EMAT SYSTEM FOR DETECTING SURFACE AND INTERNAL DISCONTINUITIES IN CONDUCTIVE STRUCTURES AT HIGH TEMPERATURE

Abstract

An EMAT system (1) for detecting surface and internal discontinuities (2) in thick conductive structures (90) at high temperatures, comprising a magnet (4) that generates a static magnetic field (SMF) and an HF electric coil (6) for inducing, or being induced by, eddy currents in the material (14). It comprises a perforated matrix-array laminated magnetic core (22) placed between the HF electric coil (6) and the inspected material (3), which is made up of a multitude of apertured HF active laminae (29) incorporating a ferromagnetic material, and of apertured insulating passive laminae (53). Trough-holes (41, 57) are drilled through each lamina (29, 53) and form a grooved cylindrical aperture (39). Parallel induced-current loops (43) encircle each magnetic trough-hole (41) of the HF active laminae (29). Cooling means (58) force a heat-transfer fluid (60) to pass through the grooved cylindrical aperture (39).

Claims

1. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) for the detection of surface and internal Discontinuities (2) in an electrically conductive Inspected Material (3), comprising: a. At least one Magnet (4) or an electromagnet, configured to generate a static or quasi - Static Magnetic Field (SMF) in the Inspected Material (3); b. At least one HF Electric Coil (6), the latter being of the type i. either, configured as an HF Electromagnetic Transmitter (9) of an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF), if the EMAT (1) is used in Emission Mode (EM), and then it is connected to the output of at least one AC Current Source (11), driving an HF Alternating Current (AC) in the HF Electric Coil (6) at ultrasonic frequency, inducing the Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF) in the direction of the Inspected Material (3), producing Material Eddy Currents (14) on the surface of the Inspected Material (3), generating Lorentz Forces (15) at ultrasonic frequency in the Inspected Material (3), by the interaction of the Material Eddy Currents (14) with the Static Magnetic Field (SMF) and/or a Magnetostriction, the disturbance of which generates Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) directly in the Inspected Material (3); ii. and/or, configured as an HF Electromagnetic Receiver (18), if the EMAT (1) is used in Reception Mode (RM), and then it is traversed by a Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signal (88) at ultrasonic frequency, generated by an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF), Induced by the Material Eddy Currents (14) produced on the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3) by Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21), under the influence of an ultrasonic source, interacting with the Static Magnetic Field (SMF), and which are representative of the surface and internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3); c. At least one Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), configured to concentrate and direct the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) in the direction or coming from the Inspected Material (3); of the type comprising a sandwich Matrix (23), i. consisting of a multitude of laminated Thin Sheets (24) stacked periodically along the Matrix Axis (25), these Thin Sheets (24) being positioned between the two main Matrix Faces (26) of the Sandwich Matrix (23), parallel to its Stacking Plan (27), ii. having multiple adjacent lateral Edge Faces (35), extending substantially perpendicular to the Stacking Plan (27) and perpendicular to the Matrix Axis (25); one of them, the First Edge Face (36) of the Matrix (23), facing the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3), and the other, the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) being situated substantially opposite the First Edge Face (36), and facing the HF Electric Coil (6); iii. each laminated Thin Sheet (24) of the Matrix (23) having a spatial geometry and lateral dimensions similar to those of the adjacent Thin Sheets (24) in the Matrix (23); and, having two main lateral Sheet Surfaces (32), parallel to the Stacking Plan (27); iv. of which, the combined successive adjacent Peripheral Edges (33) of each Thin Sheet (24) constitute a grooved Edge Surface (34) of the Matrix (23), surrounding the Matrix Axis (25), and, v. defining a Core Axis (38) of the Matrix (23), substantially joining the centers of the First Edge Face (36) and the Second Edge Face (37); positioned substantially perpendicular to the Matrix Axis (25); d. this sandwich Matrix (23) comprising at least one First Multitude (28) of HF Active Laminae (29) (or groups of such laminae), each of them i. being isolated from one another, ii. externally incorporating an electrically conductive material; and/or being covered externally with an electrically conductive layer on its Peripheral Edges (33), and, iii. internally incorporating a Magnetic Material of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic type, and having a Curie Temperature (TC); This Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) being characterized in combination in that: a. It comprises a Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39), i. passing through each Thin Sheet (24) of the Matrix (23), along an Aperture Axis (40) of the Sandwich Matrix (23), substantially parallel to the Matrix Axis (25) and perpendicular to the Core Axis (38), and, ii. opening onto each of the two lateral Matrix Faces (26); b. It comprises a multitude of Magnetic Via-Holes (41), i. of similar cross-sectional dimensions, ii. perforated through and substantially at the centre of each of the multiple thus apertured HF Active Laminae (29) of the Matrix (23), along an axis substantially parallel to the Inspected Surface (8), iii. having a Via-Hole’s Longitudinal Envelope (42), disposed along the Aperture Axis (40) of the Matrix (23), the lateral perimeter of which being continuously closed, and, iv. aligned to form by their alignment the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39); and, c. It comprises a multitude of closed Induced Current Loops (43) which, when the EMAT (1) is in operation, are i. induced by the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF), which is either emitted by the HF Alternating Current (AC) at ultrasonic frequency in the HF Electric Coil (6), and/or emitted by the Material Eddy Currents (14) at ultrasonic frequency in the Inspected Material (3), ii. located within the Active Lamina Skin (48) of the periphery of each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), iii. arranged according to a Loops Mapping (LM), defining the topology and the relative positions of all the Induced Current Loops (43); d. Each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) is located between - the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Surface (8), and - the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electric Coil (6); e. Each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) is internally free of any hard material, and in particular is free of any electrical conductor passing through it; f. The Loops Mapping (LM) is topologically discrete and consists of a multitude of discrete parts of Induced Current Loops (43) of the HF Active Laminae (29), (or groups of such HF Active Laminae) distant from each other; g. The remote Induced Current Loops (43) (or group of such Loops), i. are induced within the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the Peripheral Edges (33) of the HF Active Laminae (29), ii. are each arranged along a plane of loops parallel to the Stacking Plan (27), and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the Inspected Material (3); iii. are substantially parallel, and separated from one another, between their respective HF Active Lamina (29), iv. encircle the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) of their HF Active Lamina (29) and rotate around it; and, a. Each Core Spacing Slice (49) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) and of its surface, located between two adjacent HF Active Laminae (29) (or group), is free of any Induced Current Loops (43); Such that a combined and interactive double physical effect occurs within the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22): a. Each of the multiple parallel and topologically discrete Induced Current Loops (43) of each apertured HF Active Lamina (29), i. separately generates a high-frequency magnetic field, ii. separately and locally increases the discrete and selective high-frequency magnetic coupling between a narrow Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing the HF Active Laminae (29), and the HF Electric Coil (6), and, iii. participates in the mutual reduction of the high-frequency magnetic reluctance of the EMAT (1); b. The Inner Perimeter (45) of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23), i. creates a Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) that is free inside the center of its HF Active Lamina (29), ii. produces an internal Thermal Cooling effect to dissipate a fraction of the local electrical and calorific energy generated by the specific Induced Current Loop (43) of its specific HF Active Lamina (29), and, iii. participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

2. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, wherein: a. Each apertured HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23) (or group of such Active Laminae) is separated from its neighbours, at the level of the adjacent Core Spacing Slices (49), by at least one sheet of a Second Multitude (54) of Passive Laminae (53) made of an electrically insulating material; b. Each Passive Lamina (53) is perforated by a Spacer Via-Hole (57), and, c. Each Passive Lamina (53) is positioned and configured such that: i. The Magnetic Via-Holes (41) in the First Multitude (28) of HF Active Laminae (29) of the Matrix (23), as well as the Spacer Via-Holes (57) of the Second Multitude (54) of Passive Laminae (53) of the Sandwich Matrix (23), ii. are aligned parallel to the Matrix Axis (25), to form by their alignment and their combination the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39); This Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) being characterized in combination in that: a. Each Spacer Via-Hole (57) in each Passive Lamina (53) is located between i. the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3), and, ii. the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electric Coil (6); and, b. Each Spacer Via-Hole (57) of its Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39), i. is internally free of any hard material, ii. and in particular is free of any electrical conductor passing through it; So that the inner periphery of each Spacer Via-Hole (57) in each Passive Lamina (53) of the Matrix (23) creates a. A Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) internal to the center of the Passive Lamina (53), b. which produces an internal thermal cooling effect in this Spacer Via-Hole (57) in order to dissipate a fraction of the electrical and calorific energy generated by the Induced Current Loops (43) of the adjacent HF Active Laminae (29), and which participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

3. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, for at least one Passive Lamina (53) and preferably for all, a. The Peripheral Edges (33) of their peripheries are free of any conductive material covering their surfaces; b. In such a way that the grooved Edge Surface (34) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) is not covered continuously and/or constituted by an electrically conductive layer, but on the contrary, it consists of alternating edges with edges, made on the one hand of conductive rings around the HF Active Laminae (29) and on the other hand of insulating rings around the Passive Laminae (53).

4. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, of the type also comprising: a. Cooling Means (58) i. generating a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60) at a Cooling Temperature (TF), ii. configured so that the Cooling Flow (59) is forced to pass through the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of the Matrix (23); This Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) being characterized in combination in that: a. The Cooling Flow (59) is configured i. to pass successively through at least one Magnetic Via-Hole (41) of the First Multitude (28) and, alternatively, through at least one of the Spacer Via-Holes (57) of Second Multitude (54), ii. to bootlick all of the Hole Wall Surfaces (62) of each successive Magnetic Via-Hole (41) and/or each Spacer Via-Hole (57) of the Matrix (23), iii. to increase the internal thermal cooling effect in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23); each of them being the subject to an Induced Current Loop (43) and a heat dissipation; and, b. The Cooling Temperature (TF) of the Cooling Flow (59) is lower by more than 50° C. than the specific Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of each apertured HF Active Lamina (29).

5. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, in combination: a. At least one (and preferably a multitude of) Thin Sheet(s) (24) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) i. is - either pierced by a Cushion Hole (63), - or, provided with a Cushion Notch (64), passing through the Annular Wall (65) formed between their Via-Hole (41, 57), and the portion of their First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3), in a direction parallel to the Stacking Plan (27), ii. to create a Cushion Recess (66) between the Via-Holes (41, 57) of the Thin Sheet (24) and the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3); and, b. The Cooling Means (58) are configured to i. extract a Cushing Fluid Flow (67) from the Cooling Flow (59) flowing through the Via-Holes (41, 57), ii. flow under pressure this Cushion Fluid Flow (67) extracted through the Cushion Recess (66), iii. create a Lift Air Cushion (70) between the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) and the Inspected Material (3), at the level of the Cushion Recess (66) facing the Inspected Material (3), and, iv. thus, lifting the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) above the Inspected Material (3) from a Cushion Gap (68).

6. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in combination: a. The two outer Sheet Surfaces (32) of the two outer Thin Sheets located on the Matrix Faces (26) are either constituted, or covered by a Conductive Covering Layer (69), of an electrically conductive material; b. A Via-Hole with transverse dimensions similar to those of the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) is perforated through each of the two Conductive Covering Layers (69); c. The multiple Thin Sheets (24) and the two Conductive Covering Layers (69) of the Matrix (23) are positioned relative to one another, so that their multiple Via-Holes are aligned to form, by continuity, the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39).

7. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: a. The perimeter of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) is rectangular.

8. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, in combination: a. The center of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) is substantially located at the center of gravity of its HF Active Lamina (29); and, b. The perimeter of hole of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) is positioned substantially at a constant Ring Distance (Rd) of the perimeter of its HF Active Lamina (29); c. In such a way that each HF Active Lamina (29) is topologically configured as a rectangular Active Ring (71), thermodynamically cooled from the heating of the Induced Current Loop (43) generated around it.

9. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: a. The Second Edge Face (37) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) directly faces the HF Electric Coil (6), and, b. No magnet is positioned between - on one side the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) and - on the other side the HF Electric Coil (6).

10. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: a. the orientation, the pitch, the size, and the shape of each of the Circuit Facing Edges (72) of each HF Active Lamina (29), located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23), and facing the HF Electric Coil (6); b. are consistent and correlated with the geometric parameters, including orientation, the pitch, the size, and the shape, of the Conductor Fractions (75) of the HF Electric Coil (6) successively facing each of these Circuit Facing Edges (72).

11. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 10, wherein: a. The HF Electric Coil (6) has at least one Fraction of Linear Conductor (73); and, b. This Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) is positioned in proximity to and directly above a Circuit Facing Edge (72), and it is tangent along an axis parallel to this portion close to the perimeter of an HF Active Lamina (29) located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) facing the HF Electric Coil (6); This Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) being characterized in combination in that the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are configured such that, when the EMAT (1) is in operation, an Induced Current Loop (43) a. is induced in the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the periphery of the HF Active Lamina (29), b. surrounds its Magnetic Via-Hole (41), c. so that this makes a local selective HF magnetic coupling between: i. an HF Alternating Current (AC) driven in the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) extending over and along the perimeter of the HF Active Lamina (29), and, ii. the Material Eddy Currents (14) generated in the Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing the HF Active Lamina (29).

12. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 11, wherein: a. The HF Electric Coil (6) is of the type having a multitude of (at least two) Fractions of Linear Conductors (73); parallel and adjacent to one another, such as a Meander Circuit (74), b. This multiple of parallel Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) are i. positioned successively in proximity, and directly above a Circuit Facing Edge (72) of an HF Active Lamina (29), located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) facing the HF Electric Coil (6), and, ii. configured so that the HF Alternating Current (AC) flowing successively from the parallel and neighbouring Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) is oriented in alternating opposite directions; c. At least one Conductor HF Magnetic Flux Loop (76) surrounds substantially perpendicularly each Fraction of Linear Conductor (73), and penetrates substantially perpendicularly inside the HF Active Lamina (29) facing it; This Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) being characterized in that the Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) of the HF Electric Coil (6) and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are configured such that when the EMAT (1) is in Emission Mode (EM): a. Two adjacent HF Active Laminae (29), surmounted by two adjacent Fractions of Linear Conductor (73), b. Are traversed in their Active Lamina Skin (48) by two adjacent Induced Current Loops (43), each composed of an alternating HF electric current rotating in an opposite Direction Of Rotation (78), around the Aperture Axis (40) passing through their Magnetic Via-Holes (41), one being in the clockwise direction, while the other is in the anticlockwise direction.

13. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in combination: a. The Aperture Depth (Od) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), along its Aperture Axis (40), b. is substantially equal and consistent with a First Transverse Dimension (FTd) of at least one HF Electric Coil (6) of the EMAT (1).

14. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in combination: a. the grooved Second Edge Face (37) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), facing an HF Electric Coil (6), b. has a transverse dimension, in a direction perpendicular to the Aperture Axis (40) of the Matrix (23), which is substantially equal and consistent with a Second Transverse Dimension (STd) of at least one HF Electric Coil (6) of the EMAT (1).

15. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in combination, the Sheet Geometric Dimensions of the perforated Thin Sheet (24) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) and/or the combined geometric dimensions of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are selected for: a. Being decorrelated from the wavelengths of the principal harmonics of the Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF) field, and, b. Preventing a mechanical resonance of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) at the ultrasonic frequency of operation of the EMAT (1).

16. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in combination, the Sheet Geometric Dimensions of the perforated Thin Sheets (24) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are, at the ultrasonic frequency of operation of the EMAT (1): a. Either, lower than the wavelengths of the ultrasonic waves generated in these Thin Sheets (24), b. Or, substantially equal to an odd number of quarters of the wavelengths of the ultrasonic waves generated in these Thin Sheets (24).

17. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to claim 1, of the type in which the grooved First Edge Face (36) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) facing the Inspected Material (3) and parallel to the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) is either covered by, or covered with an Insulating Layer (81) made of, an electrically insulating material; this EMAT (1) being characterized in that further one of the sides of the Insulating Layer (81) a. Is arranged facing the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39), and, b. Covers, on the edge belonging to the First Edge Face (36), the perimeter of each of the apertured HF Active Laminae (29).

