Patent ID: 8358126
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of testing for defects in the bottom of an above ground storage tank, the tank bottom having a lip extending outwardly from the tank wall around the circumference of the tank, comprising: Placing a couplant on the lip surface; Placing a magnetostrictive sensor over the couplant, the sensor having at least a magnet for providing a magnetic bias, a coil for sending and receiving acoustic or ultrasonic signals into the tank bottom, a strip of magnetostrictive material bonded to the bottom of the coil, and circuitry for sending and receiving the signals to and from a magnetostrictive analysis station; Wherein the sensor emits a beam that extends inwardly into the tank bottom toward the center of the tank bottom; Operating the sensor in pulse echo mode to receive signals from defects in the bottom of the tank; Lifting the sensor from the lip; Moving the sensor to a next location on the lip; and Repeating the preceding steps until the sensor has been placed in a series of locations around the circumference of the tank.