Industrial Borescope Inspection Camera

How to Buy an Industrial Borescope Camera

 
What is a borescope used for?

 

A borescope is a long, thin tube with a tiny camera at the end. It's used to look inside things like engines and pipes. The camera sends back images to a screen, so the person using the borescope can see what's going on.

 

Borescopes are used for all sorts of things, like inspecting car engines and checking for leaks in pipes.

 

Borescopes are tools that let you see inside places that would be hard to get to otherwise. Even simple optical devices like lenses, mirrors, and light sources from the outside can help us see things we couldn't see before. A digital camera is built into a modern borescope camera so that images of the area being looked at can also be stored and worked with. Because the borescope camera can be used for so many different things, there are devices with very different parts. The display and control unit and the probe with the camera at the end are the main parts of the borescope camera.

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Since all you have to do to use a borescope camera is put the probe where you want to look and take a picture right away, you can quickly find weak spots and other problems, both during the regular inspection cycle and after damage. Because of this, repairs and preventive measures can be done in a much more targeted way. The borescope camera lets you quickly look at areas that are hard to get to without taking things apart and opening up parts, which takes time.

The borescope camera is easy to use, even for technicians who haven't had any training. Electricians, safety experts, experts in all fields, mechatronics engineers, precision mechanics, and car mechanics all use the borescope camera to inspect and fix problems.

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The borescope camera can also be used for training and education at technical colleges and universities, as well as in the trade because it is a great tool for showing technical facts or problems and making them easier to understand. With the borescope camera, inspections and quality checks in industry and plant construction can be done much faster, more accurately, and for less money.

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Choosing a borescope camera:

what to look for 
Before making a choice from a large number of devices, it should be clear what the minimum requirements are for the borescope camera. Often, the following things can be known ahead of time: 

 

• How flexible the probe is;

• How big the camera head is;

• How flexible the camera head is;

• How well protected the camera probe is against water and dust;

• The camera's viewing angle, direction, focus, and image resolution.

• The memory for pictures and videos.

• Interfaces for sending data and putting out videos.

• Ability to connect different probes

• Accessories

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The probes for the borescope camera can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. 

The camera's probe can either be a rigid rod or a flexible cable. At the end is the camera, and inside are data, light, and control lines, if needed. Most of the time, rigid borescopes are used without being able to take and process images. But rigid borescopes can also come with a digital camera that lets the images shown to be captured, processed, and stored.

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The borescope camera with a rigid probe can be used for quick inspections, such as under cars or on parts or installations that are higher up. For this reason, the upper part of the rigid probes is bent at a 90-degree angle or a moveable camera head sticks out from the rigid probe rod. For telescopic rods, the length can go up to 3 meters. So, the borescope camera lets visual checks be done quickly and safely in places that are hard to get to. If a problem area is found, the tools needed to fix it can be put in place right there.

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With flexible and semi-rigid probes, the borescope camera can be used to look inside pipes and tight spaces. The lengths of the flexible probes range from 1 m to 120 m. Lengths of 10 meters or more are usually wound around a drum-like thing. So that the longer lengths can be moved safely through the area being looked at, there are extra parts that protect the camera head and make movement easier. A borescope cable holder can be used in places that are hard to reach with a flexible probe. This borescope cable holder is made up of a stable sheath tube that guides and holds the flexible cable.

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The diameter of the borescope camera's camera head 

The diameter of the camera head is important if the borescope camera has to be put into cavities through small openings to check for quality or to find the cause of an error. With an industrial boroscope, you can check the quality of fittings. On the one hand, the camera head and probe cable must fit through the hole. On the other hand, the probe must be able to move within the cavity to the areas that need to be looked at. The size of the camera head is also important for the radius of bend of angled cameras.

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Borescope cameras have multiple articulations, which means the camera head can be bent in different ways. 