18. A Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82), for inspecting a conductive Inspected Material (3), by receiving an ultrasonic signal from this Inspected Material (3), comprising the combination of: a. An Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, i. configured in Reception Mode (RM), for receiving an ultrasonic signal from the Inspected Material (3), ii. the HF Electric Coil (6) of which is configured as an HF Electromagnetic Receiver (18), induced by an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by the Inspected Material (3), generated by the Material Eddy Currents (14), produced in the Inspected Material (3) by Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21), representative of the surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3), and, iii. the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of which is located between the HF Electric Coil (6) of the EMAT (1) and the local surface of the Inspected Material (3), and, directly faces the HF Electric Coil (6); b. A Laser Source (84) configured for: i. drawing a high energy Laser Beam (85) at a Firing Point (86) of the surface of the Inspected Material (3), ii. generating ultrasonic waves producing Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) propagating on the surface and/or inside the Inspected Material (3), and, iii. causing the generation of Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21) resulting from the echoes of the interactions of the Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) with the Discontinuities (2) on and/or inside the Inspected Material (3), propagating on the surface and/or inside the Inspected Material (3), iv. causing the generation of Material Eddy Currents (14) at the surface of the Inspected Material (3), induced by the mechanical vibrations of the Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21) under the influence of the Static Magnetic Field (SMF) emitted by the Magnet (4) of the EMAT (1), and, v. causing the induction of an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by the Material Eddy Currents (14) present on the surface of the Inspected Material (3), representative of the geometry and of the position of the surface and internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3); This Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) is characterized in that: a. A multitude of parallel and remote Induced Current Loops (43), i. are induced by the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by the Material Eddy Currents (14) at ultrasonic frequency of the Inspected Material (3) under the influence of the Laser Source (84), ii. within the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the Peripheral Edges (33) of each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22); b. These Induced Current Loops (43) of each HF Active Lamina (29) i. are spaced apart from one another, ii. are each arranged along a plane of loops parallel to the Stacking Plan (27), and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the Inspected Material (3); iii. surround and rotate around the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) of their HF Active Lamina (29); iv. are located between the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3) and the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electric Coil (6), and v. are positioned substantially perpendicular to the two Edge Faces (36, 37); Such that a combined and interactive double physical effect occurs within the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22): a. Each of the multiple parallel and topologically discrete Induced Current Loops (43) of each HF Active Lamina (29), i. separately generates a high-frequency magnetic field, ii. separately locally and discretely increases the high-frequency magnetic coupling between - a narrow Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing its HF Active Lamina (29), and - the HF Electric Coil (6), and, iii. homogenizes the high-frequency coupling, and participates by mutualisation in the global reduction of the high-frequency magnetic reluctance, and in increasing the resolution of the EMAT (1); b. The Inner Perimeter (45) of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23), i. creates an internal free Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) at the center of its HF Active Lamina (29), and, ii. produces an internal Thermal Cooling effect to dissipate a fraction of the local electrical and calorific energy generated by the Induced Current Loop (43) of its specific HF Active Lamina (29), and, iii. participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

19. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89), for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) inside a mobile cylindrical Conductive Structure (90), comprising the combination of: a. A Conductive Structure (90) to be 3D scanned, i. made of an electrically conductive Inspected Material (3), ii. having a cylindrical structure generated along a Structure Axis (91), iii. having a substantially constant Structure Section (92); b. A Chassis Frame (93), i. configured to surround the Conductive Structure (90) at a Frame Distance (Fd), ii. the Frame Plane (95) of which is substantially perpendicular to the Structure Axis (91) of the Conductive Structure (90); c. A Probes Multitude (96) made of at least two Laser-EMAT probes (LEMAT) (82) according to claim 18, wherein each of the Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) is i. fixed on the Chassis Frame (93), and, ii. positioned and configured in such position that each of the First Edge Faces (36) of their Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) faces the Conductive Structure (90); d. Displacement Means (97) configured to move linearly i. the cylindrical Conductive Structure (90) relative to the Chassis Frame (93), ii. along a Displacement Direction (Md), substantially coincident with the Structure Axis (91); This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) is characterized in that: a. The Apertures Loop (99), i. constituted by the virtual line joining the centers of each successive Grooved Cylindrical Apertures (39) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), ii. encircles the Conductive Structure (90).

20. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 19, characterized in that its Probes Multitude (96) made of Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) are attached to the Chassis Frame (93), positioned, and configured in a position such that: a. The juxtaposition of the multitude of adjacent First Edge Faces (36) neighbouring the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Cores (22) of its adjacent Laser-EMAT (LEMAT) Probes (82), facing Inspected Material (3), are substantially contiguous with each other; and, b. It constitutes a substantially continuous grooved Inspection Ring (100), surrounding and covering the perimeter of the Conductive Structure (90), in a Structure Section (92) of the Conductive Structure (90) close to the Frame Plane (95).

21. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 19, of the type in which a. The Laser Source (84) of each LEMAT (82) consists of an Optical Fibre (101), fixed to the Frame Plane (95), having a Firing End (102) facing the Conductive Structure (90); and, b. Each Optical Fibre (101) is connected to a Laser Generator (103); This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) is characterized in that the Laser Firing Loop (104), a. constituted by the virtual line joining the Firing Ends (102) of each adjacent Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), b. encircles the Conductive Structure (90) and is substantially parallel to the Apertures Loop (99).

22. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 19, for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of a Metallurgical Slab (105), in which: a. The Conductive Structure (90) is a cylindrical Metallurgical Slab (105) that is movable relative to the MLEMAT (89); This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) is characterized in that: a. The Apertures Loop (99), constituted by the virtual line joining the centers of each successive Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), encircles the movable cylindrical Metallurgical Slab (105).

23. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 22, for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of a Steel Slab (105), of the type in which: a. The Conductive Structure (90) is a mobile cylindrical cast strand of Steel Slab (105); continuously cast in a steel mill at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C., and, b. The apertured HF Active Laminae (29) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89) are made of a Magnetic Material, for example of the type ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, having a Curie Temperature (TC) lower than the Casting Temperature (TS); This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) being characterized in combination in that each Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89) is connected to Cooling Means (58) generating a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60), a. pushed under pressure inside each Via-Hole (41, 57) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89); b. at a Cooling Temperature (TF) more than 50° C. lower than the Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of the apertured HF Active Laminae (29).

24. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 23, for the automatic adjustment of the dynamic parameters of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) of the cast strand of a Steel Slab (105) continuously cast in a steel mill at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C., of the type in which: a. The cast strand of Steel Slab (105) is continuously pushed through a Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD), to suppress the formation of a macro-segregation zone and porosity zones within the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105), thereby dynamically compensating for the solidification shrinkage of the steel and by interrupting the suction flow rate of the residual molten metal in the Central Mushy Zone (106); b. The MLMAT (89) is coupled to this Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD) which comprises: i. A Dynamic 3D Mapping System (3DMS), generating a Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105), ii. A computerized DSR Optimization System (DSRM), generating Dynamic DSR Optimization Parameters (PCSD), based on the Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) and on the strand casting parameters, and, c. A Digital DSR Activator (ASR), dynamically adjusting the DSR Action Parameters (PASD) of the Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD), based on the PCSD generated by the DSRM; This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) being characterized in combination in that: a. The HF Electrical Coils (6a, 6b, 6) of each EMAT (1a, 1b, 1) of each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89) are each connected to the Dynamic 3D Mapping System (3DMS), and transmit thereto a Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signal (88a, 88b, 88) induced in each HF Electrical Coil (6a, 6b, 6) by the Material Eddy Currents (14) on the Frontal Zone (110) of the Inspected Material (3) of the Steel Slab (105) locally facing each EMAT (1a, 1b,1); b. The DSR Optimization System (DSRM) is provided with Analog And Digital Processing Means (MDAN) configured for i. Receiving the multitude of Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signals (88a, 88b, 88) included in the Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Currents (19a,19b, 19) traversing each HF Electric Coil (6a, 6b, 6) in each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89), and, ii. Identifying the changes and perturbations in each Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signal (88a, 88b, 88) of each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82), caused by the Discontinuities (2) in the Local Active Fraction (44a, 44b, 44) of the Inspected Material (3) facing each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82), and digitally deducing therefrom and generating the Frontal Topology Of Defects (DTa, DTb, DT) in this Local Active Fraction (44a, 44b, 44), and, iii. Digitally combining the Frontal Topology Of Defects (DTa, DTb, DT), and digitally generating a three-dimensional Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) physically observed by the MLEMAT (89) of the interior of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105), in the Frontal Zone (110) facing the Inspection Ring (100) in the Structure Section (92) of the Frame Plane (95), based on the combination and on the digital analysis of combined signals of the multiple Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signals (88a, 88b, 88); and, c. The Cooling Means (58) generate a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60), i. thrust under pressure inside each Via-Hole (41, 57) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1a,1b, 1) of the MLEMAT (89); ii. at a Cooling Temperature (TF) markedly lower (by at least 50° C.) than the Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of the apertured HF Active Lamina (29); d. So that the DSR Action Parameters (PASD) of the Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD) can be adjusted dynamically and automatically in an optimal manner, on the basis of a Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105) physically observed by the MLEMAT (89), this at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C.

