Table of Content
- Understanding Video Borescopes
- Working Mechanism
- Borescope Application
- Inspection Camera Features
- Borescope Specifications
- Portable Borescope Options
- Borescope Buying Guide
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Video borescopes are sophisticated video inspection tools used for non-invasive examination of internal or concealed areas across industries. They aid in non-destructive testing, enabling the inspection of inaccessible areas without disassembly or damage to the test subject. This guide will offer a detailed approach to choosing the right video borescope tailored to specific applications.
Understanding Video Borescopes
These tools employ advanced optics and imaging technologies to visually inspect cavities, pipelines, machine interiors, or structures where direct access is limited or impossible. Unlike traditional inspection methods, which may require dismantling equipment or components, video borescopes provide a highly efficient, non-destructive alternative.
The Apparatus of a Video Borescope includes:
1. Insertion Probe:
The primary component is inserted into the area. This probe often contains a multi-layered construction for durability and manoeuvrability. Its design depends on the borescope application with flexible probes for irregular or curved paths, and rigid probes for straight-line inspections.
2. Camera System:
An inspection camera at the tip of the insertion probe, captures real-time images or videos of the internal structure. The inspection camera features vary based on application, but high-end models could include:
a. CMOS or CCD Sensors: They convert light into electronic signals, ensuring high image fidelity and colour accuracy. CCD sensors provide better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, but CMOS sensors are more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
b. Optical Lenses: These control the field of view (FOV) and focus range. Wide-angle lenses are used when broader area coverage is needed, while narrow FOVs provide more detailed and focused inspections.
3. Illumination System:
Proper illumination provides clear visualisation in dark, confined spaces. Most borescopes are equipped with integrated LED or fibre optic light sources, which provide controlled and uniform lighting. Some systems allow for adjustable brightness, helping to adapt to various inspection environments.
4. Articulation Mechanism:
Choosing a borescope with precise articulation is important for navigating complex inspection paths. Articulation refers to the controlled movement of the camera head, typically ranging from 2-way (up-down) to 4-way articulation (up-down, left-right). This results in highly manoeuvrable probes, making it easier to inspect hard-to-reach areas like turbines or engine cavities.
5. Display Unit:
The captured images are transmitted in real-time to a display, which may be integrated into the borescope or connected wirelessly. High-resolution LCD or OLED screens are used to ensure clear visuals. Some advanced models offer video recording and image capture functions, allowing data storage.
6. Control Console:
Modern borescopes have an ergonomic control console, allowing users to adjust probe movement, focus, zoom, and lighting. These consoles may also provide advanced functions like defect measurement or image processing.
Working Mechanism of Video Borescopes
Image Credit: RVI Innovations
When performing an NDT inspection, the insertion probe is guided into the area of interest, either manually or using motorised control. The video borescope's camera continuously captures images, transmitting them via a high-speed signal cable (or wirelessly in advanced systems) to the display unit.
- The camera is designed to work with the illumination system, allowing it to capture clear, well-lit images even in low-light environments.
- The operator can adjust the probe’s articulation to achieve the necessary viewing angles during the inspection.
- In pipeline inspections, the probe may need to navigate around bends or obstructions, where a highly articulated probe becomes indispensable.
- The image processing unit enhances the raw video feed, applying corrections for distortion, improving contrast, and eliminating noise.
This allows inspectors to detect flaws, cracks, or corrosion in fine detail, ensuring thorough analysis.
Also Read, Caring for the Heart of the Aircraft: Videoscope Inspections Help Enhance Flight Safety
What are the Applications of Borescope?
Image Credit: Olympus
Understanding and defining the borescope applications is essential when selecting the appropriate tool, as different industries have distinct requirements for internal NDT inspection. The versatility of a video borescope allows it to be employed in numerous environments, with each application influencing the probe type, camera features, and specifications necessary for optimal performance. These include:
1. Aerospace:
Here video borescopes capable of withstanding harsh operational conditions and navigating through intricate engine components are in demand.
