Patent ID: 6600806
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G01B,G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for determining the apparent thickness of first and second side walls of a pipe having opposing first and second side walls and opposing front and back walls separating the side walls, comprising:a) means for positioning a photographic film along the back wall of said pipe in a plane substantially orthogonal to a first axial plane of said pipe; b) means for positioning an x-ray source off-spaced from the front wall of said pipe in said first axial plane in an orientation for radiating x-rays toward said film; c) means for processing said film to yield a diametric cross-sectional radiograph of said pipe; d) means for measuring optical densities of said radiograph in said diametric direction to determine first and second density maxima corresponding to the outer surfaces of said first and second side walls and first and second density minima corresponding to the respective inner surfaces of said first and second side walls; e) means for measuring the diametric distance between said first maximum and minimum to determine the apparent thickness of said first side wall, and between said second maximum and minimum to determine the apparent thickness of said second side wall, said means for positioning a photographic film comprising a rigid supporting framework having separate opposed arcuate end pieces, each of said end pieces having at least one threaded radial bore, means for removably attaching said supporting framework to said pipe, and a film holder having adjustment screws extending through said threaded-radial bores in said arcuate end pieces to engage and position said film holder for radiographic exposure.