HK1116534B - Measurement device - Google Patents

Description

Measuring device

Technical Field

The disclosed apparatus generally relates to an apparatus configured to provide a defect indication location external to a nozzle, a pressure vessel, and/or a joint between the nozzle and the pressure vessel. In particular, the disclosed apparatus relates to an apparatus capable of providing trace out locations of sensor probes located outside of nozzles, pressure vessels, and/or junctions. More particularly, the disclosed apparatus relates to an apparatus that can measure not only the radial and angular position of a trace relative to the axis of a nozzle, but also the skew of a sensor probe providing the trace.

Background

In order to ensure continued operational capability of fluid vessels used in nuclear power plant facilities, the integrity of these vessels needs to be periodically checked. Such a vessel includes a pressure vessel and a vertically oriented nozzle welded to the pressure vessel in communication with the interior of the pressure vessel.

Under the grant of the congress of the united states, the nuclear management commission customs sets the specifications and regulations for the operation of domestic nuclear facilities. These specifications and amendments to the specifications are set forth in the industry regulations and standards under Federal registration 10CFR50. The committee has established American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) boiler and pressure vessel specifications as engineering specifications for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear reactors. Part XI of the ASME specification (incorporated by reference herein as if fully written out below) contains the specification modified by 10cfr50.55a (final specification) for in-service inspection of nuclear plant components.

Article IWA-1320(a) (1) of ASME section XI states that "those systems whose components are classified as ASME class 1 (quality group a) must apply the IWB specification. "

The ASME part XI subsection IWB provides the requirements for class 1 components for light water cooled plants and states in article IWB-2000 that "the checks required by the terms must be completed before the plant is initially started". In a practical sense, it states that the sequence of component inspections established during the first inspection interval must be repeated during each successive inspection interval. These parts must be inspected and tested as specified in Table IWB-2500-1, which defines in particular inspection class B-D, penetration welded nozzles in containers. This category includes the "nozzle inner radius portion". The required examination method is volumetric, which is an ultrasound technique or an X-ray technique. Regions "A" and "B" in FIG. 1 define the inner radius portion or inspection region, t, of the nozzle_sIs the thickness of the container, t_n1Is the nozzle seat thickness. The light beam 112 of the sensor probe 111 is directed in the direction of the areas "a" and "B" between the nozzle 12 and the pressure vessel 14. FIG. 1 also shows a weld 110 between the nozzle 12 and the pressure vessel 14.

ASME part XI, article IWA-2000, specifies inspection and test requirements and relates to general requirements, inspection methods, qualification of non-destructive inspection personnel, test procedures, scope of inspection, and weld reference systems. The IWA-2000 "method of inspection" is followed by the IWA-2230 stripe of "volume inspection" and the IWA-2232 stripe of "ultrasonography" is followed by the stripe indicating that "ultrasonography" should be performed according to attachment 1.

Article I-2000 of annex 1 of ASME section XI specifies what inspection requirements are required for various types of parts. The requirements for containers having a thickness greater than 2 inches (51mm) can be found in I-2110 (a). The ultrasonic inspection procedure, equipment and personnel used to detect and size defects in reactor vessels greater than 2 inches (51mm) in thickness must qualify according to appendix VIII from the following performance demonstration of the specific inspection without applying the other I-2000 requirements.

(1) Weld of shell and head except for flange weld

(2) Nozzle to vessel weld

(3) Inner radius part of nozzle

(4) Cladding/base metal interface region

ASME section XI, appendix VIII for Performance presentation of the ultrasonic inspection System, item VIII-3000, qualification Requirements, which states that upon successful completion of the performance presentation specified in the appropriate supplements listed in Table VIII-3110-1, the inspection steps, equipment and personnel qualify to detect and mark the dimensions of the defects, supplement 5 being the nozzle inner radius.

The area of interest, in addition to the pressure vessel and the nozzle itself, is the junction formed therebetween, i.e., the inner radius portion of the nozzle. The joint refers to the weld interface between the pressure vessel and the nozzle. Because the pressure vessel and nozzle have a cylindrical shape, the shape of the junction depends on the relative diameters of the pressure vessel and nozzle. For example, if the pressure vessel has a significantly larger diameter than the nozzle, the junction (for a vertically oriented pressure vessel) is slightly bowed between its vertical ends. However, if the pressure vessel and nozzle have the same diameter, the junction (for a vertically oriented pressure vessel) is significantly bowed between its vertical ends.