- Inspecting gas turbines requires probes with superior flexibility to manoeuvre through tight, curved spaces.
- The borescope must also provide high-resolution imaging to detect minute defects, such as cracks or wear on turbine blades.
- Choosing a borescope for aerospace applications requires robustness, long probe lengths, and the ability to operate in high-temperature environments.
2. Automotive Industry:
Here, borescopes are used for inspecting engines, transmission systems, and exhaust components.
- Endoscope selection prioritises smaller-diameter probes to access confined spaces such as cylinders or spark plug holes.
- Manoeuvrability is a key requirement in this sector, as technicians need the probe to easily navigate through small, curved passageways without compromising image clarity.
- For precise diagnostics in the automotive field, inspection camera features such as high-resolution imaging and powerful illumination are critical for detecting cracks, leaks, and corrosion in small parts.
3. Oil and Gas Pipelines:
In this sector, borescope applications involve extensive, narrow pathways for signs of corrosion, blockages, or weld integrity.
- Selecting a portable borescope with long, durable probes is essential for field inspections, especially when pipelines are buried or otherwise difficult to access.
- The borescope must be chemical resistant and resilient to harsh environments while offering long battery life for prolonged use.
4. HVAC Systems:
Inspections in HVAC systems involve examining ductwork, heat exchangers, and cooling towers for blockages, leaks, or inefficiencies.
- Here, the borescope applications require a flexible probe with a moderate length to navigate bends within ducts or pipes.
- Wide fields of view and clear illumination are key to assessing the condition of internal components.
Choosing a borescope with effective lighting control and durable probes allows for efficient HVAC system maintenance without invasive disassembly.
Inspection Camera Features
The inspection camera features greatly impact the functioning of the device. A high-quality camera system enables accurate and detailed visualisation, allowing professionals to detect even the smallest defects or anomalies during NDT inspections. The most critical camera features to consider when choosing a borescope include:
1. Resolution:
High-definition (HD) cameras with resolutions of 720p or 1080p are ideal for Detecting Fine Cracks, delamination, or corrosion in borescope applications that require close-up, detailed inspections.
- In aerospace or precision manufacturing, high-resolution imagery is vital to maintain safety and quality standards.
- Borescopes with 4K resolution or greater are also available (though they come at a higher cost) for applications that require extremely detailed imagery.
2. Field of View (FOV):
The field of view is the angular extent of the observable scene captured by the camera.
- Wide-angle cameras, ranging between 90° and 120°, are suited for applications that require broader coverage, such as pipeline or ductwork inspections.
- These wide FOV cameras allow operators to assess a larger area without moving the probe excessively.
- Narrow FOV cameras (40°–70°) are advantageous in borescope applications requiring more focused, detailed inspections, such as internal combustion engine assessments, where precision is key.
- The choice of FOV directly affects the inspection technology used and should be considered with the inspection environment.
3. Illumination:
Effective illumination is essential for obtaining clear images in dark or enclosed spaces, where ambient lighting is often insufficient.
- Most video borescopes have built-in LED lighting systems that can be adjusted for optimal brightness.
- Adjustable lighting is useful for inspecting reflective surfaces (e.g., polished metals), as too much illumination can create glare, obscuring critical details.
- The lighting system is integrated with the inspection technology in some advanced models, allowing for automatic brightness adjustments based on the inspection environment.
4. Articulation:
Articulation refers to the ability of the borescope probe to bend or flex at various angles, a feature useful in navigating complex geometries or obstructed pathways.
- 2-way articulation allows the probe to bend in two directions (usually up and down), while 4-way articulation enables bending in all directions (up, down, left, and right).
- The type of articulation required depends on the borescope applications.
- In aerospace and automotive industries, 4-way articulation provides enhanced control for navigating tight spaces and inspecting components that are difficult to reach directly. Choosing a borescope with the right articulation features ensures smooth and efficient inspections in challenging environments.
When choosing a borescope, it is essential to consider how these features align with the demands of the specific borescope applications to ensure precise and efficient outcomes.
