Apparatus and method for ultrasonically examining remotely located welds in cast stainless steel nuclear steam supply systems

This invention relates generally to the maintenance of nuclear steam supply systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a technique of ultrasonically examining remotely located welds in cast stainless steel nuclear steam supply systems. An apparatus for ultrasonically examining a weld in a nuclear steam supply system includes an elongated guide rod for positioning within a pipe of the nuclear steam supply system. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned at an end of the elongated guide rod. A collapsible shoe encloses the ultrasonic transducer. The collapsible shoe includes a biasing mechanism to allow the collapsible shoe to pass through the pipe while the pipe is at a first circumference and while the pipe is at a second circumference. The collapsible shoe continuously contacts the pipe to establish ultrasonic coupling for the ultrasonic transducer.