There are times when working with the fixed camera in the front is all that is needed. But side cameras are usually better for inspecting the inside of pipe walls and other similar-shaped parts. A probe can also have two fixed cameras that give views from the front and sides. Then, on the control panel, you can switch between the front camera and the side camera on the monitor.

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For some inspections, it is helpful if the camera head can be turned in different directions no matter how the probe rod or probe cable is currently positioned. There are four different directions of movement: up, down, right, and left. A borescope camera, for example, can have a 2-way or 4-way angulation. This means that a rotary switch, buttons, or a joystick can be used to move the camera in two or four directions. Multiple articulations are another word for this kind of mobility. Also, the camera head can be turned around the axis of the probe up to 360 degrees. In each case, it says if the borescope camera's probe can be moved in two directions, four directions, or both and if it can also be turned around the probe's axis. Some manufacturers also tell you what the maximum angle is.

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What kind of protection does the camera's probe have in terms of IP? 

Since the probes are more often exposed to moisture, dust, and foreign objects than the monitor, they are often made with high IP protection degrees. The IP degree of protection is a global standard for how well the housing of an electrical device protects it.

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The first number tells you how well the electrical parts are protected against dust and other foreign objects. The second number tells you how well the parts are protected against water. The internal parts are better protected, the higher the number is. For example, the IP 67 rating for the probe of the borescope camera means that dust can't get in and that the probe can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. So, the borescope camera can be used with this probe to look inside pipelines, components, and containers that are full but not under pressure.

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The borescope camera's direction of view, field of view, focus, and image resolution 

Depending on the area of use, the level of detail and sharpness of the images must meet different standards. When choosing a device, you should think about the following camera features:

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The camera on the borescope can't be moved in more than one way. 

When the camera is at the end of the probe, it can show the area directly across from the axis at 0 degrees. With orientations between 0 and 170 degrees, the area being imaged is tilted away from the axis by the amount specified. Instead of using degrees to describe the direction of view, the terms "side camera" or "site view camera" are sometimes used for the 90-degree angle. In a multiple-articulation borescope camera, the camera tip can be moved, and the control panel lets you change the direction of the view.

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The angle of view of the camera on the borescope 

The size of the image section is set by the viewing angle or aperture angle of the camera. A high viewing angle on the camera gives you a better overall picture and makes it easier to find your way around. Angles of view that aren't too wide are good for looking at details and inspecting very narrow spaces. A borescope inspection camera, for example, can have an aperture angle of 60, 67, 90, 105, 120, 134, or 150 degrees.

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How far and how sharp you can see 

Optical devices can make an image of an object that is very clear up to a certain distance. Things that are closer or farther away look less clear. With devices that can be focused, the sharpness can be changed up to a certain point. For inspections in very small holes, you should use a probe with a good depth of viewing field. Examples are: 
Front camera depth of field: 5 mm to 50 mm, 15 mm to 100 mm, 10 mm to infinity, and 30 mm to 60 mm. 
Side camera depth of field: 3 mm to 50 mm.

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Image resolution 

Image resolution is one of the most important factors in how clear the details are on the screen, especially for images and videos that have been saved. On some devices, the camera itself has a higher resolution than the images and videos that have been saved.

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The borescope camera has a place to store pictures and videos. 

In many situations, it's helpful to save the pictures or video clips from an inspection so that you can write up a report. A lot of the digital borescope cameras on the market today can take photos and videos and store them on an SD card. During the recording, a time and date stamp can be added to these images and videos to make them easier to find. Pictures are usually stored in JPEG format, and videos are usually stored in MP4 or ASF format. If more work needs to be done on these datasets, they can be sent to a PC or laptop.

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Interfaces in the camera to send and receive data 

The USB port on the control unit lets you connect the borescope camera to a PC. Most of the time, you can choose between two different modes: one to send the stored data and one to send the current image data. Almost every borescope camera that can record video also has a way to send the video signal directly to a different monitor, like a TV screen. NTSC and PAL are two common ways to output video. The videos of the inspection can then be shown directly on a bigger screen outside of the borescope camera instead of on its own screen.