What are the Specifications of a Borescope?
Image Credit: Olympus
Selecting the right borescope specifications is imperative for optimal performance. Understanding these technical factors will help professionals choose a borescope that aligns with their needs. The specifications that directly impact the performance of a video borescope include:
1. Diameter:
The diameter of the insertion plays a big role in accessing confined spaces and achieving a thorough inspection.
- Endoscope selection should consider the clearance of the area to be inspected.
- Probes with diameters as small as 2mm are ideal for highly intricate, delicate inspections, such as those required in aerospace engines or medical endoscopes.
- Larger diameters, such as 10mm or more, are suited for robust borescope applications like inspecting large industrial pipelines or HVAC systems.
- Automotive professionals working on engine inspections typically opt for probes with diameters between 3mm and 5mm to easily navigate narrow passageways without sacrificing imaging quality.
2. Length:
Probe lengths vary greatly depending on the depth and complexity of the subject.
- Shorter probes, ranging from 20cm to 1m, are commonly used for shallow inspections in applications like automotive engine diagnostics or mechanical assemblies.
- For more complex, deeper inspections such as pipeline analysis or long ducts in HVAC systems, probe lengths can extend to several metres.
- Certain portable borescopes are designed with extendable probes, allowing greater versatility in inspections across different environments.
3. Flexibility:
The flexibility of a probe is another critical specification, determining its ability to manoeuvre through various inspection environments.
- Rigid probes are designed for inspections where access is linear and unobstructed, such as inspecting cylindrical components or straight pipes.
- Flexible probes are ideal for borescope applications requiring navigation through curved or irregular pathways, such as turbine blades, serpentine ducting, or complex machinery components.
- Flexible probes are constructed with durable, bendable materials, allowing them to maintain structural integrity while reaching difficult-to-access areas.
Selecting the correct combination of diameter, length, and flexibility is key to maximising the inspection technology for a particular use case.
Tips & Tricks: Inspecting and Cleaning Your Video Borescope
What are the Portable Video Borescope Inspection System Options?
In fieldwork and remote NDT inspections, the portability of a video borescope is critical. Portable borescopes offer on-site capabilities without external power sources or heavy equipment, providing mobility and fast diagnostics.
The following features ensure optimal performance for portable borescopes in various applications:
1. Built-In Displays:
Modern portable borescopes have high-resolution, built-in LCD or OLED displays, allowing operators to view real-time images and video directly on the device.
- This eliminates the need for external monitors and simplifies the inspection process in field environments where quick diagnostics are necessary.
- Their portability and self-contained nature of make them ideal as reliable, on-the-go inspection tools.
2. Battery-Powered Operation:
Most portable borescopes are powered by rechargeable batteries, enabling extended operation in remote locations without access to mains power.
- This is useful for borescope applications like inspecting underground or confined spaces, where electrical outlets may not be available.
- Some models feature high-capacity batteries that provide several hours of continuous operation.
3. Wireless Data Transfer:
Wireless data transfer allows professionals to instantly share images and video with team members or analysis software.
- This is valuable in fieldwork scenarios, where quick data transmission expedites decision-making processes.
- Choosing a borescope with wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth allows real-time collaboration between inspectors and engineers, regardless of location.
4. Detachable Screens and Mobile Integration:
Detachable screens have greater flexibility in viewing angles and operation in tight spaces.
- Borescopes that integrate with mobile apps offer further convenience by enabling inspectors to view, record, and manage data directly from their smartphones or tablets.
- These models are valuable for professionals who need lightweight, portable solutions without sacrificing image quality or functionality.
- Borescope with mobile integration adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing users to carry less equipment while maintaining full control over the inspection process.
Incorporating these advanced features makes portable borescopes indispensable tools for industries requiring mobility.
How to Choose Your Right Video Borescope? - A Buying Guide
Image Credit: Olympus
When choosing a borescope, it’s essential to evaluate several key factors to ensure that the selected model fits the specific needs of your application.
