Borescope: Operation, applications, and inspection advances

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what a borescope is and why it is essential in many industries? It is a specialized tool that enables fast, accurate, in-house non-destructive inspection of industrial assets such as piping, heat exchanger tubes and compressor blades, specifically in hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its ability to avoid costly disassembly and provide greater operational safety, the borescope has become a key solution for industrial maintenance.

In this article you will learn in detail what a borescope is, how it works, its essential components, the different types available, its practical applications and essential tips for selecting the most suitable model for your specific needs.

What is a borescope?

It is a device used for visual inspection in extremely small and difficult to access places: piping components, equipment, machinery, and structures without disassembling them. This tool, key in non-destructive inspection, has a camera located at the end of a tube, which can be rigid, flexible or even integrate video technology, facilitating the transmission of images in real time.

The first equipment was developed in the mid-20th century for military and aeronautical applications, when the need arose to inspect internal parts of engines and other equipment without disassembling them. Over time, their use has spread to various industries, such as automotive, petrochemical, marine, construction and industrial maintenance.

These inspection devices are tools used in environments where accessibility is limited, such as engines, aircraft, industrial facilities and subway structures. Depending on its design, the equipment’s tube can be as flexible as a cable or as rigid as a rod, allowing the inspector to obtain clear and detailed images of hard-to-reach areas.

How does it work?

Its operation is based on introducing the probe equipped with a camera or optical system inside the area to be inspected, capturing and transmitting images in real time to an external screen. These images allow a clear evaluation of the internal state of pipes, equipment and structures, facilitating accurate diagnoses without disassembly. For example, when inspecting a drain, the probe is inserted to check its internal condition and define the appropriate maintenance actions.

Main components

To better understand its operation, it is important to know its fundamental parts:

• Probe or inspection tube: It can be rigid or flexible depending on the accessibility of the area to be inspected.
• Optical system: Formed by lenses or optical fibers that transmit images clearly.
• Image capture system: Digital micro cameras that provide high definition images, usually with integrated LED illumination.
• Visualization unit: LCD screens or mobile devices through which images are observed in real time and record videos or photographs for later analysis.

Types of borescopes

From the point of view of operation, these equipments can be classified mainly according to the type of probe they use, the image capture system and the method of transmission of images or videos. Here I explain how the different types work:

1. Rigid: This equipment is composed of a rigid tube probe that is inserted into the area to be inspected. Because the tube is not flexible, this type of device is only useful in straight or easily accessible spaces. The camera or lens at the end of the tube captures images and transmits them to an external display for analysis. Example internal part of a saltwater pipe.
2. Flexible: These devices use a flexible probe that can be bent and adapted to various shapes or routes within a system. The probe contains a camera at its end, which transmits the images or videos to a monitor or display unit.
3. Video borescopes (digital or electronic): Video borescopes are advanced models that incorporate a high-resolution digital camera, which allows capturing not only static images but also videos. These images or videos are transmitted in real time to a digital display, often accompanied by features such as recording, digital zoom and illumination adjustments. Some models also feature wireless connectivity to transmit the image to external devices such as smartphones or tablets.
4. Fiber optic: These devices use optical fibers instead of conventional lenses to transmit light and images. Fiber optics are extremely flexible and can allow for more accurate viewing in environments with low light or electromagnetic interference. Light is transmitted through the fibers to the end of the probe, where it illuminates the area being inspected, while images travel along the same path to the visualization system.
5. Wireless (digital): These advanced models allow wireless transmission of images or videos to external devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. They use technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB-C connections to facilitate the connection. Most of these devices have integrated displays, but their great advantage is portability and ease of connection.

Significant applications in non-destructive inspection

The most widely used non-destructive inspection equipment today is the image capture system device; which, due to its technology, facilitates documenting findings, generating complete technical reports and optimizing maintenance plans in a wide variety of industries, allowing precise revisions without costly or intrusive disassemblies. The following are the applications where this inspection tool is most commonly used:

• Aerospace: Inspection of turbines, blades, combustion system and structural components.
• Automotive: Internal evaluation of cylinders, valves, injectors, and exhaust systems.
• Oil and gas: Internal inspection of piping, heat exchangers and pressure vessels.
• Marine & Naval: Overhaul of compressors, engines, propulsion shafts and cargo tanks.
• HVAC and construction: Verification of ducts, ventilation systems, false ceilings and walls.
• Service tunnels and confined spaces: Safe inspections without the need for direct human entry.
• Medical (endoscopes): Internal visual diagnosis in non-invasive medical procedures.

