system
oFerat. 5 as the operator places the tool onto a pipe is
no~ descrioed~ The operator grasps handles 48 and 52
(Figure 1) and saueezes t~em toaet:~er so as to open
jaws 42 and 5Q. The operator then places the open jaws
onto the area of the pipe carryin~ the thread to be
- .~easured. ~he jaw portion or the tool is placed around
the pipe wall, the base 42 of the first jaw adjacent
'he threaded or outside ~ortion of the pipe and the
contacts 53-54 of the jaw adjacent the inside wall of
the pipe in this e~bodiment. The jaw portion is
slipped over the end or the pipe wall by the o~erator
until stand off pin 250 contacts the end of the pipe.
Stand off pin 250, which can be a ~air o~
~15 pins as shown in partial cutaway fzshion in Fisures
~,
17a-c, is fixedly mounted to base 42. The stand off
transducer 60 and bumper probes 58 shown in a general
fashion in Figure 1 can be of any suitable type such as
that depicted in Figures 17a-c. For instance,
transducer 258 can be an L~DT type similar to
transducer 78 shown in Figure 2 which has a corP
attached to probe tip 260, or ball 260, by rod 262.
The transducer 258 is rigidly mounted onto bracket Z56
which in turn is rigidly mounted onto base 420 It is
noted that the mechanism and pipe are not necessarily
drawn to scale in Figures 17a-c.
In addition to LVDT 258, the stand off
mechanism shown in Figures 17a-c also includes a stand
off member 252 which is slideable relative to stand off
pin 250 as depicted by the arrows. Stand off ~ember
25Z has a pipe contact portion 251 which can be biased
by LVDT probe ball 260 generally located on the right
side o standoff pin 250 (Fiyures 17a and 17b) as the
tool is being placed on the pipe. Stand off membèr 252
is adapted to be translatable through slide 254 which
is rigidly mounted on base 42. Slide 254 can be any
suitable type such as the slide 215 depicted in Fiaure
4.
As stand off pin 250 approaches the end o
the pipe, portion 251 of stand off member 252 is
located in a position just ahead, or to the right in
20 Figures 17a-c, of stand off pin 250, being maintained
in this position by probe ball 260. Thus, stand off
member 252 first contacts the end of the pipe as the
.
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21
operator installs the tool. Then, 2S the o~erator
places the tool farther onto the pipe, stand off pln
250 will come into contact with the end of the pipe
thereby preventing any f urhter move~ent of the tocl in
such direction. Durlns this time, portlon 2~1 of stand
of^ member 250 is pushed to the left rela.-ve to the
stand off pin and base by the pipe end enabling ~ortion
251 of member 252 to reach the position shown in Figure
17b.
After the stand o~r pin contacts the end of
the pipe, the operator releases his grip on handles 48
and 52 allowing the jaws to come together and sfat
themselves on the pipe~ As this occurs, the tool's
fixed probe, such as pro~e 2~a, seats itsel~ into an
,~
~_j adjacent trough of the thread. If the position or the
ball probe 26C falls outside of an established range
when probe 28a seats itself in the troush of the
tnread, then the operator receives a sign21 to
reposition the tool. In this c2se, transduceer lnput
data is void and the progr2m stops until the tool is
properly repositioned within the measurlng range.
Figure 17a represents the position o, the
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22
standoff mechanism when the tool ls positioned
properly. Flgures 17b and 17c represent out of r~nge
conditions. The ~z n dimension shown in Figure 17a is
the distance Lrom the nose o~ the pipe to the fixed
probe 28a resting or seated in a good thread trough.
In the case where out or range conditions exist (17~ &
17c), when the operator repositions the tool, the fixed
probe 28a moves accordingly~
As an example of the three conditions shown
]0 in Figures 17a-c, it is assumed that the "Lixed
dlmenslon" is 0.500 inches; In Figure 17a, Z is equal
to or greater than 0.320 inches and equal to or less
than O.S00 inches. In Figure 17b, the standoff
mechanism is out of range since Z is greater than 0.500
inches. In Figure 17c, the standor~ mechanis~ is also
out of range slnce Z is less than 0.320 inches. All
dimensions recited above are approximate.
Upon receiving the signal to reposition the
tool, the operator must move the tool either left or
right relative to the pipe ~Flgures 17a-c). Assumins
the condition shown in Figure 17b exists, the operator
must move the tool to the left relative to the pipe.
3~
As the o~erator repositions the tool, the fixed ~robe
will move to the left towards the end of the pipe to
seat itself, such as in the next trough. In so doing,
the tool, base 42 and stand off pin 250 move to tr.e
lert from the position shown in Figure 17b to the
position shown in Figuxe 17a.
As stand off pln 250 moves to the left, the
LVDT which biases ball tip 260 to the right keeps stancl
off me~ber 252, particularly portion 251, in contact
with tne end of the pipe~ There is surficient stroke
in the LVDT to accommodate probe 28a moving one full
thread spacing. The position that ball tip 260 reaches
25 the tool is shifted to the left to seat th-e fixed
~robe in the trough is measured by the core of the LVDT
258. This determines how far from the end of the pipe
the fixed probe, such 25 probe 28a, is located.