25. A Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to claim 24, for the automatic adjustment of the dynamic parameters of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) which further allows the set-up of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105) continuously cast in a steel mill at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C., characterized in that the MLEMAT (89) is coupled to a Dynamic Secondary Cooling Device (DSCD) which further comprises: a. A computerized DSC Optimization System (DSCM), generating Dynamic DSC Optimization Parameters (PCSC) based i. on the physically observed Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105), in the Structure Section (92) of the Frame Plane (95), by the combination and digital analysis of the combined signals of the multiple Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signals (88a, 88b, 88) in each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89), ii. and on the casting parameters; b. A Digital DSC Activator (ASC), dynamically adjusting the DSC Action Parameters (PASC) of Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of the water flow rate of the Secondary Dynamic Cooling (DSC), based on the PCSC generated by the DSC Optimization System (DSCM), this on the basis of the Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) physically observed by the MLEMAT (89).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0091] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, as well as others, will be better understood when the following detailed description will be read with reference to the appended drawings, in which similar characters represent identical parts throughout the drawings, in which:

[0092] [FIG. 1] is a schematic perspective representation of an EMAT transducer of the invention.

[0093] [FIG. 2] is a schematic sectional representation of an EMAT transducer of the invention.

[0094] [FIG. 3] is a schematic perspective showing the mode of operation of one of the HF Active Laminae in the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core of an EMAT transducer of the invention, used in Emission Mode.

[0095] [FIG. 4] is a schematic perspective showing the mode of operation of one of the HF Active Laminae in the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core of an EMAT transducer of the invention, used in Reception Mode.

[0096] [FIG. 5] is a schematic perspective showing the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core of an EMAT transducer of the invention, consisting of the stacking of its HF Active Laminae and its Passive Laminae.

[0097] [FIG. 6] is a partial schematic perspective view of the electromagnetic operation of the HF Active Laminae of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core of an EMAT transducer of the invention, used in Emission Mode.

[0098] [FIG. 7] is a schematic perspective of an alternative embodiment of some of the Thin Sheets of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core of an EMAT transducer of the invention, to dynamically lift its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core out of the Inspected Material.

[0099] [FIG. 8] is a schematic sectional view of a Laser-EMAT probe (LEMAT) according to the invention.

[0100] [FIG. 9] is a schematic side view of a Multi Laser-EMAT 3D Scanner (MLEMAT) according to the invention.

[0101] FIG. 10] is a schematic cross-section perspective of a Multi Laser-EMAT 3D Scanner (MLEMAT) according to the invention, for the automatic adjustment of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) and/or of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of a continuous casting of molten Steel Slabs, displayed at the level its EMAT probes.

[0102] [FIG. 11] is a schematic cross-section perspective of a Multi Laser-EMAT 3D Scanner (MLEMAT) according to the invention, for the automatic adjustment of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) and/or of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of a continuous casting of molten Steel Slabs, displayed at the level its Laser sources.

[0103] [FIG. 12] is a functional block diagram of a Multi Laser-EMAT 3D Scanner (MLEMAT) according to the invention, for the automatic adjustment of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) and/or Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of a continuous cast strand of molten Steel Slabs.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0104] The embodiments described below are generally directed to an improved EMAT system (1), which may be used for the Non-Destructive Control (NDT) of a Conductive Structure (90) at a temperature greater than 1000° C.

[0105] Referring to [FIG. 1] and to [FIG. 3], we see an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) for the detection of surface and internal Discontinuities (2) in an electrically conductive Inspected Material (3). Two Magnets (4) are configured to generate a static or quasi-Static Magnetic Field (SMF) in the Inspected Material (3). It is understood that each Magnet (4) could be replaced by an electromagnet. An HF Electric Coil (6) (or electrical circuit) is placed directly above a Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22). Its Winding Plan (7) (or circuit plane) is parallel to the local Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3) facing the EMAT (1). The two Magnets (4) are positioned on each side of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22).

[0106] Referring to [FIG. 3], it is observed that the EMAT (1) can be used in Emission Mode (EM). The HF Electric Coil (6) is configured as an HF Electromagnetic Transmitter (9) of an Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF). It is connected to the output of at least one AC Current Source (11), driving in the HF Electric Coil (6) an HF Alternating Current (AC) at ultrasonic frequency. This induces the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) in the direction of the Inspected Material (3). The Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF) produces Material Eddy Currents (14) on the surface of the Inspected Material (3). This generates Lorentz Forces (15) at ultrasonic frequency in the Inspected Material (3), by the interaction of the Material Eddy Currents (14) with the Static Magnetic Field (SMF). This can also generate magnetostriction if the Inspected Material (3) is ferrimagnetic. The disturbance of the Lorentz Forces (15) generates Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) directly in the Inspected Material (3).

[0107] Referring to [FIG. 4], it will be understood that the EMAT (1) can also be used in Reception Mode (RM). The HF Electric Coil (6) is then configured as an HF Electromagnetic Receiver (18). It is traversed by a Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Current (19) at ultrasonic frequency. This HF current consists of Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signals (88) generated by an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) induced by the Material Eddy Currents (14). These Material Eddy Currents (14) are produced on the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3) by Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21), under the influence of an external ultrasonic source, and interacting with the Static Magnetic Field (SMF). These Material Eddy Currents (14) are representative of the surface and internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3).

[0108] Referring again to [FIG. 1] and to [FIG. 2], we see that a Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) is positioned between the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3) and the HF Electric Coil (6), which directly faces it. The Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) is configured to concentrate and direct the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) in the direction and/or coming from the Inspected Material (3), depending on whether the mode of use of the EMAT (1) is in transmission or in reception. It is of the type comprising a sandwich Matrix (23) consisting of a multitude of laminated Thin Sheets (24). They are stacked periodically along the Matrix Axis (25), between the two main Matrix Faces (26) of the Matrix (23), parallel to its Stacking Plan (27). The Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) presents multiple Edge Faces (35) with lateral adjacent grooves, extending substantially perpendicular to the Stacking Plan (27) and parallel to the Matrix Axis (25).

[0109] Referring to [FIG. 2], we see that one of the Edge Faces (35), namely the First Edge Face (36) of the Matrix (23), faces the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3). The other face, namely the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23), is situated substantially opposite the First Edge Face (36) and faces the HF Electric Coil (6).

[0110] Referring to [FIG. 1] and to [FIG. 5], we see that each laminated Thin Sheet (24) of the Matrix (23) has a spatial geometry and lateral dimensions similar to those of the adjacent Thin Sheets (24) in the Matrix (23). They have two main lateral Sheet Surfaces (32), each parallel to the Stacking Plan (27).

[0111] Referring again to [FIG. 1] and to [FIG. 5], it can be seen that the combined successive adjacent Peripheral Edges (33) of each Thin Sheet (24) form a grooved Edge Surface (34) of the Matrix (23) surrounding the Matrix Axis (25). The Core Axis (38) of the Matrix (23) substantially joins the centers of the First Edge Face (36) and the Second Edge Face (37). It is positioned substantially perpendicular to the Matrix Axis (25).

[0112] Referring to [FIG. 5] and to [FIG. 6], it will be seen that the Matrix (23) comprises a First Multitude (28) of HF Active Laminae (29) (four are shown in the figures), or of groups of such laminae. Each HF Active Lamina (29) is isolated from the others. It incorporates internally a magnetic material (in particular ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic) with high magnetic permeability. The magnetic material has a certain Curie Temperature (TC). It externally incorporates an electrically conductive material. It can alternatively be covered externally with an electrically conductive layer on its Peripheral Edges (33). A Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) passes through each Thin Sheet (24) of the Matrix (23), along an Aperture Axis (40) of the Matrix (23), substantially parallel to the Matrix Axis (25) and perpendicular to the Core Axis (38). It opens onto each of the two Matrix Faces (26). A multitude of Magnetic Via-Holes (41), of similar cross-sectional dimensions and with a closed perimeter, are perforated through and substantially at the centre of each of the multiple HF Active Laminae (29) thus hollowed out of the Matrix (23), along an axis substantially parallel to the Inspected Surface (8). They are aligned along an axis parallel to the Inspected Surface (8) to form by their alignment the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39). They have a Via-Hole’s Longitudinal Envelope (42), disposed along the Aperture Axis (40) of the Matrix (23), the lateral perimeter of which is closed . Referring to [FIG. 3] and to [FIG. 4], it can be seen that when the EMAT (1) is in operation, a multitude of closed Induced Current Loops (43) are induced by the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF). The later is either emitted by the HF Alternating Current (AC) at ultrasonic frequency in the HF Electric Coil (6) when the EMAT is in emission mode as shown in [FIG. 3]; and/or is emitted by the ultrasonic frequency Material Eddy Currents (14) in the Inspected Material (3) when the EMAT is in reception mode as shown in [FIG. 4]. The Induced Current Loops (43) are located within the Active Lamina Skin (48) of the periphery of each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22). As it appears [FIG. 6] they are arranged according to a Loops Mapping (LM), defining the topology, the distribution, and the relative positions of all the Induced Current Loops (43).