The aspects that need to be considered while purchasing a borescope include:
1. Durability:
Durability is a critical factor, especially when tools are exposed to chemicals, extreme temperatures, or debris-filled environments.
a. Oil and Gas: In pipeline or refinery inspections, where high-pressure, corrosive fluids are present, a borescope with chemical-resistant housing and protective coatings is indispensable. The probe should be able to withstand impacts and abrasion without compromising image quality.
b. Aerospace: For turbine and engine inspections, the borescope must be robust enough to navigate tight, high-temperature environments, especially in ongoing maintenance operations where quick turnaround times are required. High-grade materials, such as tungsten-braided or stainless-steel sheaths, ensure the longevity of the equipment.
2. Ease of Use:
A portable borescope with intuitive controls and a lightweight design reduces fatigue, allowing for longer NDT inspections without sacrificing accuracy.
a. Inspection technology in modern borescopes often includes touchscreen interfaces or handheld controls that allow for seamless operation, such as 360-degree articulation or multi-angle viewing, making it easier to navigate complex geometries.
b. In borescope applications involving repetitive tasks, such as inspecting multiple engines or pipelines, ease of use directly impacts productivity. Operators need a tool that minimises setup time and offers intuitive navigation for real-time adjustments.
3. Cost vs. Feature Set:
Basic models may provide adequate imaging for simple applications, but more advanced systems with features such as 3D measurement, wireless connectivity, and high-definition video capture can significantly improve the NDT inspection process.
a. Articulation: High-end models with 4-way or 360-degree articulation allow for enhanced manoeuvrability, crucial for navigating complex structures like engines or industrial pipelines. While these advanced features add to the cost, they are indispensable for certain borescope applications, such as inspecting intricate mechanical systems.
b. 3D Measurement: Some video borescopes come equipped with 3D measurement tools, allowing precise defect measurement, crucial for industries where accuracy is paramount, such as aerospace. While these models are more expensive, the ability to measure and analyse cracks or material gaps with micrometre accuracy often justifies the additional cost in highly regulated fields.
4. Warranties and Support:
Choosing a borescope with a solid warranty and reliable customer support ensures that if issues arise, repairs or replacements are handled efficiently.
a. Manufacturers who offer comprehensive warranties demonstrate confidence in their product's durability. Warranties covering critical components like the camera and probe help reduce long-term operational costs, especially in high-use environments.
b. Reliable customer support is invaluable when dealing with specialised tools like video borescopes. Immediate access to technical support can save significant downtime in urgent NDT inspection scenarios.
5. Specifications:
Understanding and matching the borescope specifications to the intended use case is crucial for selecting the correct tool. Parameters like probe diameter, length, articulation, and inspection camera features must align with the inspection’s complexity and requirements.
Choosing a borescope with the right borescope specifications ensures that your NDT Inspections are thorough, efficient, and reliable irrespective of whether the priority is durability for harsh environments, ease of use for prolonged inspections, or advanced features for high-precision tasks,
Key Takeaways
- When choosing a video borescope, it's essential to match the device with the specific industry application, such as aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, or HVAC, as each sector has unique inspection requirements.
- Key features like camera resolution, field of view, probe articulation, and illumination greatly impact inspection quality, with high-definition cameras and flexible articulation being vital for accurate diagnostics in tight or complex spaces.
- For fieldwork or remote inspections, a portable borescope with built-in displays, wireless data transfer, and robust construction (e.g., chemical-resistant probes) is critical for efficient, long-lasting use in demanding environments.
FAQs
1. What is the most important factor to consider when selecting a video borescope?
A: The most crucial factor is ensuring the borescope meets the specific requirements of your inspection application. For instance, aerospace inspections require high-resolution cameras and highly flexible probes, while automotive work often benefits from smaller-diameter probes for tighter spaces.
2. How do I decide between a rigid or flexible probe?
A: Choose a rigid probe for straight-line inspections in linear spaces like pipes or cylinders. For more complex, curved environments, such as engine turbines or HVAC systems, a flexible probe is better suited to navigate irregular paths effectively.
