Borescope.INFO

Choice of Light Source for Borescope Inspection

2010-02-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Illumination of areas under inspection is very important. We can can choose between halogen, xenon, metal halide and LED lighting. Each light source technology has its advantages and disadvantages.

Metal halide lamps, a member of the high-intensity discharge (HID) family of lamps, produce high light output for their size, making them a compact, powerful, and efficient light source.

A halogen lamp is an incandescent lamp in that is affordable but produces yellowish light.
A Xenon lamp is another type of lamp that produces a vivid white light with a high color temperature and volume but is large and heavy.

LED lighting is becoming more popular as the technology improves its ability to produce sufficient light.

If you need portability and small size of light source you may pay attention to LED powered videoscopes while when you require to inspect large gas turbines you would prefer a videoscope powered by a metal halide lamp.

Super Thin Fiberscopes Inspect the Smallest Areas

2010-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

Super thin fiberscopes are used to remotely inspect the smallest areas. Sometimes applications require access through the smallest holes less than 2.0 mm. Typically these super thin borescopes are limited in length and direction of view is forward.

These small inspection areas provide remote visual inspection professionals with many challenges. The access dictates the inspection requirements more than any other factor. The smaller the inspection area the more limited the choice of borescopes available and the number of manufacturers of these super thin borescopes.

Applications for Super thin Fiberscopes:

• Engineering Manufacturing. Super thin Fiberscopes provide cost-effective examination of internal structures without tear down.

• Quality Control. Super thin Borescope instruments allow manufactures to inspect components for defects. