The internal rotary inspection system (IRIS) is an ultrasonic technique well-suited for petrochemical and balance-of-plant (BOP) tube inspections. This technique uses an ultrasonic beam to scan the internal surface of the tube in helicoidal patterns, ensuring that the full length of the tube is tested. Olympus tube inspection systems monitor the front -wall and back-wall echoes in order to measure the tube wall thickness.
The internal rotary inspection system probe operates in pulse-echo mode to measure wall thickness, material loss, and defect orientation within the range of 0.5 in. to 3 in. ID. The IRIS probe consists of an ultrasonic transducer firing in the axial direction of the tube. A mirror mounted on a water-propelled turbine deflects the ultrasonic beam in order to obtain a normal incidence wave on the internal wall of the tube. Because the mirror revolves about the axis, the entire circumference of the tube is examined. A complete IRIS probe includes the cable, a centering unit, a turbine, and a transducer.
This equipment was designed for optimum results on various applications such as tube and shell heat exchangers, air coolers, and boilers tubes.