The technology behind borescope inspection allows a visual device to conduct checks in those areas which cannot be accessed easily by any other means. The inspection is aided by a Borescope Inspection Systems that captures visual images of the inside part of the machinery, including gas turbines. The visual images from inspection help in the identification of defects in the equipment instead of dismantling. It is advisable to take corrective action from the inspection report to ensure the machines are working efficiently. Here is an article on the different types of borescope and their advantages and how to get the best one.
Types of borescopes
There are four types of borescopes which are:
- Rigid borescope
- Flexible borescope
- Video borescope
- Fiber borescope
Rigid borescope
A rigid borescope is an optical instrument that allows an inspector working on a gas turbine or any other mechanical equipment to inspect the interior areas which cannot be inspected by physical eyes. The borescope comes with a relay lens, source of light, a hollow tube, and an eyepiece for visualizing. Most people, including manufacturing companies, prefer the rigid borescope of others because of its high imaging capabilities. Their design is simple to be used in different mechanical equipment at ease because they are straight in design. They are ideal in inspecting cracks in straight pipes used for gaseous transmission, among other uses. These types of borescopes are affordable. The negative side of the rigid borescope is it is only limited to be used to inspect equipment designed straight.
Flexible borescope
Flexible borescopes are best in inspecting equipment that is curvy in make. They are more adaptable to work in different shapes as compared to rigid borescopes. The flexible borescope relays images to the eyepiece through fiber optic cables. The advantage of having a flexible borescope inspection system is that one can use it in inspecting both curvy and straight equipment using the variable unit. Flexible borescopes are good at checking long equipment that has depths, such as the combustion chambers. Among the disadvantages with a flexible borescope is, it doesn’t deliver high quality images. It is also expensive when compared to rigid borescopes.
Fiber borescope or fiberscope
Fiberscope inspection system uses micro, small optic fiber cables to transmit images of the inspection report to engineer viewing the eyepiece. Fiberscope uses fiber technology to transmit images of different colors. Due to the small nature of fiberscopes, it can help in inspecting the smallest type of an instrument, and yet it will spot any defect regardless of how tiny it could be. With the fiberscope, it will not deliver much when there is no adequate light. With the presence of sufficient light on the insertion point from the controller, the fiberscope can relay illuminated images on the darkest part of the equipment on inspection for defects.
Video borescope
This type of borescope offers the highest quality video and images compared to the other types. Another name for the video borescope is the inspection camera. It can capture both images and videos of the condition inside the equipment and engines as well. The images captured are sent to the insertion tube electronically to the operator. It physically resembles the fiberscope from how it operates as well as its appearances. The design allows the inspectors to store any inspection report for future references. Traditionally, video borescopes were known to be used by the aviation industry because they were highly-priced. Video borescopes offer a viewing at an angle that makes it possible to inspect fractures of turbines, pumps, buildings, and valves.
What to look at when investing in Borescope Inspection Systems
One should factor in the quality of the device as well as how efficient it will be in the inspection services of their equipment.
Ask for a recommendation from the equipment inspections contractor, and they will advise the right size and quality as well.