BY GRANT REIG
W
hile vision may be the most acute of human senses, or other structures of interest to lessen the subjectivity of
there is a limit to what our eyes can see. Unless a mate- inspections. Modern videoscopes can offer seven different mea-
rial is transparent like glass, we cannot see what lies surement modes that, in addition to basic distance, point to line,
behind it. In the field of nondestructive examination (NDE), depth, and area measurements, allow users to make more
there are situations where it is useful to look deep inside sophisticated multiline, profile, and offset measurements. Due
engines, gas turbines, machinery, behind walls, inside pipes and to the stereo measurement technique pioneered by Olympus,
tanks, and into similar places where access is limited. Remote measurements are possible on images taken from any angle;
visual inspection (RVI) is a nondestructive technique that per- this technique splits the image into two and provides two points
mits a user to visually inspect an area that has no direct visual of reference so a measurement can be made and is closely based
access. In RVI, a slim and often flexible viewing device, com- on the same principles that allow humans to perceive depth with
monly referred to as a “scope,” is inserted into the inspection their eyes. These measurements can either be made directly on
area through a small opening providing an image for the opera- the screen of the videoscope or saved electronically for later
tor to examine. Like all NDE tools, RVI allows an inspector to (re)measurement on a PC.
discover hidden defects before they cause major problems.
LED Lighting
Three Different Types of RVI Scopes
Because the vast majority of RVI applications are done in
There are three basic types of RVI equipment available in a areas where natural or ambient light is not present, most RVI
wide variety of scope diameters and lengths. Rigid borescopes setups include illumination systems to light up the area of
use optical lenses to gather and transmit images. They offer the inspection. Older systems would typically be AC powered and
highest image quality, but as the name suggests, they are rigid utilize high wattage bulbs to transmit light through fiber
and cannot bend to fit into tight inspection areas. Fiberscopes bundles into the area of interest to allow for visual inspection.
also use lenses, but then transmit the image through optical With the incorporation of light-emitting diode (LED)
fibers to an eyepiece. Their image quality is not as high, but the technology, however, RVI systems have become less power
scope is flexible and can bend and twist to reach the inspection hungry and been able to cut the cord. With the reduced power
target. Videoscopes combine the best features of both. The consumption of LEDs, current videoscopes are often battery
videoscope tip has a tiny camera sensor for capturing an image powered and highly portable. In addition, new advances in
of the target, which is sent electronically through wires to a technology allow the LEDs to be incorporated directly in the
video monitor display. Videoscopes have good image quality, distal end of the insertion tube surrounding the CCD camera
flexibility to reach remote areas, and additional technology to within. In the same way the image fiber bundle was eliminated
incorporate image and video recording and other common digi- via use of the CCD camera, the light guide cable can now also
tal camera features into an RVI system. be removed, which increases the overall durability of the
Modern day videoscopes make the most use of the digitized system. Furthermore, as the LED technology evolves and
image and include signal processing electronics that allow users becomes brighter and more efficient, locating the LEDs within
to dynamically increase image brightness, digitally zoom, elec- the tip permits upgrades in the field by swapping out a single
tronically sharpen images, attach keyboards, and add notes or interchangeable component.
other pertinent information overlays as well as do side-by-side
comparisons to older stored images. Some RVI videoscopes and
fiberscopes offer “working channel” options that go beyond Durability and Functionality
visual inspections and add retrieval tools for removing foreign
object debris. Image processing and lighting are not the only recent
upgrades incorporated into the modern day videoscope. Given
the typical environments videoscopes are used in, it is impera-
Advanced Features tive they are highly durable and minimize downtime and repair
cost to the user. Some videoscopes, such as the Olympus IPLEX
In addition to providing a magnified view of the target at the FX (Fig. 1), are IP 55 and MIL-STD-810 rated as being sealed to
other end, RVI equipment can incorporate advanced features the outside elements and able to endure a number of demand-
such as optical measurement to quantify the size of cracks, pits, ing environments and tests such as vibration, shock (drop test),
WINTER 2010 • 17
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C
D
Fig. 2 — Remote visual inspection instruments can be used for a variety of applications such as for the following: A — Heat exchanger;
B — gas turbine blade; C — wind turbine gear box; D — automotive part.
humidity, blowing rain, salt and fog, sand and dust, electromag- design of most units allow them to be repaired in sections,
netic interference, and explosive atmosphere. Daylight view which reduces the financial impact of repairs.
monitors are also incorporated to ensure easy viewing even in
direct sunlight. Often the insertion tubes on videoscopes incor-
porate a four-layer design that seals out water, oil, and other liq-
Where Videoscopes Are Used
uids, improves crush resistance, and has a highly durable tung-
sten outer braid to resist wear from rubbing continuously Important markets for RVI include the aerospace industry,
against metal and other abrasive objects. Some models feature power generation, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemical plants,
two-stage temperature warning systems that alert the user if the as well as the automotive and manufacturing industries — Fig.
videoscope is in environments in excess of 212°F and subject to 2. The range of equipment spans from small-diameter
damage as a result. Despite these precautions, should the inser- borescopes used to pick locks to advanced videoscopes to
tion tube still be put in harm’s way and damaged, the modular inspect large turbine engines. For example, inspection of jet
18 • INSPECTION TRENDS
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