[0113] With reference to [FIG. 2], the following features of the EMAT (1) are observed. Each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) is located between the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Surface (8), and the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electric Coil (6). Each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) is free internally of any hard material. In particular, it is free of any electrical conductor passing through it. With reference to [FIG. 6] it can be seen that the Loops Mapping (LM) is topologically discrete and consists of a multitude of Induced Current Loops (43) in each HF Active Laminae (29), (or groups of such Active Laminae) distant from each other. With reference to [FIG. 3], it can be seen that the Induced Current Loops (43) (or group of such Loops) are induced inside the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the Peripheral Edges (33) of the HF Active Laminae (29). They are each arranged along a plane of loops parallel to the Stacking Plan (27), and substantially perpendicular to the surface of the Inspected Material (3). They are substantially parallel, and separated from one another, between their respective HF Active Laminae (29). They encircle the Magnetic Via-Hole (41) of their HF Active Lamina (29) and rotate around. With reference to [FIG. 6] it can be seen that each Core Spacing Slice (49) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) and its surface, located between two adjacent HF Active Laminae (29) (or group), is free of any Induced Current Loops (43), and more generally free of any induced electric current.

[0114] Referring to [FIG. 3], it can be seen that the Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF), and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are configured such that, when the EMAT (1) is in operation, the HF Core Magnetic Field (HFIMF) has a significant component of the HF Core Transverse Magnetic Field (MFTHF), which is perpendicular to the Stacking Plan (27), perpendicular to each HF Active Lamina (29), and substantially parallel to the surface of the Inspected Material (3). The HF Magnetic Flux (MFHF) within the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) has a large component perpendicular to the Core Axis (38) and parallel to the surface of the Inspected Material (3). And therefore it is not perpendicular to the Inspected Surface (8) of the Inspected Material (3). The closed Induced Current Loops (43) are generated by the HF Core Transverse Magnetic Field (MFTHF) on the Peripheral Edge (33) of each HF Active Lamina (29).

[0115] Referring to [FIG. 5] and to [FIG. 6], it is understood that a combined and interactive double physical effect occurs within the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22). On the one hand, each of the multiple parallel and topologically discrete Induced Current Loops (43) of each apertured HF Active Lamina (29), separately generates a high-frequency magnetic field. This separately and locally increases the discrete and selective high-frequency magnetic coupling between a narrow Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing its First Edge Face (36), and the HF Electric Coil (6). The parallel Induced Current Loops (43) of the HF Active Lamina (29) participate in the overall reduction of the high-frequency magnetic reluctance of the EMAT (1). On the other hand, the Inner Perimeter (45) of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23) creates a Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) at the center of its HF Active Lamina (29). This produces an internal Thermal Cooling effect to dissipate a fraction of the local electrical and calorific energy generated by the specific Induced Current Loop (43) of each HF Active Lamina (29). This participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

[0116] Referring to [FIG. 5], we see the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), with its HF Active Laminae (29) separated by Passive Laminae (53). Each apertured HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23) (or group of such Active Laminae) is separated from its neighbours, at the level of the adjacent Core Spacing Slices (49), by at least one sheet of a Second Multitude (54) of Passive Laminae (53) made of an electrically insulating material. Each Passive Lamina (53) is perforated by a Spacer Via-Hole (57). Each Passive Lamina (53) is positioned and configured such that the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) in the First Multitude (28) of HF Active Laminae (29) of the Matrix (23), as well as the Spacer Via-Holes (57) of the Second Multitude (54) of Passive Laminae (53) of the Matrix (23), are aligned parallel to the Matrix Axis (25). They form by their alignment and their combination the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39).

[0117] This configuration of the Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) has the following characteristics. Each Spacer Via-Hole (57) in each Passive Lamina (53) is located between the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3), and the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electrical Coil (6). Each Spacer Via-Hole (57) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) is free internally of any hard material. In particular, it is free of any electrical conductor passing through it. It is understood that the inner periphery of each Spacer Via-Hole (57) in each Passive Lamina (53) of the Matrix (23) creates a Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) free and internal to the center of the Passive Lamina (53). This produces an internal Thermal Cooling effect in this Spacer Via-Hole (57) in order to dissipate a fraction of the electrical and calorific energy generated by the Induced Current Loops (43) of the adjacent HF Active Laminae (29). This participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

[0118] As shown in [FIG. 5], it is recommended by the invention that, for each Passive Lamina (53), the Peripheral Edges (33) of their peripheries are free of any conductive material covering their surfaces. In such a way that the grooved Edge Surface (34) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), is not covered continuously and/or made of an electrically conductive layer, but on the contrary it consists of alternating edges with edges, made on the one hand of conductive rings around the HF Active Laminae (29) and on the other hand of insulating rings around the Passive Laminae (53).

[0119] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which appears in [FIG. 5], the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of the EMAT (1) comprises Cooling Means (58). They generate a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60) at a Cooling Temperature (TF). This Cooling Flow (59) is forced to pass through the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of the Matrix (23). This configuration of the EMAT (1) has the following characteristics. The Cooling Flow (59) is configured to pass successively through one of the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) of the First Multitude (28) and, alternatively, through at least one of the Spacer Via-Holes (57) of the Second Multitude (54). It is bootlicking all of the Hole Wall Surfaces (62) of each successive Magnetic Via-Hole (41) and/or of each Spacer Via-Hole (57) of the Matrix (23). It is understood that this increases the internal thermal cooling effect in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23); each of which being subject to an Induced Current Loop (43) and a heat dissipation. It is recommended by the invention that the Cooling Temperature (TF) of the Cooling Flow (59) is adjusted significantly lower (by at least 50° C.) than the specific Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of each apertured out HF Active Lamina (29).

[0120] Referring to [FIG. 7], an advantageous alternative embodiment of the EMAT (1) of the invention is seen. At least one (and preferably a multitude of) Thin Sheet(s) (24) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) is - either pierced by a Cushion Hole (63); - or provided with a Cushion Notch (64). These openings pass through the Annular Wall (65) formed between their Via-Holes (41, 57), and the portion of their First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3), in a direction parallel to the Stacking Plan (27). This creates a Cushion Recess (66) between the Via-Holes (41, 57) of the Thin Sheet (24) and the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3). The Cooling Means (58) are configured to extract a Cushion Fluid Flow (67) from the Cooling Flow (59) passing through the Via-Holes (41, 57). It flows under pressure this extracted Cushion Fluid Flow (67) through the Cushion Recess (66). This creates a Lift Air Cushion (70) between the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) and the Inspected Material (3), at the level of the Cushion Recess (66) facing the Inspected Material (3). This lifts the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) above the Inspected Material (3) of a Cushion Gap (68). This arrangement is reliable. It provides automatic mechanical adjustment of the Cushion Gap (68). It will be understood that this arrangement considerably reduces the heat energy transferred by conduction between the Inspected Material (3) and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), as well as towards the active parts. This arrangement eliminates friction. It significantly increases the operating time and the availability of the EMAT (1), by limiting the wear between the maintenance phases.

[0121] Referring to [FIG. 5], a variant embodiment of the EMAT (1) of the invention is shown. The two external lateral Edge Faces (35) of the two external Thin Sheets situated on the Matrix Faces (26) are either constituted of or covered by (as illustrated) a Conductive Covering Layer (69), of an electrically conductive material. This configuration of the EMAT (1) has the following characteristics. A Via-Hole with transverse dimensions similar to those of the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) is perforated through each of the two Conductive Covering Layers (69). The multiple Thin Sheets (24) and the two Conductive Covering Layers (69) of the Matrix (23) are positioned relative to one another, so that their multiple via-holes are aligned to form, by continuity, the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39).