Since the pressure vessel usually has a diameter which is significantly larger than the nozzle, the shape of the relevant joint is only slightly arched. However, when compared to pressure vessels and nozzles, the joints have complex three-dimensional geometries. To ensure precise testing of the fluid-containing vessel, the external and internal dimensions of the nozzle, pressure vessel and junction were recorded before the nuclear plant began to operate.

Combining the supplemental 5 and demonstration requirements, 10cfr50.55a allows an alternative method, specification case N-552 ", to be used to qualify the inner radius portion of the nozzle from the outer surface. With respect to defect 113, this specification case requires the use of a model to calculate the angle of incidence 114, misorientation 115, and the maximum metal path distance to the desired inspection volume on the interior surface, where T_sIs a surface tangent line, N_sSurface normal, and N_fIs the defect normal. Another requirement is to calculate the angle 116 at the defect (nominal inspection angle), also at the inner surface. These are called the necessary parameters for the nozzle bore check and are shown in fig. 2.

The joint size is converted to a three-dimensional computer model that is used to check the operational performance of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and joint. In fact, because the nozzle, pressure vessel and junction are positioned in the irradiation zone and the passage of its inner surface is restricted during operation, the computer model is used to check the integrity of the inner surface. In this regard, the computer test program is used to develop a test mechanism based on the computer model that specifies the steps necessary to check the integrity of the internal surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel and joint during operation of the nuclear facility.

This detection mechanism uses various sensor probes to determine whether defects, such as cracks, voids, or slag, have formed on the inner surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and joint. Because exposure to the nozzle, pressure vessel, and the area of radiation in which the junction is located, the extent of which is a factor to be considered, the detection mechanism is configured to limit the number of inspection iterations and maximize the coverage (i.e., the amount of interior surface area analysis) per iteration.

Due to the complexity of the different nozzle geometries, a computational model is required to achieve 100% coverage of the nozzle inner radius region, which in the nozzle cross-section of fig. 3 is designated as the region between hole S0 and vessel S Smax. Typically inspection requires scanning at several different sensor angles and skewness, from the vessel outer shell radius "Rvo" (inner vessel radius "Rvi") and from the junction outer radius "Rbo" (inner junction radius "Rbi"), where R on the x-axis is the distance from the center of the nozzle and Z on the y-axis is the distance from the center of the vessel.

For illustration, the detection mechanism may specify three iterations, each iteration utilizing a different angle of the sensor probe. Each iteration will have an approximately cylindrical surface area around the nozzle, pressure vessel and the junction associated therewith, where the prescribed sensor probe is used. During each iteration, a given sensor probe is manually moved by a technician three hundred sixty degrees (360E) around the relevant approximately cylindrical surface area

An approximately cylindrical surface area for each iteration is defined between two rings spaced around the outer surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel and junction. To ensure complete coverage, approximately cylindrical surface areas for three iterations may overlap.

To further ensure complete coverage, the detection mechanism also provides a range of skewness (i.e., rotational orientation) under which the prescribed sensor probe for each iteration will be oriented as it moves around the exterior surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and junction.

Each sensor probe used during various iterations is calibrated to excite signal reflections as it moves around the outer surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and junction. These signal reflections correspond to defects formed on the internal surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and joint, such as the aforementioned cracks, voids, or slag. Upon confirmation of receipt of the signal reflection, the position of the sensor probe on the outer surface is indicated by the technician. Traditionally, the technician performing the inspection indicates the position and orientation of the sensor probe by, for example, tracing the sensor probe on the outer surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and junction, or by any other suitable marking or labeling technique.

After completing the various iterations specified by the detection mechanism, the location of the defect indication (e.g., a trace indicating the location and orientation of the sensor probe when a signal reflection is received) is entered into the inspection program of the computer. When a signal reflection is received, the computer inspection program (using the three-dimensional computer model discussed above) can reflect the location of the defect associated with the signal reflection on the inner surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel, and junction for a given angle of the sensor probe utilized, as well as the coordinates and skewness of the sensor probe. Once the defect is located, the significance of the defect can be evaluated to determine the operational performance of the container.