As the fixed probe seats itself in the
trough, the other probes also seat the~selves in
adjacent troughs and contacts 53-54 (Figure 1) come
into contact with the other side of the pipe w211. At
this time, the tool is fully installed on the pipe in a
proper manne~ and the operator activates the electronic
~;~5~3~
24
control unit to take the thread measurements which may
be printed out of a printer in the hard copy form,
e.g., paper, shown in Figure 18.
Figure 2 shows an enl2rs2d view or one
embodiment or the sensor assembly 4~' previously
described with reference to ~lgure 1. In this
embodiment, there are seven probes which are further
identified by the legends A-G~ The probe 28A is the
end probe fixed in position on base 42 and the probe
28G is an a~ially movable end probe (moves senerally in
the direction of the pipe a~is), these t~o pro~es
serving as supporting legs as was noted with res?ect to
Figure 1. Probes 28A and 28G co~tact the threads and,
although shown as end probes in Fisure 2, can be
i~ located in any convenient position relative to each
other and relative to the other probes on the tool as
long as they can provice their intended sup~ort
function. The probe 28G is secured to the base 42 bv
means of a slide 64 which permits a~ial displacement in
a general direction noted by the arrow. The
displacement is cenerally in the axial plane o~ the
pipe 24 and slides suitable for use as the slide 64 are
3~
available commerci211y The probes 28A and 28G are
provided with ball points 66 to facilitate location of
the probes 28A and 28G within the troughs of the thread
22O
The slide 64 permits the probe 28G to be
displaced sideways permi.ting alignme~t of the prooes
-~- 28A and 28G with the precise spacing actuallv existlng
between troughs of the thread 22. Thereby, the probes
28A and 28G can serve as less for securely supocrting
the base 42 and the assembly 44 upon .he thread 22
The assembly 44 further comprises an ~?oer
deck 68 supported by posts 70 upon the base 42 T~e
probes 28B-F pass through enlarged apertures 62 in both
the base 42 and the deck 68. The probes 28~-F are
`1S supported by slldes 64 disoosed in alternating fzshion
upon the base 42 and the deck 68, this alternating
arrangement providing space for impl2cement of the
slides 64 among the probes 28B-F. Each of the slides
64 permits sideways movement of their resoective probes
28 while holding the housings 72 of the respective
probes 28 against ver.ical motion rel~tive to the base
42. Each of the probes 28~-F include an extensible rod
. . .. . , . ..... . . . . ; ... ~ .... , . .... ,.. ,,, .. .. . .~,, ,. ~
~5
whicn can move vertically within the respective housing
72 for enc2aement of the probes wi th ~he thread 22.
The tips of all the probes shown in the embodiment of
Flgure 2, with the exception of prooe 23A, can move in
the X direction. The tips of all the probes of Fisure
2, with the exception of probes 28A and 28G, can also
move in the Y direction. The amount o~ tip movement in
the X direction is measured for probes 28B, 28D, 28F
and 28G~ The amount of tip movement in the Y direction
is measured ror probes 28B-E'.
The probes 28B, 28D and 28F are each provided
with the ball points 66 so a5 to be centered within the
troughs of t~e thread 22 at the pitch line. mhe probes
28C and 28E are provided with retractable points 76 (to
be descri~ed further hereinafter) for contacting the
root, or ~ase, of the respective troughs upon making
contact with the thread 22. The sli~es 64 permit the
points 76 to be displaced sideways or parallel to the
axis of the pipe so as to find the roots of the thread
2C 22.
The assem~ly 44 further comprises a set of
tran.ducers 79, individual ones o~ which are connected
~5~3;~
to respective ones of ,he probes 28~, 28D, 28F and 28G
for de.ecting the amou~t o. sidewavs displace~ent and,
tnerefore, providing data as to the precise locatlon or^
each or these probes. The transducers 78 and 79 can be
of any suitable type, such as an LVDT or Linear
Variable Differential Transformer which is a standarcl
- device used in measurement applications. The AG Series
transducer sold by Sangamo Transducers of Grand Island,
N.Y. is one type suita~le for this application. They
provide electric signals via lines 7aa and 79a to the
processor 36, these signals being linearly related to
the displacement of the respective probes 28 aenerally
in or perpendicular to the axial plane of the pipe 24. I
The transducers 78 and 79 are shown schematically in
Fisure 2. Transducers 79 may be mounted in stagcered
rashion upon the base 42 and the ceck 68 so as to
provide space for all the transducers among the probes
28 and the slides 64.
All of the probes 28 are disposed along a
common axial plane wnich preferably bisec.s the
distance between the two contacts 53-5~ (Figures 1, 13,
and 14) to provide for a stable mountlng of the
... . . . . .. . .. .