[0122] According to a preferred variant of the invention, which is described in [FIG. (5)], the perimeter of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) formed in each HF Active Lamina(29) is rectangular. The center of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) is substantially located and centred at the center of gravity of its HF Active Lamina (29). And the perimeter of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) is positioned substantially at a constant Ring Distance (Rd) from the perimeter of the Peripheral Edges (33) of its HF Active Lamina (29). It is understood that in such configuration, each HF Active Lamina (29) is topologically configured as a rectangular Active Ring (71), thermodynamically cooled from the heating of the Induced Current Loop (43) generated around it.

[0123] Referring [FIG. 1] an [FIG. 2], a preferred alternative embodiment of the EMAT (1) of the invention is shown. The Second Edge Face (37) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) directly faces the HF Electric Coil (6). No Magnet (4) or any other element is positioned between - on one side the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) and - on the other side the HF Electric Coil (6).

[0124] Referring to [FIG. 6], another preferred embodiment of the EMAT (1) of the invention is seen. The HF Electric Coil (6) and the First Multitude (28) of HF Active Laminae (29) in the Matrix (23) are configured such that: the orientation, the pitch, the size and the shape of each of the Circuit Facing Edges (72) of each HF Active Lamina (29), located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23), and facing the HF Electric Coil (6), are consistent and correlated with the geometric parameters, including the orientation, the pitch, the size and the shape, of the Conductor Fractions (75) of the HF Electric Coil (6) successively facing each of these Circuit Facing Edges (72).

[0125] A preferred arrangement of the above configuration appears with reference to [FIG. 3]. It can be seen that the HF Electric Coil (6) has at least one Fraction of Linear Conductor (73). The latter is positioned in proximity to and directly above a Circuit Facing Edge (72). It is tangent, along an axis parallel to this portion close to the perimeter of an HF Active Lamina (29) located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) facing the HF Electric Coil (6). It can be seen that a particularity of this arrangement of the invention is that the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are configured such that, when the EMAT (1) is in operation, an Induced Current Loop (43) is induced in the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the periphery of the HF Active Lamina (29). It surrounds its Magnetic Via-Hole (41). This provides a local selective HF magnetic coupling between, - on the one hand an HF Alternating Current (AC) driven in the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) extending over and along the perimeter of the HF Active Lamina (29), and, - on the other hand, the Material Eddy Currents (14) generated in the narrow Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing the HF Active Lamina (29).

[0126] It is known that the Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by a Fraction of Linear Conductor (73), through which an electric current flows, is ortho-radial. Consequently, the lines of the HF Magnetic Flux (MFHF) are substantially made of circles surrounding the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73).

[0127] If the EMAT (1) is in the Emission Mode (EM), as described in [FIG. 3]; then the HF Alternating Current (AC) flowing through the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) produces an ortho-radial magnetic flux organised in a loop, generating a Conductor HF Magnetic Flux Loop (76), creating a HF Core Transverse Magnetic Field (MFTHF), which is substantially perpendicular to the HF Active Lamina (29) facing it. This causes an Induced Current Loop (43) at the surface of the Active Ring (71) of the HF Active Lamina (29). This Induced Current Loop (43) emits in turn a multitude of HF magnetic flux loops which produce Material Eddy Currents (14) which are topologically ordered and all oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the plane of the HF Active Lamina (29) which faces them in the proximity directly above.

[0128] It is also known that a circular turn supplied by a current produces a bundle of magnetic field lines, in the form of a multitude of loops of magnetic flux parallel to the axis of the circular turn and passing through its centre.

[0129] With reference to [FIG. 4], it will be understood that when the EMAT (1) is used in Reception Mode (RM), then the component of the Material Eddy Currents (14) which is parallel to the Stacking Plan (27), generated at the surface of the material, under the influence of an external ultrasonic source, induce a Material HF Magnetic Flux Loop (77) creating a HF Core Transverse Magnetic Field (MFTHF) substantially perpendicular to the Active Ring (71) of the HF Active Lamina (29) facing these Material Eddy Currents (14). This creates an Induced Current Loop (43) inside its Active Lamina Skin (48). The Induced Current Loop (43) longitudinally surrounding this HF Active Lamina (29) then emits a multitude of HF magnetic flux loops which encircle the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) which is tangent thereto along an axis parallel to a portion of the perimeter of this HF Active Lamina (29). This inductively generates a Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signal (88) that creates an HF Alternating Current (AC) in the Fraction of Linear Conductor (73).

[0130] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention which appears in [FIG. 3] and in [FIG. 6], the HF Electric Coil (6) is a Meander Circuit (74). It has a multitude of (at least two) Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) (four are shown in [FIG. 6]). They are parallel and adjacent close to one another. The multitude of these Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) of the Meander Circuit (74) are positioned successively in proximity, and directly above a Circuit Facing Edge (72) of one of the HF Active Laminae (29), located in the Second Edge Face (37) of the Matrix (23) facing the HF Electric Coil (6). They are configured so that the HF Alternating Current (AC) passing successively through each of the parallel and adjacent Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) of the Meander Circuit (74) is oriented in alternating opposite directions. It can be seen that a Conductor HF Magnetic Flux Loop (76) substantially perpendicularly surrounds each Fraction of Linear Conductor (73) of the Meander Circuit (74) and penetrates substantially perpendicularly inside the HF Active Lamina (29) facing it. It can also be seen that this arrangement comprises the following characteristics. The Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) of the Meander Circuit (74) and the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are configured such that when the EMAT (1) is in Emission Mode (EM), two adjacent HF Active Laminae (29), surmounted by two adjacent Fractions of Linear Conductor (73) are traversed in their Active Lamina Skin (48) by two adjacent Induced Current Loops (43). They are each composed of an alternating HF electric current rotating in an opposite Direction Of Rotation (78), around the Aperture Axis (40) passing through their Magnetic Via-Holes (41), one being in the clockwise direction, while the other is in the anticlockwise direction.

[0131] Referring to [FIG. 1], it can be seen that the Aperture Depth (Od) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), along its Aperture Axis (40), is substantially equal and consistent with a First Transverse Dimension (FTd) of the HF Electric Coil (6) of the EMAT (1). In addition, the grooved Second Edge Face (37) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22), facing the HF Electric Coil (6), has a transverse dimension, in a direction perpendicular to the Aperture Axis (40) of the Sandwich (23), which is substantially equal and consistent with a Second Transverse Dimension (STd) of the HF Electric Coil (6) of the EMAT (1).

[0132] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which appears in [FIG. 5], the Sheet Geometric Dimensions (79) of the perforated Thin Sheets (24) of the Matrix (23) and the combined geometric dimensions of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are selected to be decorrelated from the wavelengths of the principal harmonics of the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF). It is understood that this prevents mechanical resonance of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) at the ultrasonic frequency of operation of the EMAT (1).

[0133] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the Sheet Geometric Dimensions (79) of the perforated Thin Sheets (24) of its Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) are chosen in such a way that, at the ultrasonic frequency of operation of the EMAT (1), they are either much smallerthan the wavelengths of the ultrasonic waves generated in these Thin Sheets (24), or substantially equal to an odd number of quarters of the wavelengths of the ultrasonic waves generated in these Thin Sheets (24).

[0134] According to another preferred configuration of the invention, described in [FIG. 2], the first grooved First Edge Face (36) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) facing the Inspected Material (3) and parallel to the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) is either covered by, or covered with an Insulating Layer (81) (as illustrated) made of, an electrically insulating material. One of the sides of the Insulating Layer (81) is arranged facing the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) and covers the edge of the First Edge Face (36), belonging to the perimeter of each of the HF Active Laminae (29).

[0135] The EMAT (1) of the invention, and its variants explained above, offer a technical solution to the technical problem (a) above. This EMAT (1) increases the transmission of the energy of the Emitted HF Electro-Magnetic Field (HFEMF). It maximizes the HF magnetic coupling and minimizes the leakage of flux of the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF), between the HF Electric Coil (6) and the Material Eddy Currents (14) generated at the surface of the Inspected Material (3). It ensures a surface topological homogeneity of the efficiency of this high-frequency electromagnetic coupling between the HF Electric Coil (6) and the Material Eddy Currents(14) of the inspected material facing the transducer. It operates at high temperatures of the Inspected Material (3) greater than 1000° C.