The definition of skewness is shown in fig. 4 a-d. For a skew of 0 ° aligned with the axis of the nozzle 12, the beam 112 of the sensor probe 111 is directed in the direction of the junction 16 and the centre of the nozzle 12 as shown in fig. 4 a; the 90 degree skew causes the beam 112 to point circumferentially around the nozzle 12 in a clockwise (+90) direction as shown in FIG. 4d, or a counter-clockwise (-90) direction as shown in FIG. 4 b; and the 180 deg. offset is again aligned with the axis of the nozzle 12 but the beam 112 is directed in the direction of the vessel shell as shown in figure 4 c.

When recording the index marks during the inspection in operation, knowledge of the position and orientation of the sensor on the scan surface is essential to determine the position of the defect on the inner surface in order to accurately locate the defect. To accurately measure the azimuthal position of the sensor around the circumference of the nozzle, it is time consuming and difficult to measure the radial position of the sensor relative to the center of the nozzle and to measure the skew of the sensor relative to the position of the nozzle. It is also difficult and time consuming to arrange the nozzles for inspection due to the geometry of the nozzles and the number of probes used for a particular radial region around the nozzle. Each probe is used for a specific radial position and the technician needs to be able to quickly identify the different zones

Given that the nozzle, pressure vessel and junction can be positioned in the irradiation zone and that a significant portion of the time spent in this environment must be allocated to performing the detection mechanism, there is a need for a device that can accurately and quickly measure, defect-indicating marks or labels, such as the location and orientation (i.e., coordinates and skewness) of traces on the exterior surfaces of the nozzle, pressure vessel and junction. Such a device should be capable of quickly measuring the radial and angular position of the defect indicator (i.e., trace) relative to the nozzle axis, as well as the skew of the sensor probe providing the defect indicator (trace).

SUMMARY

A measuring device is provided capable of providing coordinates for a specified location on an outer surface of a container, comprising: a base adapted to contact an outer surface of the container; a guide rail extending upwardly from the base, the guide rail including a measurement scale; a head slidably supported by the rail; and a laser carried by the head for projecting an image onto the outer surface of the container. The head may include a clamping mechanism for releasably securing the head to the rail. The base can be oriented in various positions on the exterior surface of the container.

In some embodiments, the base includes an angle indicator for determining the angular position of the rail. The angle indicator may be an electronic angle indicator or, in other embodiments, the angle indicator is a manual angle indicator, including a level and a protractor, and is coupled to the base such that the rail is vertically oriented when the level is horizontal and the protractor reads ninety degrees (90) from an indicator, such as a dimple, provided on the base. When the base is repositioned on the outer surface of the container, the angle indicator may be rotated to level the level and a protractor reading may be read from the indentation to determine the angular position of the rail and the head supported by the rail relative to the vertical.

It is further provided that when the image provided by the laser is projected onto the outer surface of the container, a reading of the measurement scale can be read out to determine the radial position of the rail and the head supported by the rail, and a reading of the angle indicator can be read out to determine the angular position of the rail and the head supported by the rail.

In certain embodiments, the laser is a cross-hair laser capable of projecting a cross-shaped image and is mounted on a graduated disk housing rotatably carried by the head. When a specified location on the outer surface of the container is marked by a defect-indicating mark (e.g., a trace of a sensor probe when it receives a signal indicating a defect), and when the graduated disk housing is rotated, the cross-shaped image projected by the crosshair laser is rotated, and the orientation of the cross-shaped image can be correlated to the skew of the trace by the degree marks provided on the graduated disk housing.

The present invention also provides a method of providing coordinates for a specified location on an exterior surface of a container, comprising:

placing a measuring device on an exterior surface of a container, the measuring device having a base, a rail extending upwardly from the base, and a head slidably supported by the rail;

projecting an image from a laser carried by the head onto an outer surface of the container;

centering the image projected by the laser at a prescribed position by orienting the base around the outer surface of the container and by adjusting the head on the guide rail;

and the coordinates of the specified position on the outer surface of the container are determined from the positions of the base and the head.