Advantages and disadvantages according to their application

There are three main types on the market: rigid, flexible and video. Each has specific advantages and limitations that make them better suited to certain applications.

Rigid

• Advantages:
  • High accuracy: The rigidity of the tube allows for clear, distortion-free images.
  • Durability: They are more resistant to wear and physical damage.
  • Relatively low cost: Compared to flexible and video models, they tend to be more affordable.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited access: They are not suitable for inspections in hard-to-reach or curved areas.
  • Less flexibility: They are restricted to areas with direct, straight access.

Flexible

• Advantages:
  • Access to difficult spaces: Flexible tubing allows maneuvering in curved or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Versatility: They can be used in a variety of applications due to their ability to flex and adapt to different environments.
• Disadvantages:
  • Image quality: Flexibility can affect image quality, especially at longer lengths.
  • Reduced durability: Flexible cable may be more susceptible to damage with prolonged use.

Video

• Advantages:
  • High image quality: The integration of this high-resolution system allows for sharp and detailed images.
  • Easy documentation: The ability to record images or videos facilitates the creation of detailed reports.
  • Advanced technology: Video models often have additional features, such as digital zoom and illumination adjustments.
• Disadvantages:
  • High cost: Video models are more expensive due to the technology they incorporate.
  • Require more maintenance: Because they are composed of more electronic components, these devices may require more maintenance.

Factors to consider when choosing a borescope for a specific application

Choosing the right equipment depends on several key factors that will influence the quality of the inspection and the effectiveness of the equipment. Some of the most important elements to consider are described below.

1. Accessibility of the area
   • Rigid devices are ideal when access is straight and direct (e.g. long pipelines without branches).
   • Flexible devices are best when access to curved or hard-to-reach spaces is required.
   • Video devices are recommended for environments that require detailed visualization and the ability to record inspections.

2. Image Quality
   • If image quality is critical to your application, such as precision inspections, high resolution video is the best choice.
   • Rigids offer the best image quality without distortion, but are only useful in accessible areas.

3. Durability and cost
   • Rigid are more durable and generally more affordable.
   • If cost is not a concern and inspection requires advanced technology, video is the most appropriate choice.
   • Flexible ones may be a good intermediate option, but it is significant to consider their potential wear and tear.

4. Purpose of the inspection
   • For general or low-budget inspections, a rigid device may be sufficient.
   • If a detailed inspection is needed, especially in industrial or medical environments, video devices are ideal, as they offer a more accurate analysis.

Case Study: Eddyfi Technologies

Eddyfi Technologies, a featured company in Inspenet’s Business Directory, offers advanced solutions for professional visual inspections. Its innovative Spectrum™ camera stands out for its 360° pan, 260° tilt and high definition, making it an ideal tool for demanding, high-precision inspections.

Are you looking for an efficient solution for advanced visual inspections? Request more information about the Spectrum™ camera from Eddyfi technologies here:

Here is a video courtesy of FIX IT Home Improvement Channel, with material regarding the topic, watch it here.

Conclusions

The topic “what is a borescope?” has gained wide acceptance in the energy and industrial sectors due to the numerous benefits and applications offered by this tool. This device has established itself as an essential instrument, not only in various industrial fields, but also in medical and engineering areas, thanks to its ability to perform detailed inspections in hard-to-reach places.

In non-destructive inspections it provides detailed images of inaccessible areas, making it an indispensable option for maintaining safe, efficient and reliable operations. Choosing the right type of equipment – rigid, flexible or video – will depend on the specific needs of the application, such as access to the areas, the image quality required and the budget available. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you select the visual device that best suits your needs, maximizing the effectiveness of inspections and improving long-term results.

“Learn how to choose the perfect equipment for your needs by reading this article.”

Reference

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