~25~3~
28
assembly 44 upon the thread 22, the contacts 53-54
preventing a lateral rocking while the leas (probes 28A
and 28G) preventing a longitudinal rocking. Each of
the probes 28B-F contain electric leads which fan into
s the cable 38 for connection of the signals of these
probes to the signal ~rocessor 36.
~ lith reference now to FiSures 3, 4, and S,
there is provided a more detailed description of the
configuration of the linear displacement transducers
employed in the transducers 78 and 79 as well as in the
probes 28B-F. The construction of probes 2aC and 28~,
which measure thread heiaht is shown in detail in
I Figure 3. The probe assembly has a floating tip 202
which seats into the root troush of the thread
:5 assembly. As the tool is placed on the pipe thread,
reference surface 204 rests or seats itself on the top
or crest OL the thread. Surface 204 is on floating
thread crest standoff collar 206.
Collar 206 is mounted on LVDT case 208, such
as by ~he screw shown, which contains LVDT core 210
which generates a sisnal indicative of the thread
height error. Tip 202 is connected to the LVDT core
S~ 3~
29
210 so that after collar 206 is positioned on the
thread top, the tip seats itself in the t:hrea~ trough.
The tip's position locates the LVDT core relative to
i.s case and generates the thread heisht error signal,
a zero sisnal indicating that the thr~ad height h2s no
error therein.
The LVDT case 208 is slideaDly mounted on an
LVDT suide 21~, such as bv a slip fit, so that as the
tool is placed on the pipe, collar 206 adjusts itself
r~lative to guide 212 to come to res. on top o~ the
threads. Guide 212, which is mounted on the frz~e of
the tool, such as to base 42 or upper dec~ 68, has a
hollow housing 211. The guide does not mbve in the
vertical direc.ion relative to the base 42. The LVDT
oase 208 is securely mounted to bearing 209 which is
a~le to ride up and down inside the hollow of the
guide. Gulde 212 also contains a spring 207 which
biases the LVDT case 208 downward towards the pi?e, the
2Q upoer and lower limits of the case's movement, or its
stroke, being limited by dog 205 in slot 203 of the
guide. S?ring 207 is held in the guice by aajus.able
s~rinS bushing 201.
. . . . .. .. . .
:~25~;3~
-
Figure 4 is an illustration of the probe
confisuxation that is used for probes 28 B, D, &
which are ball probes as opposed to pointed probes~
Here, the LVDT case 211 is securely mounted against
movement in the vertical direction to the frame of the
tool, such as on base 42 or deck 68.- The probe ball is
attached to the LVDT core 21Q so that the position of
LVD~ core 210 relative to LVDT case 211 is dete~mined
by the position at which the ball comes to rest on the
pipe. This position generates a signal, as in Eisure
3, which indicates the pitch ].ine error, a zero signal
meaning that the pitch ~ine has no error~ The
connecting member above the ball has a protective cover
214. ~ .
Figure 4 also illustrates the manner in which
the probe is mounted for sideways mo-~ement, if needed,
to locate ball 213 into the trough of the thread. Ball
slide or positioning assemblies 215 are fixedly mounted
on the frame of the tool, such as on deck 42 or deck
68, so that such motion can be accomplished.
Any suitable ball slide or positioning slide
assemblies can be used for this purpose such as those
:~S~
supplied by Del-Tron Precision, Inc., of BrookLield,
CT. In the configuration shown in ~isure 4, the slide
assemblies 215 are mounted onto the frame of the tool
to provide sideways (horizontal) motion t:o the probes
while LVDT case 211 is fixed to a member 42a which is
mounted on the slide assemblies 215. In this manner,
- the LVDT case 211 is restrained from vertical movement
relative to tne frame of the tool, but can adjust
itself horizontally or seneral~y sideways of the frame
to enable the probe tip or ball to seat itself in the
trough of the thread. A similar arrangement for
sideways movement can be used for probes 28B-G.
Ball pro~e ~8A is fix~d to~the frame of the
tool, such as to base 42 25 shown in Figure 2, and its
:`'5 ball 66 is not permitted to move up or down or sideways
relati~e to the tool since, i~ addition to being a
support leg, it provides a fixed reference position ~or
the tool when it seats itself into the trougA of a
thread. Ball probe 58, which acts as a bum~per probe,
as described earlier, is connected to an LVDT unit
which is also tied into the sianal processor 36.
The standoff pin places probe 28A into the
~5
32
vicinity of a full thread such 2S the first full thread
on the pipe as the tool is placed on the pipe by the
o-perator. The ball of probe 28A will sl.ide down into
the actual location of the trough of the first full
th~read as the operator releases his grip on the handles
48 and ;2. Since probe 28A is fixed to the tool
~ithout any movement permitted theresetween, as ball 66
o~ probe 28A is shifted sideways to seat itself in tbe
t~ough of the first full thread, it alsc shifts the
entire tool with it.
