These are instruments that are made up of either rigid or
flexible tubes and are used to view areas that are relatively difficult to see.
The places that can be viewed are generally very small or narrow passages where
the human eye or other cameras cannot reach. They can also be fitted with
cameras to get images of the places.
The Basic:
This instrument is used for remote visual inspection of
objects and is modified to be used in various areas of inspection and
non-destructive inspection of machinery parts. Let us then have a look at how
these can be used for different purposes:
- When the long rigid tube is inserted it is fitted with mirrors and prisms at the front end and they carry the images to the back end. There a camera or an eyepiece is placed to view the images.
- A bit different are fiberscopes that are flexible and have the ability to bend and thus view the area of inspection. They are fitted with fiber optics that carry light to the very end and light up the area of inspection. Another set of fiber optics sends the images back to the rear end where they can be viewed or the images are taken up by a camera. Fiberscopes can be remotely controlled and pointed to the place where the user wants to.
- Videoscopes are the most advanced versions and are fitted with a tiny video camera which transmits the images back to the viewer.
- As these are used in non-destructive testing they can make their way through the narrow paths. Thus they can be used in testing airframes and engines. So, any form of hose and wiring connections, cable attachments, wing spar insides, bell cranks etc can be tested.
- In the case of a piston powered aircraft, scorched pistons, the valve condition etc can be checked.
- If the aircraft is turbine powered, it can be checked for any form of damage to nozzle guide vanes and turbine blades.
Tips For Correct Usage:
These instruments are highly sensitive and thus they need to
be used systematically. Here are some tips to follow for using them in a proper
manner:
- When using it should be taken into notice that a proper place should be found to get the best possible images.
- While using it should also be noted that the viewer must be adjusted and then the light be switched on to get the best possible view. The cable should be kept clutter free so that it can be adjusted as and when.
- They can be used in places with a lot of heat and so they can be used without any sort of damage.
- The more the number of pixels the better the image quality will be. Also the articulation range, the viewing angle and the flexibility of the cable is to be cared for.
These are some of the points and tips of correct usage of borescopes. However, for the best image
quality video borescopes are the
only choice.
