Importance

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Abstract

An improved technique is provided for removing flaws from internal pipe walls, and particularly the internal walls of tubes used in petroleum drilling and recovering operations. An ultrasonic detection unit positioned exterior of the oilfield tube is used to detect the defect. A powered grinding wheel is positioned on a support which may be axially moved to a desired location within the tubular passageway. A powered reciprocation unit including a crank arm and a connecting rod extending from the crank arm is used to reciprocate the grinding wheel with respect to the tubular member. The apparatus is provided with a base and a plurality of rollers for supporting and controlling the tubular member. A camera and a spray unit may be provided adjacent the grinding wheel. According to the method of the present invention, the grinding unit and the reciprocation unit are simultaneously activated to remove material adjacent the detected defect, thereby providing a highly reliable repair technique which minimizes operator fatigue.

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First Claim