In some embodiments of the method, the coordinates of the prescribed position may be determined by reading an angle indicator associated with the base and a reading of a measurement scale contained on the guide rail. The angle indicator provides the angular position of the guide rail relative to the vertical, and the measurement scale provides the radial position of the head supported by the guide rail.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the prescribed location on the outer surface of the container is indicated by a trace, and the laser carried by the head is a crosshair laser that projects a cross-shaped image; and the method includes determining the skew of the trace by rotating the crosshair laser relative to the trace.

In certain embodiments, the crosshair laser is mounted on a degree disk housing rotatably carried by the head. As the degree disk housing rotates, the cross-shaped image projected by the crosshair laser rotates and the orientation of the cross-shaped image can be correlated to the skew of the traces by the angular markings provided on the degree disk housing.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inner radius portion of a nozzle.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a nozzle inner radius measurement parameter.

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of a computational model of the inner radius region of the nozzle.

Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are schematic views of a sensor probe deflected at a radius region within the nozzle.

Fig. 5a and 5b are graphical representations of computational models of the examination volume incorporating the radius detection technique in the nozzle inner radius region.

Fig. 6a and 6b are graphical representations of a computational model of the inspection volume of the container radius detection technique within the nozzle inner radius region.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a measuring device positioned on a nozzle perpendicular to the nozzle axis.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a measuring device positioned on a nozzle along the nozzle axis.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the head portion of the measuring device.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a head portion of the measuring device.

Detailed Description

The measurement device is configured to provide a location and orientation of a defect indication on an exterior surface of the nozzle, the pressure vessel, and/or a joint between the nozzle and the pressure vessel. More specifically, the apparatus provides defect indication indicia such as coordinates of the location and orientation of the traces of the sensor probe and skew provided on the exterior surface of the nozzle, pressure vessel and/or junction (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vessel"). The device measures not only the radial and angular position of the trace relative to the nozzle axis, but also the skew of the sensor probe providing the trace.

Table 1 below summarizes typical angle and skew combinations determined in nozzle modeling to achieve a full range of inspections. Parameters that control the scan area and calibration are also specified.

TABLE 1

Tip diffraction detection technique for sample nozzles

Angle of the probe	Deflection degree of probe	Scanning surface	Min R	MaxR	Min MP	Max MP	Max misdirection
								60	±24	Joining part	13.16	15.13	8.95	12.28	18
70	+/- (12 to 28)	Container with a lid	16.24	21.87	12.59	17.90	18
								50	±40	Joining part	13.98	14.62	10.97	13.60	14

(all units are degrees)

The probe angle is the angle of incidence of the surface. This is a function of the probe fabrication process and is a fixed size.

The probe deflection is the probe deflection when it is positioned on the surface of the junction or container. For probes used from the junction surface, the wedge including the seat will have to be contoured first to conform to the radius and then to a skew angle that will deviate (±) by many degrees from 0 °. This is also a function of the probe fabrication process and is a fixed size. For probes used from the well plate, the wedge is flat and the technician deflects the probe between specified ranges while scanning. This is a variable size and will be measured with a measuring device.

The scan plane defines the area (i.e., container housing surface, interface surface, nozzle cone/nozzle seat) to which a particular inspection technique is to be applied. This is a variable dimension relative to the "R" position and can be measured using a measuring device.

Min R and Max R are the minimum and maximum probe radial positions that will define the scanned area on the outer surface for each inspection technique. This is a variable dimension, typically from the center of the nozzle, and can be measured using a measuring device.

Fig. 5a and 5b show the minimum and maximum probe radial positions for probe scanning at azimuth angles of 114.85 ° and 203.08 °, respectively, and the portion of the examination volume covered by the junction radius detection technique, 60/24 b. Fig. 6a and 6b show the minimum and middle probe radial positions for probe scanning at azimuth angles of 209.92 ° and 63.12 °, respectively, and the portion of the examination volume covered by the container shell inspection technique, 70/(12 to 28) v.