Once probe 28A is properly seate~, LVDT 60 ls
relied upon to provide an accurate reading of standoff;
that is, the distance beltween the end of the pipe and
first full thread. Also, as the operator releases his
( grip on handles 48 and 52, the other probes 28B-G seat
themselves in the troughs of threads, each being able
to move sideways as needed to seat properly in the
adjacent thread trough: by virtue or its slide
positioning assembly
Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, it is
.seen that the tool also has an inclino~eter located on
bzse 42. This is used to deter~ine average thread
~...................... . .
33
.
taper. Any suitable type of inclinometer may be used
for this purpose; for instance, an inclino~eter from
Transducers and Systems, Inc. of Branfora, CT whlc~ is
c~pable or operating in u~right and inverted positions.
SFigures 5a & 5b are intended ~o be used
together ror the puxposes of the followina 2escription.
Figure 52 is a very simplistic illus.ration of the tool
shown in Fisure 2, but emphasizing the probes, LVDTs
and inclinometer. It is to be understood that the
10transducers 1, 2, 3, S, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 of ~igures 5a &
b are equivalent to the transducers (LVDTs) 79~, 79D,
79F, 79G, 78B, 78D, 78P~ 78C and 73E, respectively, in
Figure 2. Transducer 4 in Figures 5a & b is equivalent
to LVDT 60 in Fisur2 1. Inclinometer 11 in Figures Sa
'5 & b is eauivalent to inclinometer 46 of Figures 1 & 2.
The relationship between t~e transducers and
probes in the tool and the various aspects of the
thread being measured are clearly associated in Figure
5b. It is seen that all of the transducers are of the
LVDT type in this embodiment. It is also noted that
transducers 1-3 measure the lead error, ~1~ X2 and X3;
transducer 4 measures the s~andoff positiont X4;
~5'~3
34
transducer 5 measures the cumul2tive lead error, X~;
transducers 6~8 measure the pitch line deviation or
non-linearity o the pitch line, over four intervals of
the thread, Yl, Y2 and Y3; -nd transducers 9 znd 10
measure the thre~d height error, ~1 and ~2. Average
taper, I, is measured by inclinometer 11.
Comparing Ficures 3 and 4 to Figure 2, it is
noted that the structure of Flgure 3 is used with
probes 28C and 28E while the structure of ~igure 4 is
used with probes 28B, 28D and 28F. Thus, the reference
surface 204 or the collar 206 of the thread height
measuring zssembly in Figure 3 contacts ,he crests of
the thréad 22 ~hile the point 76 is urged further into
the root of the thread 22. The electrical signals of
. l5 the transducers 78C and 7aE are operatively connected
to probes 28C and 28E and indica.e the dis~lacement of
the point 76 relative to the collar 206 and case 208
and, ac.cordingly, the height error of the thread 22.
In .the case of the probes 28B, 28D and 28F, the
transducers 84 are more directly supported by the
slides 64. The location of a trough of the thread 22,
as sensed by a ball point 66, relative to the base 42
is indicated by the output signals of each of the
transducers 78~, 78D and 78F of the probes 28B, 28D and
28F, respectively. It is ncted that with respect to
the probes 28B, 28D anc 28F, the base 42 serves as a
reference plane due to the supporting of the base 42
u~on the probes 28A and 28G.
- ~ A better appreciation of the thread measuring
technique provided by the tool in accordance wi~;~ the
invention can be had by rererence to Figures 7 to 11 in
conjunction with the following descrl?tion. ~11 types
or threads can be measured with the tool; for e~ample,
pi?e threads, screw threads, helical cams, etc.
~owever, for the purposes or this descriptlon, the
measurement techni~ue is ~escribed in conjunction witr.
~'5 8 round thread as set out in Supplement 1 to A~I Std 5B
(Tenth ~dition) "Specification for Threading, Gaaing,
and Thread Inspection of Casing, Tubins and Line Pipe
Threads, n issued on March, l9aO by the Amerlcan
Petroleum Institute, Production Department, ~11 N.
Ervay, suite 1700, Dallas, TX 75201. This Supplement
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Table 2.9, page 11, of this specirication
~z~
contains a grzphiccl 2epiction of 8 ~ound thread
profile. Figure 7 depicts the same thread in an
abbrevizted graphical form for claritv in conjunction
wi,h this disclosure. Threzd taper is defined 2S the
increase in pitch di2meter of the thread in inches per
foot of thread~ Thread lead is aerined as the distance
rrom a point on the thread turn to a corresponding
point on the next thread turn measurea parallel to the
thread axis and shown as "Xl" in Figure 7. Thread
height is the distance between the crest and root
normal to the axis of the pipe and 2epicted as "~1 n in
Figure 7. Figure 8, which is similar to Fisure 7,
shows hcw the ball probes used in the tool interact
with the threads when placed in the .roughs of the
-; threads for taking a measurement. The size or the ball
is matched to the type of thread being measured and the
pro~e contacts the thread flank on the pitch line as
shown.
