Borescope Inspection

The borescope is an essential tool for inspecting of power plant components. Commonly used in high-value rotating power-plant equipment such as steam turbines, gas turbines and generators it is also extremely useful for checking the internal or to reach external surfaces of boiler and HRSG tubes and piping.

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Borescope Inspection

The borescope inspection (also known as a "remote visual inspection" or RVI) involves using a flexible or rigid optical device  that allow the inspector to examine areas that are otherwise difficult to access. Early borescopes were a simple tube, whereas today even basic models are equipped with cameras (and usually) lighting at the end of the viewing probe.  More expensive models include articulated heads and higher-quality optics. 

The choice of hardware is to some extent dependent on the application, a lower-end scope without articulation is often sufficient for checking larger diameter pipes. 

Borescope Inspection
Borescope Inspection

Whatever the tool,

In the context of a boiler, which is a closed vessel that generates heat through the combustion of fuel, a borescope inspection can serve several purposes:

  1. Maintenance and Condition Assessment: Regular borescope inspections canh elp assess the condition of the boiler's internal components, such as tubes, pipes, and refractory materials. This can help identify any signs of corrosion, erosion, scaling, or other types of damage that may affect the boiler's efficiency and safety.
  2. Efficiency Optimization: Borescope inspections can help identify areas where deposits or build-ups are causing heat transfer inefficiencies. By pinpointing these areas, maintenance personnel can target their efforts to clean or repair them, thus improving the boiler's overall efficiency.
  3. Safety and Compliance: Boiler inspections are crucial for safety reasons. Detecting cracks, leaks, or other damage early can prevent accidents or leaks of harmful gases. Regular inspections also help ensure that the boiler complies with safety standards and regulations.
  4. Diagnosis of Problems: If a boiler is experiencing performance issues, a borescope inspection can help diagnose the root causes. This is particularly valuable for identifying problems that are not immediately visible from the outside.
  5. Documentation: Borescope inspections provide visual evidence of the boiler's condition over time. This documentation can be used to track changes, plan maintenance schedules, and demonstrate compliance during regulatory audits.

During a borescope inspection, a trained technician or engineer inserts the borescope through a small access port or opening in the boiler's casing. The borescope's camera provides real-time images of the internal components on a screen, allowing the inspector to assess the condition of various parts. The inspection process can be recorded for later analysis and reporting.

It's important to note that borescope inspections require proper training, safety measures, and equipment to ensure the well-being of inspectors and the integrity of the equipment being examined. If you're considering a boiler borescope inspection, it's recommended to consult with professionals who specialize in boiler maintenance and inspection to ensure the process is carried out effectively and safely.

Borescope Inspection

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