[0136] Referring to [FIG. 8], a Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) is seen to inspect an Inspected Material (3) by receiving an ultrasonic signal from this Inspected Material (3). The LEMAT comprises the combination of : i) an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) (1) according to the invention as described above, and ii) a Laser Source (84). The EMAT (1) is configured in Reception Mode (RM), for receiving a Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical signal (88) of the Inspected Material (3). The HF Electric Coil (6) is configured as an HF Electromagnetic Receiver (18). As shown in [FIG. 4], this Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signal (88) is electrically induced by an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by the Inspected Material (3), generated by the Material Eddy Currents (14), produced in the Inspected Material (3) by the Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21). These Material Eddy Currents (14) are representative of the surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3). As shown in [FIG. 8], the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) is located between the HF electric coil (6) of the EMAT (1) and the local surface of the Inspected Material (3). It directly faces the HF Electric Coil (6). It maintains a Protective Spacing (83) between the Inspected Material (3) and the HF Electric Coil (6). It reduces the magnetic reluctance of the EMAT (1). It is actively thermodynamically protected from high temperatures and difficult surface conditions of the Inspected Material (3). The Laser Source (84) is configured for drawing a high energy Laser Beam (85) at a Firing Point (86) of the surface of the Inspected Material (3). The Laser Beam (85) generates Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) propagating on the surface and/or inside the Inspected Material (3). This causes the generation of Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21) resulting from the echoes of the interactions of the Primary Ultrasonic Waves (17) with the Discontinuities (2) on and/or inside the Inspected Material (3). These Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21) propagate on the surface and/or inside the Inspected Material (3). They cause the generation of Material Eddy Currents (14) at the surface of the Inspected Material (3), induced by the mechanical vibrations of the Secondary Ultrasonic Waves (21) under the influence of the Static Magnetic Field (SMF) generated by the Magnet (4) of the EMAT (1). This causes the induction of an Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field HF (HFEMF) emitted by the Material Eddy Currents (14) present on the surface of the Inspected Material (3), representative of the geometry and of the position of the surface and internal Discontinuities (2) of the Inspected Material (3). The treatment of this Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) through the EMAT (1) generates the Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signal (88) in the HF Electric Coil (6).

[0137] Referring to [FIG. 4], the EMAT (1) is configured in Reception Mode, it is found that the Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) has the following technical characteristics. A multitude of remote Induced Current Loops (43) are induced, by the Emitted HF Electromagnetic Field (HFEMF) emitted by the Material Eddy Currents (14) in the Inspected Material (3) under the influence of the Laser Source (84), within the Active Lamina Skin (48) on the Peripheral Edges (33) of each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22). As shown in [FIG. 6], these Induced Current Loops (43) of each HF Active Lamina (29) (or group) are spaced apart from one another. These Eddy Current Induced Current Loops (43) surround and rotate around the Magnetically Active Ring (71), surrounding the Magnetic Via-Holes (41) of the HF Active Laminae (29). They are located between the First Edge Face (36) facing the Inspected Material (3) and the Second Edge Face (37) facing the HF Electric Coil (6). They are positioned substantially perpendicular to these two Edge Faces (36, 37).

[0138] It is understood that in such a LEMAT (82), a combined and interactive double physical effect occurs within the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22). On the one hand, as appears [FIG. 4], each of the multiple discrete and parallel Induced Current Loops (43) of each apertured HF Active Lamina (29) (or group), separately generates a high-frequency magnetic field. It separately and locally increases the high-frequency magnetic coupling between - a Local Active Fraction (44) of the Inspected Surface (8) facing the First Edge Face (36), - and the HF Electric Coil (6). This homogenizes the high-frequency coupling and participates by mutualisation in the global reduction of the high-frequency magnetic reluctance of the EMAT (1). On the other hand, as appears [FIG. 5], the Inner Perimeter (45) of each Magnetic Via-Hole (41) in each HF Active Lamina (29) of the Matrix (23) creates an internal free Heat-Conducting and Convective Surface (46) at the center of its HF Active Lamina (29). This produces an internal Thermal Cooling effect to dissipate a fraction of the electrical and calorific energy generated by the Induced Current Loop (43) of its specific HF Active Lamina (29). This participates in the improvement of the efficiency of the EMAT (1).

[0139] The LEMAT (82) of the invention offers a technical solution to the technical problem (b) above. It optimizes the resolution of the detection of the surface, sub-surface, and deep sub-surface Discontinuities (2) in a thick metal structure. It operates at elevated temperatures of the Inspected Material (3) greater than 1000° C.

[0140] Referring to [FIG. 9], a Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) is seen, for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) inside a mobile cylindrical Conductive Structure (90). The MLEMAT (89) comprises: a) a Conductive Structure (90) to be 3D scanned; b) a Chassis Frame (93); c) a Probes Multitude (96) made of at least two Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) according to the invention, and d) Displacement Means (97). The 3D scanned Conductive Structure (90) is made of an electrically conductive Inspected Material (3). It has a cylindrical structure generated along a Structure Axis (91), and a substantially constant Structure Section (92). The Chassis Frame (93) is configured to surround the Conductive Structure (90) at a Frame Distance (Fd). Its Frame Plane (95) is substantially perpendicular to the Structure Axis (91) of the Conductive Structure (90). The Displacement Means (97) are configured to move linearly the cylindrical Conductive Structure (90) relative to the Chassis Frame (93), along a Displacement Direction (Md), substantially coincident with the Structure Axis (91).

[0141] This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) has the following feature that appears with reference to [FIG. 10], the Apertures Loop (99), constituted by the virtual line joining the centers of each successive Grooved Cylindrical Apertures (39) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), encircles the Conductive Structure (90).

[0142] It is also seen that the Probes Multitude (96) made of Laser-EMAT Probes (82) are fixed on the Chassis Frame (93), positioned and configured in such a position that the juxtaposition of the multitude of adjacent First Edge Faces (36) neighbouring the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Cores (22) of each of the adjacent Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82), facing the Inspected Material (3), are substantially contiguous with each other, and it constitutes a substantially continuous grooved Inspection Ring (100). This grooved Inspection Ring (100) surrounds and covers the perimeter of the Conductive Structure (90), in a Structure Section (92) of the Conductive Structure (90) close to the Frame Plane (95).

[0143] In a preferred embodiment of the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89), which appears with reference to [FIG. 11], the Laser Source (84) of each MLEMAT (82) consists of an Optical Fibre (101), fixed to the Frame Plane (95), having a Firing End (102) facing the Conductive Structure (90). Each Optical Fibre (101) is connected to a Laser Generator (103). This configuration of the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) has the following characteristic. The Laser Firing Loop (104), constituted by the virtual line joining the Firing Ends (102) of each adjacent Laser-EMAT Probe (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), encircles the Conductive Structure (90) and is substantially parallel to the Apertures Loop (99).

[0144] In a preferred alternative embodiment of the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) of the invention, it is operated for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of a Metallurgical Slab (105). The Conductive Structure (90) is then a cylindrical Metallurgical Slab (105) that is movable relative to the MLEMAT (89). The Apertures Loop (99), constituted by the virtual line joining the centers of each successive Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of the Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the Laser-EMAT Probes (LEMAT) (82) of the MLEMAT (89), encircles the movable cylindrical Metallurgical Slab (105).

[0145] In another preferred implementation of the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) of the invention, it is used for the detection of surface and/or internal Discontinuities (2) of a mobile cylindrical cast strand of Steel Slab (105), continuously cast in a steel mill at a casting temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C. The apertured HF Active Laminae (29) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89) are made of a Magnetic Material, for example of the type ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic, having a Curie Temperature (TC) lower than the Casting Temperature (TS). This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) has the following characteristic. As shown in [FIG. 10], each Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each EMAT (1) of each adjacent LEMAT (82) of the MLEMAT (89), is connected to Cooling Means (58) generating a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60). The Heat-Transfer Fluid (60) is pushed under pressure inside each Via-Hole (41, 57) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89), at a Cooling Temperature (TF) significantly lower (by at least 50° C.) then the Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of the apertured HF Active Lamina (29).