The measuring device is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in fig. 7 and 8. The measuring device 10 is shown positioned on the nozzle 12 in a vertical orientation relative to the pressure vessel 14. The nozzle 12 communicates with the interior of the pressure vessel 14 so that fluid may be transferred out of the pressure vessel 14 through the nozzle 12 during operation. The joint 16 is formed at a position where the nozzle 12 is welded to the pressure vessel 14. The interface 16 provides a smooth radiused transition between the nozzle 12 and the pressure vessel 14, both inside and outside the nozzle 12 and the pressure vessel 14.

After the inspection mechanism (e.g., as specified by a computer model or inspection program) has been pre-established, various sensor locations, such as probe traces, at which defects are indicated may be present on the outer surfaces of the nozzle 12 pressure vessel 14 and bond 16. These sensor probe traces are associated with cracks, defects, such as voids or slag, formed on the inner surfaces of the nozzle 12, pressure vessel 14, and junction 16, and have been manually marked on the outer surfaces upon receipt of the reflected signals as described above. The computer detection program can map the location of the defect using the coordinates and skewness of the sensor probe at the identified reflection signal (evidenced by the trace).

Because the nozzle 12, pressure vessel 14, and junction 16 may be positioned in the irradiation zone, the measurement device 10 is configured to quickly measure the location (i.e., coordinates and skewness) of defect indications, such as traces. For this reason, the measuring device 10 is able to quickly measure the radial and angular position of the trajectory relative to the nozzle axis and the skew of the sensor probe providing the trajectory.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the measurement device 10 includes a base 20 that may be adapted to "sit" on an exterior surface of the nozzle 12 and/or the pressure vessel 14. That is, the base 20 is provided in contact with the outer surface of the nozzle 12 and/or the pressure vessel 14 and is configured to support the remainder of the measuring device 10. The base 20 may be configured differently depending on whether the base 20 is used on the nozzle 12 or the pressure vessel 14.

For example, the base 20 may be V-shaped when adapted to sit on the nozzle 12. As shown in fig. 7, the V-shaped base 20 includes a first leg 22 with a first engagement surface 23 and a second leg 24 with a second engagement surface 25. The first leg 22 and the second leg 24 extend outwardly from the body portion 26 at congruent angles to provide a first engagement surface 23 and a second engagement surface 25 at obtuse angles relative to each other. The orientation of the first engagement surface 23 and the second engagement surface 25 enables the V-shaped seat 20 to be positioned on a nozzle having a cylindrical surface of a selected diameter. The base 20 is desirably box-shaped when adapted to sit on the pressure vessel 14. Thus, the box-like base 20 includes a somewhat flat bottom surface (not shown) adapted to engage the outer surface of the pressure vessel 14. However, whether V-shaped or box-shaped, the base 20 may be magnetized so that it may be oriented in various locations on the exterior surface of the nozzle 12 and/or the pressure vessel 14.

Extending upwardly from the base 20 of the measuring device 10 is a guide rail 30 on which a head 32 is slidably mounted. When a V-shaped base 20 is utilized, a manual angle indicator 34 is rotatably coupled to the body portion 26 to indicate the azimuthal position (i.e., the angular position relative to the vertical) of the guide rail 30 and the head 32 supported by the guide rail 30. Furthermore, when utilizing a box-like base 20, an electronic angle indicator (provided in the base 20) may be calibrated to indicate the relative angular position (according to a preselected calibration angle) of the rail 30 and the head 32 supported by the rail 30.

As shown in fig. 7, the manual angle indicator 34 includes a level 36 and a protractor 38. The manual angle indicator 34 is mounted such that the guide rail 30 is oriented in a vertical direction when the level 36 is horizontal, and the protractor 38 reads ninety degrees (90 °) from an indicator or indentation provided on the base 20. When the rail 30 (and thus the head 32) is oriented in another circumferential position around the nozzle 12, the manual angle indicator 34 may be rotated to level the level 36 and readings of the protractor 38 (according to the previously described indicators or indents) may be read to determine the angle of the rail 30 relative to the vertical. As a result, manual angle indicator 34 (rotatably mounted on base 20) is configured to measure the azimuthal position of rail 30 and head 32 supported by rail 30.