The measurement of pitch line deviation is
possible by the tool in addition to taper, lead error
and height error measurementsO Pitch line deviation or
non-linearity of pitch line, is defined as the
4 b~
37
deviation of the pitch line from a s~-aisht line drawn
be.ween the ends of the interval of tnreacls mezsured by
the tool. From top and bottom pltch line or diameter
ce~iation readinas ta~en by the probes on the tool, a
profile of the pitch llne ca~ ~e developed. No other
method of 2ccomplishins a true prorile of the pipe
pi~ch line is known other than ro~atlng the pipe on a
contour profilometer which is impractical in ~ost
cases. As shown in Figure 9, a nypothetical 8 Round
pipe having external threads is being measured by the
tool. In this case, the tool is shcwn as havina four
sesments or intervals over which the pitch line
deviation is being measured, the intervals being
designated 1st through 4th. Each interval is one inch
~s in length ~n2 since, in this embodiment, ~ round .hread
is being measured, there are eight full threads in each
interval.
Figure 9 depicts a theoretical condition for
the pitch line; that is, there is absolutely no pitch
line deviation and the pitch line is linear. Figure
10, on the otner hand, depicts the same three intervals
being measured in a pipe thread wherein there is pitch
.. . . . .. ~ . , - - .
~'~5~3
38
line deviation. The ~'theoretical7 or perfect pitch
line is also shown in ~igure 10 for reference purposes.
In both Fisures 9 and 10, the t~o readinys carried out
by the tool are on the top and bottom of the pipe and
~re so marked "top reading~ and "bottom readingn~ The
tool readings obtained from the four intervals
aetermine the non-linearity of the pitch line and can
create a profile of the actual pitch line which Figure
10 essentially represents.
One tool reading ma~ be taken for lead errorj
thread height error, and pitch line deviation at any
circumferential location on the pipe measured. When
pipe thread taper is to be also measured, there must be
.wo readi!ngs taken. The second reading is angularly
.5 displaced from the first. For instance, the first and
second readings can be generally opposite one another.
Figure 6 depicts the approach of measuring average
taper, t~e pipe being measured in this embodiment
having an external thread. The pipe length does not
have to be in a hor1zontal position for accurate
measurements to be taken. The tool can be placed on
the pipe in any convenient position to take
~2~3
39
-
measurements. The tool, f or example, may be installed
on the pi pe in the vicinity of the top dead center and
bottom dead center positions, (the 12 h 6 o' clock
positions, respectively) of the pipe end if measurement
of average taper is desired. For instance, the proper
positions could be plus or minus 10 degrees, and
preferably plus or minus 5 degrees, of top and bottom
dead center positions. An instrument for this purpose
which can be made part of the tool system is shown
schematically in Figure 12. Such an instrument
includes sensors which indicate that the instrument is
within the proper measuring position on the top and
bottom of the pipe. The sensors can be four mercury
switches, switches 216 and 217, to control the top
reading position of the tool and switch 218 and 219 to
control the bottom reading position of the tool. Any
suitable type of switch can be used for this purpose;
for instance, mercury switches having the part number
3677 supplied by Durakool, Inc~
The angle of the switches relative to the
tool, such as the angle from vertical, can be made
adjustable as shown in ~igure 12 to precisely control
:
,i,, .~
~;~S~3
the proper measuring positions of the tool. on the pipe.
Each switch has a movable contact 220 that only
completes the circuit through the switch when tne
movable contaGt hits fixed contacts 222a or b.. ~hen
this happens, the 9 volts coming into the switches
~asses through the switch wherein contact was made and
carries the voltage to a display, such zs LEDS 2Z1, 'o
li~ht them ~p and indicate an improper positioning of
the tool. Thus by properly setting the angle or the
switches on the tool so that when the tool is o~tside
the Zesired range of ~ositions for pro~er m~asurement,
such as when a top reading is desired, the LED will be
lighted-by eitner switch 216 or 217 and the o~erator
can be automatically notified that a repositioning of
5 the tool is required.
As can be seen from Figure 12, as the tool is
inverted between the top and bottom readings, switches
216 and 217 become inactive and switches 218 and 219
become active. When the tool is switched from.bottom
to top position readings on the pipe, switcnes 218 and
219 become inactive and switches 216 and 217 become
activa~ed in controllins the LEDs.
613
41
.
The tool, when seated on the pipe thread, is
supported i~ position on the thread side bv probes 28A
and 28G basically. Since probe 28A is fixed rela.ive
to the frame, the reading on the inclinometer depends
upon the seating of probe 28G. As shown in Fi~ure 6,
the inclinometer is re~d while the tool is in ~oth the
top and bottom positions in order to provide an average
taper measurement. In the top position, the
inclinometer generates a signal equivalent to its angle
relative to the horizontal or parallel to the axis of
the pipe shown as "A" in Figure 6. Then, in the bottom
position, it generates a second signal again equivalent
to its angle relative to the horizontal or parallel to
i the axis of the pipe and shown as "B~ in the same
.5 Figure. These signals are sent to the processor 36
where by are subtracted from one another to thereby
produce the average taper of the pipe thread. The
computation leading to the average taper T(o 0) of the
pipe thread is shown in the first column of Figure 11.
