Borescopes are a kind of optical devices that are designed for performing visual inspections. Usually such devices are used for measuring the areas which are very difficult to access by any other conventional means and for detecting defects and imperfections.
USA Borescopes can be great alternatives for those measurement procedures, where you will need very expensive, time-consuming, and also certain destructive dismounting activities.
These borescopes can be excellent tools for inspecting the followings:
- Automotive engines
- Truck engines
- Diesel engines
- Steam turbines
- Aeroderivative gas turbines
- Aircraft engines
Let us try to answer few frequently asked questions about borescope and also videoscope.
1. What is borescope?
As explained before, borescope is a kind of remote device for visual inspection which consists of rigid/flexible tube which can transmit pictures back to screen. Inspectors can use such devices for looking inside any difficult-to-access portions.
2. What is the basic difference between videoscope and borescope?
Actually, videoscopes are also another type of borescope. Usually borescopes are quite simpler instruments having fewer features.
Videoscopes can be versatile and durable tools for visual inspection that offer many different leading-edge features, that includes video/still image recording too.
3. How any videoscopes and borescopes function?
Any videoscopes will have one small sensor chip on tip of insertion tubes which can enable them to take both video and also still images. These sensors will send images to LCD screen where inspector can easily view.
Many latest videoscopes may also have laser diode or LED light source located on the tip of insertion tube. These borescopes are quite simple instruments that can transmit images through flexible/rigid insertion tube that comes back to screens.
4. What is the basic difference between borescope and endoscope?
Both industrial endoscopes and videoscopes are actually interchangeable terms. Both will mean the similar instrument.
These endoscopes/videoscopes are considered as more advanced borescope which has video and also still image recording facilities.
Let us discuss few tips for buying any good borescope from the available sources.
1. Consider inspection camera’s size
Size of inspection camera will be important criteria in few cases. Usually bigger borescopes provide sharper images however may not be so convenient for operation.
Suppose you have to measure any smaller areas, then you are much better off by using smaller borescopes, as they are little more convenient for using. Their trade off will include lower quality of images and lack of technology.
2. Prefer for latest illumination technology
If you are looking for inspecting dark spaces inside a cavity, then you may need some kind of illumination. For avoiding contamination and problem of heating, you must prefer for quality borescopes which offer fibre optic illumination.
This kind of illumination will feature glass fibres that can deliver light from external light source. Light will then travel through borescope to working end.
3. Check magnifying effects
Any good borescope will not need operators for refocussing on a regular basis. It must have almost unlimited reach. While calculating magnification, you may use simple rule, which works for flexible and also rigid borescopes.
4. Check its field of view
Usually, valves that are located close to spark plug holes will be considered difficult-to-reach portion. By using backward-looking 120° borescope, you can examine these areas better.
Based on measurement tasks, you must keep an eye for different-angled borescopes. Just with change of your field or view direction, you may inspect all sides of cavity.
5. Whether you prefer flexibility or rigidity?
Basically, there are 2 main borescopes types:
- Flexible
- Rigid.
Usually it will depend upon the tube shape. In case of any flexible borescopes, tube that connects eyepiece and lens will typically be elastic. Rigid borescopes feature immobile tube version.
This will make them a good choice for items for measuring such as:
- Hydraulic
- Guns
- Cylinders
- Fuel injectors.
6. Check device specifications
Usually borescope units consisting of following:
- Optical tube
- Eyepiece
- Camera
- Light
These components will be present in all the scopes, which allow technicians viewing hard-to-reach areas.
Few units have certain advanced features, like USB connection and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, some scopes will allow users downloading an app for visualizing and recording information.
Latest videoscopes technology offers high resolution micro-camera at its probe tip that produces quality colour image on screen.
Naturally, scopes with latest features can be expensive than others. Compare the specifications to consider if advanced features will be really worth for additional price.
7. Length of cable
Cable length and diameter is an essential criterion while buying borescope. General rule that you must follow while buying scope is, cable should neither be too thick or too short.
Diameter of cable must allow easy insertion within the engine. Besides, length of cable must allow seamless inspection for entire engine.
Borescopes will come with rigid and flexible cables. Generally, rigid cables have small diameter which can be inserted via small openings. Typically, cables are analogue, which does not allow saving videos and photos.
A special adapter, which is sold separately, must be used for recording and processing images and videos.
The flexible cables are generally available in either 2-way or 4-way articulating systems. Articulation will allow technician to move camera in many different directions.
Cables may also allow camera to turn at 360ᵒ angles. All digital borescopes have got flexible cables of different diameters and sizes that allow different applications.
8. Quality of camera
Quality of camera is another important consideration while buying a borescope. Camera quality will be measured by video or image resolution.
High-quality cameras will capture images of higher resolutions than low-quality camera. They will capture clear and sharp images with lower signal-to-noise ratio, colour rendition and good contrast.
Application of borescope will decide what quality of camera is best. For erosion, scratches and pitting, a high-quality camera will be needed. For finding debris or blockages low-quality camera will be good enough.
9. Lighting options
While buying borescope, lighting option is also a factor which should be considered for engine inspection. Prefer buying borescope with attached light source, like LED, halogen, metal halide or xenon.
Scope with adjustable intensity will be recommended to make sure that image will not look washed out. Certainly, every portable videoscope meant for aviation will have built-in LED lighting.