As described above, the head 32 is slidably mounted on the rail 30. The head 32 may include a clamping mechanism 40 that is capable of releasably securing the head 32 to the rail 30. As shown in fig. 8, the guide track 30 includes a measurement scale, generally indicated at 42. Thus, assuming that the diameter of the nozzle 12 and/or the pressure vessel 14 is known, the position of the head 32 relative to a measurement scale 42 contained on the guide rail may be adjusted on the guide rail 30 in order to measure the radial position of the head 32 relative to the axis of the nozzle 12 and/or the pressure vessel 14.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the head 32 includes a frame 46, and the clamping mechanism 40 may be formed using a clamping member 48 secured to the frame 46. Frame 46 includes an interior cavity 50 (which is adapted to receive a crosshair laser 64, described below), a first side 52 and a second side 54. The clamping member 48 is attached to the second edge 54 with a fastener 56 and forms a cavity 58 with the second edge 54 adapted to receive the rail 30. Screws 60 are provided that can pass through threaded holes (not shown) into the cavities 58 to interface with the rails 30. Once head 32 is properly positioned, screw 60 is used to clamp head 32 in place on rail 30.

A crosshair laser 64 is carried by the head 32 and is used to determine the defect-indicating (or trace) location of the head 32 relative to the sensor probe. For example, the cross-hair laser 64 may be mounted on a degree disk housing 66 that is rotatably carried within the interior cavity 50 of the head 32. The cross-hair laser 64 is used to project a laser beam 65 that projects an image having a cross shape onto the outer surface of the nozzle 12, the pressure vessel 14, or the junction 16. After adjusting the measurement device 10 to center the cross-shaped image on the trace, the technician (after reading the readings of the angle indicator 34 and the measurement scale 42) can determine the coordinates of the trace.

As described above, the gauge disk housing 66 is rotatably carried in the frame 46 and is adjustable so that a technician can determine the skew of the sensor probe in relation to the defect indication (or trace). As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the gauge disk housing 66 includes a cylindrical portion 70 mounted on an annular plate 72. The cylindrical portion 70 is received in the inner cavity 50 and the annular plate 72 is provided with angular indicia generally indicated at 74. Thus, the annular plate 72 can be referred to as a degree disk and allows a technician to determine the skew of the sensor probe as described below.

To provide for rotation of the dial housing 66, the internal cavity 50 may be slotted at both ends to accommodate the bearings 76. The bearing 76 interfaces with the cylindrical portion 70 and provides for smooth rotation of the dial housing 66 relative to the frame 46.

The cylindrical portion 70 includes a laser-receiving cavity 80 configured to receive a laser housing 82 in which the crosshair laser 64 is mounted. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the laser housing 82 includes a mounting space 84 that is segmented to receive the components that form the crosshair laser 64. For example, a lens 86 (which creates a cross-shaped image) and a laser generator 88 are positioned at one end of the mounting space 84. A switch 90 for activating and deactivating the laser generator 88 is positioned at the other end of the mounting space 84. A battery 92 (for driving the laser generator 88) is connected to the switch 90 and, as shown in fig. 10, may be positioned adjacent to the switch 90.

As shown in fig. 10, switch cover 94 may be attached to annular plate 72 using fasteners 95. Switch cover 94 contains an aperture 96 and is used to secure switch 90 relative to dial housing 66. For example, a threaded portion 98 of the switch 90 may be provided through the aperture 96, and a switch nut 100 may be used to secure the switch 90 to the switch cover 94.

To determine the skew of the sensor probe relative to a defect indicator, such as a trace of a sensor, the measurement device 10 is adjusted to center the cross-shaped image on the trace, as described above. The dial housing 66 is then rotated to determine the degree of skewness. For example, the degree disk housing 66 may be rotated until portions of the cross-shaped image (projected by the crosshair laser 64) are perpendicular to the sides of the traces that intersect these portions. A reference point for measuring the rotation of the dial housing 66 is provided by a pointer 104 attached to the first side 52 of the frame 46 via a fastener 105. Thus, to determine the skew of the sensor probe relative to the trace, the technician (once the cross-shaped image is properly oriented with respect to the trace) reads the angular indicia 74 indicated by the pointer 104. Thus, by orienting the cross-shaped image projected by the crosshair laser 64 and correlating the orientation of the cross-shaped image with the angular indicia 74 referenced by the pointer 104, the skew of the sensor probe can be determined.