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Borescope cameras have different probes that can be attached. 

There are model series that can connect to different flexible probes. This has the advantage that you only have to buy one control unit, and the user already knows how to handle and use it when changing the probe. The probes can be different in more ways than just the ones listed above. For instance, there are differences in how the inspection point is lit, like with a special UV light.

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Accessories for the camera used with a borescope 

For many uses, there are special accessories that make it easier to reach and see what needs to be looked at. It is important to make sure that the accessories used go with the model series. 

The following things are used to make it easier to place the probe cable and to keep the camera safe: 

 

• Holders for borescope cables 

• Guide balls 

• Camera Carriage 

• Brushes for Centering

With the borescope camera, you can remove magnetic and non-magnetic parts by screwing on magnetic attachments with hooks. 

Probes with a fixed camera can be made to look in different directions with the help of mirror attachments. 
For example, in sewers on private property, hidden channels whose exact location is unknown can be used to find the location of the damaged area with damaged area receivers (for example, hidden channels). Once the location has been found, the digging can only be done at that spot.

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Borescope vs Endoscope

 

If you are in the market for a new inspection tool, you may be wondering what the difference is between a borescope and an endoscope. Both tools are designed for visual inspection of hard-to-reach areas, but there are some key differences between the two. Here is a look at the borescope vs endoscope debate:

 

Borescope A borescope is a long, thin tube that is inserted into a small opening in order to allow inspection of an area that is otherwise inaccessible. Borescopes typically have a light at the end of the tube that illuminates the area being inspected.

 

Endoscope An endoscope is a similar tool to a borescope, but it also has a camera at the end of the tube. An endoscope is a medical instrument that is used to look inside the body. It is a long, thin tube with a light and a camera at the end. The camera is used to take pictures or videos of the inside of the body. The endoscope is inserted through a small cut (incision) in the skin. It can also be inserted through the mouth, nose, etc. 

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A Comprehensive Guide to Borescope Inspection Procedure for Piping

 

We'll delve into the world of borescope inspection procedures for piping. Piping systems play a crucial role in various industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and more. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure the integrity and efficiency of these pipelines. In this article, we will explore the significance of borescope inspections, the step-by-step procedure, and the benefits of using this advanced technology for pipe inspections.

Why Borescope Inspection?

Borescope inspection has emerged as a game-changer in the field of industrial inspections. With their flexible fiber-optic cameras, borescopes can access tight spaces and provide visual feedback on the condition of the internal surfaces of pipes without the need for disassembly. This non-destructive testing method helps in detecting potential issues such as corrosion, blockages, cracks, and other defects that might compromise the safety and functionality of the piping system.

Step-by-Step Borescope Inspection Procedure for Piping:

 

Step 1: Preparation

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Before commencing the borescope inspection, thorough preparation is essential to ensure a successful procedure. The following steps are crucial during this phase:

• Obtain all relevant piping system information, including design drawings, material specifications, and previous inspection records.

• Ensure the piping system is shut down and depressurized to allow safe access for the borescope.

• Prepare the borescope equipment, ensuring that it is in good working condition, and the camera lens is clean and free from debris.

 

Step 2: Access and Insertion

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With preparation complete, it's time to access the piping system and insert the borescope. Follow these steps:

• Identify the entry point for the borescope, usually an inspection port or an opening created for this purpose.

• Slowly insert the borescope into the pipe, being cautious not to damage the sensitive camera head or any internal components.

• As you navigate through the pipe, use the controls on the borescope to adjust the camera's direction, focus, and lighting for optimal visibility.

 

Step 3: Inspection and Documentation

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Once the borescope is inside the pipe, the inspection process begins. Pay close attention to the following:

• Thoroughly inspect the internal surfaces of the pipe, checking for signs of corrosion, scaling, deposits, cracks, or any abnormalities.

• Capture images and record videos during the inspection to document the findings for further analysis and future reference.

