Patent ID: 8575923

Claim:
A magnetic inspection system to inspect test tubular member ends and couplers, the magnetic inspection system comprising: a longitudinal flaw detection assembly (LFDA) that generates a magnetic field that passes circumferentially through the end of the tubular member; a transverse flaw detection assembly (TFDA) that generates a magnetic field that passes longitudinally through the end of the tubular member; an inspection station frame assembly positioned on a substantially planar horizontal surface, the LFDA and the TFDA mounted to the inspection station frame assembly so that the LFDA and the TFDA are spaced-apart from the substantially planar horizontal surface, the LFDA and the TFDA positioned on the inspection station frame assembly so that the end of the tubular member is positioned in both the LFDA and the TFDA; a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) insertion apparatus adapted to coat the tubular member in an MPI fluid, the MPI fluid having a plurality of ferromagnetic particles suspended therein, the ferromagnetic particles appearing fluorescent when exposed to an ultraviolet light; an ultraviolet light assembly adapted to expose an exterior surface of the tubular member to ultraviolet light and an interior surface of the tubular member to ultraviolet light; and a tubular member clamping apparatus positioned closely adjacent to and separate from the inspection station frame assembly, the tubular member clamping apparatus adapted to support the tubular member within the LFDA and the TFDA, rotate the tubular member within the LFDA and the TFDA about an axis of the tubular member that is substantially parallel to the substantially planar horizontal surface, the tubular member clamping apparatus exerts a compensating force on the tubular member that resists the magnetic forces of the LFDA exerted on the tubular member during inspection of the tubular member.