[0146] The MLEMAT (89) of the invention, and its variants detailed above, offer a technical solution to the technical problem (c) above. This MLEMAT performs a continuous 3D scanning by line of large and thick mobile Conductive Structures (90), such as Metallurgical Slabs (105), from a single location, generating a 3D mapping observed at high resolution of this structure, including by providing the location of the surface and deep sub-surfaces Discontinuities (2). It operates at high temperatures of the Inspected Material (3) greater than 1000° C.

[0147] Referring to [FIG. 12], the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) according to the invention as indicated above is seen, configured for the automatic adjustment of the dynamic parameters of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105) continuously cast in a steel mill at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C. The cast strand of Steel Slab (105) is continuously pushed through a Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD), to suppress the formation of a macro-segregation zone and porosity zones within the cast strand of Steel Slab (105); thereby dynamically compensating for the solidification shrinkage of the steel and interrupting the suction flow rate of the residual molten metal in the Central Mushy Zone (106) of the Steel Slab (105).

[0148] This MLMAT (89) is coupled to a Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD) that comprises: i) a Dynamic 3D Mapping System (3DMS), generating a Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105); ii) a computerized DSR Optimization System (DSRM), generating Dynamic DSR Optimization Parameters (PCSD), based on the Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) and on the strand casting parameters; and iii) a Digital DSR Activator (ASR), dynamically adjusting the DSR Action Parameters (PASD) of the Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD), based on the PCSD generated by the DSRM.

[0149] This Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) has the following characteristics. The HF Electric Coils (6a, 6b, 6) of each EMAT (1a, 1b, 1) of each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89) are each connected to the Dynamic 3D Mapping System (3DMS). They transmit thereto a Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signal (88a, 88b, 88) induced in each HF Electric Coil (6a, 6b, 6) by the Material Eddy Currents (14) on the Frontal Zone (110) of the Inspected Material (3) of the Steel Slab (105) locally facing each EMAT (1a, 1b, 1). The DSR Optimization System (DSRM) is provided with Analog And Digital Processing Means (MDAN). The MDANs are configured to receive the multitude of Secondary Ultrasonic Electrical Signals (88a, 88b, 88) included in the Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Currents (19a, 19b, 19) traversing each HF Electric Coil (6) in each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89). The MDANs are also configured to identify the changes and perturbations in each Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signal (88a, 88b, 88) of each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82), caused by the Discontinuities (2) in the Local Active Fraction (44a, 44b, 44) of the Inspected Material (3) facing each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82), and digitally deducing therefrom and generating the Frontal Topology Of Defects (DTa, DTb, DT) in this Local Active Fraction (44a, 44b, 44). The MDANs are also configured to digitally combine the Frontal Topology Of Defects (DTa, DTb, DT), and digitally generating a three-dimensional Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) physically observed by the MLEMAT (89) of the interior of the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105), in the Frontal Zone (110) facing the Inspection Ring (100) in the Structure Section (92) of the Frame Plane (95), based on the combination and on the digital analysis of the combined signals of the multiple Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signals (88a, 88b, 88).

[0150] As shown in [FIG. 10], the Cooling Means (58) generate a Cooling Flow (59) of a Heat-Transfer Fluid (60), thrust under pressure inside each Via-Hole (41, 57) of the Grooved Cylindrical Aperture (39) of each Perforated Matrix Laminated Magnetic Core (22) of each adjacent EMAT (1) of the MLEMAT (89); this at a Cooling Temperature (TF) markedly lower (by at least 50° C.) than the Curie Temperature (TC) of the Magnetic Material of the apertured HF Active Laminae (29).

[0151] It is understood that thanks to this MLEMAT (89), the DSR Action Parameters (PASD) of the Dynamic Soft Reduction Device (DSRD) can be adjusted dynamically in an optimal manner, on the basis of a Dynamic 3D Mapping (3 DM) of the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105) physically observed by the MLEMAT(89), this at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C.

[0152] Referring to [FIG. 12], a variant of the Multi-Laser-EMAT 3D scanner (MLEMAT) (89) is shown for the automatic adjustment of the dynamic parameters of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) which further allows the set-up of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) of the cast strand of a Steel Slab (105) continuously cast in a steel mill at a Casting Temperature (TS) greater than 1000° C. The MLMAT (89) is coupled to a Dynamic Secondary Cooling Device (DSCD) which further comprises a computerized DSC Optimization System (DSCM), generating Dynamic DSC Optimization Parameters (PCSC) of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC) based on the physically observed Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the cast strand of the Steel Slab (105), in the Structure Section (92) of the Frame Plane (95), by the combination and digital analysis of the combined signals of the multiple Secondary Ultrasonic Electric Signals (88a, 88b, 88) in each Laser-EMAT (82a, 82b, 82) of the MLEMAT (89), and on the casting parameters. It also comprises a Digital DSC Activator (ASC), dynamically adjusting the DSC Action Parameters (PASC) of the water flow rate of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC), based on the PCSC generated by the DSCM, this on the basis of the Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) physically observed by the MLEMAT (89).

[0153] The MLEMAT (89) for the automatic adjustment of the DSR and/or DSC of the invention offers a technical solution to the technical problem (d) above. It ensures automatic adjustment of DSR Action Parameters (PASD) of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) and/or of the DSC Action Parameters (PASC) of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC), of a continuously cast strand of Steel Slabs (105) in a steel mill, based on the observed status of the inside of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105). It continuously supplies an observed Dynamic 3D Mapping (3DM) of the inside of the cast strand of Steel Slab (105). It continuously defines, in a 3D mode and in an observed manner, the location of the Central Mushy Zone (106) of the cast strand of a molten Steel Slab (105) and its segregation defects, based on a 3D physical observation, and not simply provided by a numerical simulation prediction by a theoretical algorithm based on a mathematical model. It detects precisely, the observed position of the reduction point of the cast strand of a Steel Slab (105), based on a 3D physical observation. It improves the accuracy and reliability of the automatic adjustment of the parameters of the Dynamic Soft Reduction (DSR) and of the Dynamic Secondary Cooling (DSC), of continuously cast strands of Steel Slabs (105), at temperatures above 1000° C. It makes it possible to reduce the segregation defects and the porosity in the Central Mushy Zone (106) of the structure of strands of molten Steel Slabs (105) during the continuous casting process in a steel mill.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0154] The MLEMAT (89) for DSR and DSC of the invention offers valuable industrial advantages in the non-destructive automated control of hot cast strands of Steel Slabs, in the steel industry: [0155] a. It can operate at a casting temperature of cast strands of Steel Slabs which may exceed 1200° C. [0156] b. It can perform the continuous 3D mapping of the cast strands of Steel Slabs at a speed of up to 1 meter per second. [0157] c. It allows the direct transit between the steel strand casting and the steel rolling, without the need of cooling down the Steel Slabs down to 100° C. max in order to proceed with their NDT with common instruments. [0158] d. It saves the gas commonly used to reheat the Steel Slabs at 1200° C. after NDT and before rolling the steel. [0159] e. It provides a 3D mapping observed continuously from cast strands of Steel Slabs, for automatically and dynamically adjusting the parameters of the continuous casting equipment. [0160] f. It continuously identifies, with a high definition and reliability, all the types of (internal and surface) discontinuities in cast strands of Steel Slabs, as well as their coordinates. [0161] g. It improves the standardization, the quality control, and the accuracy of the grading of quality the Steel Slabs produced and increases the added value of the continuous casting. [0162] h. It provides an automatic precise adjustment in real time of the dynamic parameters for the DSR and/or the DSC of a continuously cast strand of Steel Slabs. [0163] i. It provides an early detection of the discontinuities in the Steel Slabs, and it automatically allows their possible orientation towards the preceding production processes as a function of their quality, by inducing considerable savings in time, energy, materials, and work. [0164] j. It increases the performance and productivity of a steel casting machine of 7% or more. [0165] k. It can be installed without significant structural changes in the existing casting equipment of a steel mill since it is compact.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0166] The invention has industrial applications in the metallurgical industry, and in particular in the steel industry, for quality testing and automatic adjustment of DSR and/or DSC of hot strands of Steel Slabs at more than 1000° C. in continuous casting lines of steel, and for the quality control of semi-products of the metallurgical industry. The invention also has industrial applications in the railway industry, for the high-speed control of railway rails, and the control of the wheelsets mounted. The invention also has industrial applications in the oil and gas industry, chemistry, and nuclear industry, for the in-line tests of pipes and pipelines, drilling devices and equipment in hazardous and/or high-temperature environments.

[0167] Although only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, numerous modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all these modifications and changes which enter the true spirit of the invention.