• Take measurements of any defects encountered to assess their severity and plan for potential repairs or replacements.

 

Step 4: Analysis and Reporting

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After completing the borescope inspection, it's time to analyze the data collected and create a comprehensive report. This report should include:

• A detailed description of the condition of the piping system, highlighting any defects or issues found.

• Recommendations for maintenance, repair, or replacement based on the severity of the observed defects.

• Images and videos to support the findings and assist in understanding the scope of the problems.

 

Benefits of Borescope Inspection for Piping:

 

Borescope inspections offer several advantages over traditional inspection methods:

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1. Cost-Effective: Borescope inspections save costs by identifying issues early, preventing more extensive damage and the need for costly repairs.

2. Time-Efficient: The non-intrusive nature of borescope inspections minimizes downtime, allowing for quick assessments and timely maintenance.

3. Enhanced Safety: Operators can assess potentially hazardous environments remotely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

4. Quality Assurance: Regular inspections ensure the longevity and reliability of the piping system, boosting overall operational efficiency.

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let's dive deeper into the world of borescope inspection procedures for piping, and explore some additional aspects that can enhance the effectiveness of this valuable maintenance practice.

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The Importance of Borescope Inspection for Piping:

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Piping systems form the lifeline of various industries, transporting fluids and gases to power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities. Over time, these pipelines face wear and tear, potentially leading to corrosion, blockages, or structural issues. Identifying such problems early on is critical to prevent catastrophic failures and costly downtime.

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Here's where borescope inspection shines - it offers a remarkable advantage by providing visual access to the internal condition of the pipes without the need for disassembling them. This not only saves time but also ensures that the pipes can continue operating without unnecessary interruptions.

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When to Perform Borescope Inspection:

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Determining the optimal inspection schedule depends on various factors, including the type of fluid or gas being transported, the environment, the age of the piping system, and its maintenance history. As a general rule, it's advisable to conduct routine inspections at regular intervals, and after significant maintenance work or any incidents that could potentially impact the piping's integrity.

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By adhering to a scheduled inspection routine, you can catch early signs of degradation or damage, which is crucial for implementing timely corrective actions. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of unplanned shutdowns and minimizes the chances of accidents or leaks, ultimately ensuring a safer and more efficient operation.

 

Advanced Borescope Technologies:

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As technology continues to advance, so do borescopes. Modern borescope inspection equipment is equipped with state-of-the-art features, such as high-definition cameras, articulating tips, and advanced lighting systems. These enhancements provide operators with clearer and more detailed images, making it easier to detect even minor defects.

Moreover, some borescopes offer remote viewing capabilities, allowing multiple experts to collaborate on inspections from different locations. This not only saves time but also facilitates knowledge-sharing and ensures comprehensive evaluations by industry specialists.

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Interpreting Inspection Results:

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Borescope inspection reports can be rich in visual data, including images, videos, and measurements. Interpreting these results accurately is essential for making informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, or replacements. It is crucial to have skilled and experienced inspectors who can analyze the findings in context and determine the best course of action.

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Collaborating with Experts:

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While routine borescope inspections can be carried out by trained personnel within your organization, there are instances where involving external experts can be immensely valuable. Specialized borescope inspection service providers bring extensive experience and knowledge of various industries, ensuring thorough and precise assessments.

Moreover, these experts often have access to cutting-edge borescope technologies, providing more comprehensive inspections and reducing the risk of overlooking potential issues.

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Conclusion:

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Borescope inspection procedures for piping have transformed the way industries monitor and maintain their vital infrastructure. By employing this non-destructive testing method, companies can take a proactive approach to pipeline maintenance, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of their operations.

Remember, routine borescope inspections, carried out by skilled operators using advanced equipment, are key to preventing unexpected failures, reducing downtime, and ultimately, enhancing the reliability of your piping systems. Embrace the power of borescope technology and stay ahead in safeguarding your critical assets!

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