The interval taper is also calculated
according to Figure 11. For example, the actual taper
over the 1st interval is designated as T(l,l) + T(2,1). It is
... .. , . ., , . . . . . ... . , .. . .. .,., - . . . -
~5~3'~
42
calculated by the signal processor by taking the
reading of transducer 6 and dividing by unity minus the
reading from transducer 1 and this quot:ient i5 then
added to the average taper T~o 0) As mentioned above,
S a zero reading on the transducers, in this case
transducers 6 and 1, is indicative that there is not
: any error in these readings and, thus, the 1st interval
taper would equal the average taper. It is understood
that the number of intervals may vary in accordance
with specific measurement requirements.
Either or both of the transducers could
indicate a positive value error or a nesative value
error. For instance, referring to IFigure 10,
transducer 6 would indicate a positive value greater
than zero since the actual taper for this 1st interval
is greater than theoretical or zero value. Conversely,
in the 3rd interval, transducers 8 would indicate a
negative value less than zero since the actual taper
for the 3rd interval is less than theoretical or zero
value. This is indicated by ~Y(l 3~ < o" ~d "Y(2 3) ''
at the actual values. For reference purposes only,
Figure 11 also shows the theoretical values for each
~25~3~
43
interval.
The chart in Figure 11 also shows the
calculations for cumulative lead, lead in each of the
intervals, pitch line non-linearity and thread height.
It is seen that the reading of transducer 5 gives a
cumulative lead value; the readings of transducers l,
2t & 3 develop the leads for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
intervals, respectively; the readings of 6, 7, and 8
develop the pitch line non linearity; and the readings
of transducers 9 and lO develop the thread height, all
in conformance with the computations shown.
In order to conform with API specifications,
all measuring intervals must be located on one inch
cen~ers. Thread depth transducers should be located on
i ~ 15 the center line of each interval but also have one inch
intervals. It has been found that by using the
measuring concept as disclosed herein, the complete
range of pipe sizes (for instance, all sizes of 8 round
casins with the exception of a few odd sizes), can be
readily measured by the use of three such tools.
j Figure 15 shows the three styles of tools that can
; accomplish such a wide range of pipe sizes.
., .
.. . . . .. .......... . . . .
~z~
44
-
~ -i.h reference now to Figure 16, there is
shown a sener21 description or the signal processor 36.
The processor 36 includes a computer 108, a signal
conditionlng unit 110 a multiplexor 114, and an
s analog-to-digital converter 116.
Any suitable control system and sisnal
processor can be used in conjunction with the tool.
For instance, the system can include a seneral purpose
microprocessor in the electronic module, which together
with suitable software such as that in the Ap~endix
herein, will carry out all necessary calculations and
control functions. The entire system lncluding the
electronic module, tool, dis~lay and printer can be
ma2e portable and battery operated, if desired~
:- 5 The conditioning unit 110 receives electric
signals from the tool ~6 via cables. Figure 16 sho~s
cables 37, 38, 113, for example, however, it ls
understood that other cables for the described signals
as well as additional lines for other functions may be
added. These signals, after conditioning, are
multiplexed by the multiplexer 114 before transmission
to the computer 108. The converter 116 converts the
~l~5~3~
signals of the multiplexer 114 from the analog formzt,
as produced bv the tool 26, to a digital format for
rurther processing by the computer 108.
The computer 108 can be a special purpose
S computer specifically designed for co~bining the
signals of the various probes 28, the transducers 78
and the transducer 60 for outputtins t~e desired dat~
on the display 32. ~owever, as hereinbefore mentioned,
the calculations performed by the computer 108 can also
be accomplished by a seneral purpose computer, or
microprocessor, as will be described hereinafter by
means of a flow chart suitable for such microprocessor.
The thread characteristics of lead error,
height error, and deviation of diameter are ?rovided by
:~ combining signals of the robes 28. The position of
the base 42 relative to the end of the pipe 24 is
communicated from the transducer 60 via a cable 118 to
the processor 36. The construction and operation Qf
the transducer 60 is the same as that described above
~itn respect to the transducers 79. The inclinometer
46 is used for the measurement of the thread
characteristic of taper.
~25~3;~
46
The computer 108 has the standard components
including timing and control units, address genecator,
memory, electronic swi.ches shit registers
subtractors, and 2verasing units. In operation, the
signal processcr 36 receives input signals along the
ca~les 37, 38 and 118, and outputs power for energizing
; the input windings of the various transducers and any
reference input terminals for detection of the
magnitude and sense of the voltage from the outputs of
one of the transduce~s. Conditioning unit 110 can
include band pass filters ror removlng any noise which
may be present on a transducer signal.