Although described with respect to a pressure vessel, nozzle and junction for a nuclear power plant facility, such a measurement device may be used whenever rapid, precise location and orientation identification or registration on a vessel, such as a pressure vessel, nozzle or junction, is required.

It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but includes variations, modifications and equivalent embodiments as defined in the following claims. Moreover, all embodiments disclosed are not required in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention can be combined to provide the desired results.

Claims (16)

1. A quantitative measuring device capable of providing a radial position, an angular position, and a skewness for a specified position and orientation on an exterior surface of a container, comprising:

a base adapted to contact an exterior surface of the container, wherein the base is capable of being oriented in various positions on the exterior surface of the container;

a guide rail extending from the base, the guide rail including a measurement scale for determining a position of a head slidably supported by the guide rail, the head providing a radial position of the prescribed position;

an angle indicator for determining an angular position of the guide rail relative to a vertical direction perpendicular to horizontal;

a laser carried by the head for projecting an image onto an outer surface of the container;

wherein the prescribed location on the outer surface of the container is indicated by a trace, an

The laser carried by the head is a crosshair laser projecting a cross-shaped image, the skew of the trace being determined by rotating the crosshair laser relative to the trace.

2. The measurement device of claim 1, wherein the base is magnetized.

3. A measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle indicator is an electronic angle indicator.

4. The measuring device of claim 1, wherein the angle indicator is a manual angle indicator that includes a level and a protractor and is associated with the base such that when the level is horizontal and the protractor reads a calibrated degree value from the indicator, the rail is vertically oriented with respect to horizontal.

5. A measuring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the angle indicator is adapted to be rotated to level the level when the base is repositioned on the outer surface of the vessel, and the protractor is adapted to be read out in dependence on the indicator to determine the angular position of the rail and the head supported by the rail relative to a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal.

6. A measuring device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the measuring scale is adapted to be read out to determine the radial position of the rail and the head supported by the rail, and the angle indicator is adapted to be read out to determine the angular position of the rail and the head supported by the rail, when the image provided by the laser is projected onto the outer surface of the container.

7. The measurement device of claim 1, wherein the crosshair laser is mounted on a degree disk housing rotatably carried by the head.

8. The measurement device of claim 7, wherein the prescribed location on the outer surface of the container is indicated by a trace, and wherein the cross-shaped image projected by the crosshair laser rotates as the degree dial housing rotates, and wherein the orientation of the cross-shaped image can be correlated to the skew of the trace by degree indicia provided on the degree dial housing.

9. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises a clamping mechanism adapted to releasably secure the head to the rail.

10. A method of providing a radial position, an angular position, and a degree of skewness for a specified position and orientation on an exterior surface of a container, comprising:

placing a measuring device on an outer surface of the container, the measuring device having a base, a rail extending from the base including a measuring scale, an angle indicator for determining an angular position of the rail, and a head slidably supported by the rail for determining a radial position of the prescribed position; projecting an image from a laser carried by the head onto an outer surface of the container;

centering the image projected by the laser at a prescribed position by orienting the base around the outer surface of the container and by adjusting the head on the guide rail;

orienting an image projected by the laser with respect to the prescribed position by rotating the laser relative to the head;

determining coordinates of a prescribed location on the container exterior surface from the locations of the base and the head;

wherein the prescribed location on the outer surface of the container is indicated by a trace, an

The laser carried by the head is a crosshair laser projecting a cross-shaped image, the skew of the trace being determined by rotating the crosshair laser relative to the trace.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the coordinates of the prescribed position are determined by reading an angular indicator associated with the base and a reading of a measurement scale contained on the guide rail.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the angle indicator provides the angular position of the rail relative to a vertical direction perpendicular to horizontal, and the measurement scale provides the radial position of a head supported by the rail.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the angle indicator is an electronic angle indicator.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the angle indicator is a manual angle indicator that includes a level and a protractor and is associated with the base such that when the level is horizontal and the protractor reads a calibrated degree value from the indicator, the rail is vertically oriented with respect to horizontal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the crosshair laser is mounted on a degree disk housing rotatably carried by the head.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein a cross-shaped image projected by the crosshair laser rotates as the degree disk housing rotates, and an orientation of the cross-shaped image can be correlated to a skew of the trace by degree indicia provided on the degree disk housing.