The multiplexer 114 is operated under control
of the timing unit for electronically sampling
1~ successive ones of the transducer signals and for
outputting these signals serially to tne converter 116.
Each of these signals has a magnitude and a sense, and
each sample is then converted by the converter 116 to a
digital format containing the amplit~lde and sense aata.
The digital signals or the converter are outputted to
the memory 1~4 of the computer 108.
The memory and other components in the
~25~6~3~
~7
computer operate under control of the computer unit 120,
as required, Eor receiving digital signals and for output-
ting digital signals. To measure the pitch line deviation
and develop pitch line non-linearity, of the threaded
portion of the pipe 24, the signals o:E the probes 28B,
28D and 28F are taken into the signal processor for
computation which is then shown on the unit's display 32.
To provide the thread height, signals from the probes 28C
and 28E are likewise taken into the signal processor for
computation, the results of which are also displayed in
display unit 32. For measurement of the cumulative thread
lead, the signals of transducer 79G coupled to the probe
28G are sent to the computer for processing and display.
It is noted that probe 28A serves as a reference point.
For measurement of the taper, the signal from inclinometer
11 is fed to the signal processor.
A more general form of test routine can be
accomplished by use of a general purpose computer by
use of the flow sheets and tabulations presented in the
Appendix at the end to this specification. The
~259~
~8
material presented therein is in standard format and,
accordingly, readily understood. Accordingly, this
material will be reviewed briefly. At the beginning of
the flow sheet, a keyboard entry would indicate whether
a calibration measurement is to be made or whether the
operation is to proceed for actual measurement.
Calibration is employed, such calibration being
accomplished by attaching the tool 26 to a calibrated gage
and, thereafter, noting the transducer measurements
presented on the display 32. These latter results are
also stored in the memory of the computer for comparison
to the actual measurements. This, in effect, amounts to
a zeroing of the tool 26 so that the discrepancy between
the standard values and the ~actual values can be attained.
Proceeding with the flow chart in the Appendix,
the system contemplates the use of a printer (not shown)
which operates in conventional fashion for outputting
information from the computer. The keyboard ins-tructions
are then followed as to whether the instructions to the
tool 26 are to be printed out or not.
12S9LC?3~
49
~ hereafter, the program continues with the
inputting and storage of data. Then a decislon block
decides whether the last data has been entered or not~
In the event that more data is to be entered then ,he
S process is repeated for the lnputting of further data~
If the last parameter has been entered, then the
process contlnues to identify the nature of the thread,
if a pipe or if a couplin~. ThereaLter, identification
number may be applied and input parameters printed out.
During the ensuing steps in the flow chart,
symbols are presented so as to simpliry the amount of
legends presented in each box of the flow c~art. The
symbols are identified in the table following the flow
~ chart in the Appendix. The computer can operate with
the tool 26 for reception of the raw data and for
calculation of the desired thread characteris,ics.
All of the patents and publications referred
to in this description are incorpora.ed by reference in
their entireties herein. It is to be understood that
the above aescribed embodiment of the invention is
illustrative onlirr and that modifications thereof may
occur to those skilled in the ar.. Accordingly, this
. ~5~3
Lnvention is not to be resarded as llmited to the
embodiment disclosed herein, but is to limited only zs
defineà by the appended claims.
51 ~l2
APPENDIX
(. .
~ .,
TH 2EAD INSPECTION FLOW CHA~T ~ z54433~
OP'RATIONAL NoTE5
1. Bcfor~ stCrt-uD select ~A~ ~r 9' tool mode.
D I S ~ Y
SQ~CT ?qOr~cq roo~ 2. For complrrt~ API Insoectiorl, tool ~A~ must ~o xlec1ed firsl.
.i - wAlr FO~ J~ 700L
!~ SELSr t r~EY TO a PFlESSen 3. Aftor oli pcrrlmeter3 hrJv~ ~en ^ntered, if 'A~/ 9' tool ~witrn is ogslea
S-qOUt O dUTrRES3 prr~5rcrn ~ecu~icn 50c~ to(3
I
If R~'iET '~rr i~ pr~sed, ;~rc9r~n e~eCutir~ go~rs 10 ( S ~A F~
2 ~ ~ 5. If RE-INSPECT ~y is pressed, prr~grrm exe~utirn g~es 70 (~)
E~ll
__ _ __ 1 6. rhis module rnu~t hav~r he crJocoility to disoloy inrJividu~l rr:nsc~c:~
/ \ rrocing5,
/UOOE\ clLlaq ~TY
< OPTlo)~ > ---~
~ Com~ In~lurJ~-
y ¦r ~ L 1~ R ~. T U O O E I T O O ~ C O ~ f F C ~
~ WAIT FO~ 1 r ,~L " r ,~ 5, ~API-~8 r~-clllc~llon~ :llUDI Olr
l CO).I~ ;n nOn-VO~ m~mOrr ThO ~
PRINT ~UAL I RESUMe ~EN IJODE OPTION ~UI ~. ~U~DII-d ;.D.~ r.
\OPTION/ ~ ~WITCX la TOGGLEO TO OPEfATE
\~ 1 1 J-ROUND I 9UTTFIESa
;~Lp o! ~IPe SIZE--I ei -r ~1 1 El--
¦AUTOilATIC palNTouT Of ~
¦INPUT INSTRUCTION9 / ~ OlaPLAr
IENTEP I NU~,/
L~.T O .~ TA /
~ IINPUT 1~7
/~\ 'I IPIY~ O= COUI~ G7
~PAqA~6rE;1 3EEN >~
ENTEilED _~
\,~E~ ~1
, If PlpE C'O j
jlF COUPLING C=1~ ~IF ?IPE C-C¦
IIF COUPLINO C= 1 1
..,_,, ¦ Io=~oENTlFic~TloN NO~ ~
PQINTO~7 <9WITCX>~
I!~JrED PA A~6TEC SI \ - /
= ! \~
~ B E~ (~)
~ J . ._~
~-- .A IOisPLAr
~ I ~FOP. C~O~ PO~ TOOL, 00 ~0~ ¦
1~ I (FOR C~1) PCS TOOL 9 10 10.. 1
_
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IR/16176
tJJ83-QQ72)
PAT~NT APPLICATION PA.P~RS O~:
AL~THONY STORACE r~D ALBERT YANNELLA
FOR: ~READ MEASUR MEN'T'~.QOI~
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58 ~lt~S9t~3
Ent~r m-a~ur-d ~ol~ n~s
~z~80 coe~ d~ l~tlon on t~r~ rn~lo~ (TOOi COeFF) Er~ r tool ~cc r;cr ~ no r~
OI~PLAY l j olspLAr 7
ENTEFi ACCESq AiUuaEttl ~TER ACCES3_uuaEFt
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y IP081TIOH TOOL~ ZEiiO GAUaE
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iENTER CilANMEL NUMaEFil I EiiTEi;i 1:1 PRESSED
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CONTINUE AFTeR
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51 N ( S P ( t ~ - Z D ~ 1 1 ) I ?I 1 :51
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~ SCALE FACTOR SlNh
IINPUT U~NI¦ .
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STORE l,VDT
SCALe FACTOF? S~N~¦ ( RE I URN~
Y Y
C~
~;ZS9~3
FLOW Cl IART VAR1ABLE TABLE
VARIABLE SIC;NIFICA~CE . D1MENSION
.
A Number of in~ervals on tool
A(, ) A(,I) Inclinometer reading Deg.
A( ,2-16) LVDT readings in
AT( ) Average Tap r AT = AT(ID) in/in
ATF Average Taper Flag
ee 8uttress tool error fGctor in
8el Buttress tool error factor in/in
E~uttress gross error fcctor in
~gl auttress gross error factor in/in
C 0 if pipe I if coupling
CAN Coefficient Access Number
CL( ) Cumu lat ive Lead in
CLF( ) Cumul~tive Lead Flag
CLT Cumulative Le~d Tolerance in
D(, ) Diameter de~iation I in
DA DiGmeter Actual in
DZ Diarneter when Zeroed !
~D Delta Diameter in
,: The number of channels that the tool uses
El El dimension from API sa in
e Tool error factor in
el Tool error fc~ctor ~ in/Tn
~RL Flashing red light 0-off l~n
GL Green light 0-off l~n
g aross error foctor in
gl gross error factor in/in
H(, ) (thread) Height in
HF(, ) (thread) Height Flag
HTH (thread) Height Tolerance High in
HlL (threod) Height Tolerance Low in
ID Current Identification Number
IT( ) Interval Taper in/in
~5~
61
ITF( ) Interval Taper Flag
J Incrementql subscript I for top of ~ipe
2 for bottom of pipe
L(, ) Lead error in
LF~, ~ Lead error Flas
LT Lead Tolerance in
Ll Ll dimension from API SB in
LIC Ll dimension Calculated - in
LIF Ll Flag
M Half of Gverage taper in/tn
M( ) LVDT Mi I livolt data mv
N Incremental subscript meaning channel number
or interval
P Print option flag û for manuc~l print, I for
auto print
Re. 8-Rour~ tool error factor in
Rel 8-Round tocl error factor in/in
Rg ~Round gross error factor in
Rgl 8-Round gross error factor in/in
RL Red light 0-off l~n.
S~ ) Scale factor mv/in
SAI`I SPAN Access Number
aO Stand Off in
SOZ Stand Off when Zeroed in
SP( ) Span coefficient Ceg. or in
T 0 for 8-round pipe I for buttress
T(, ) Tope~ inlin
Tl Temporary Input
TTH Taper Tolerance High in/in
l~L Taper Tolerance Low in/in
Z(, ) Zero offset mv
ZAN Zero coefficient Access Number
ZD( ) Zero gauge Deviation ~eg. or in
~S~Q3~
62
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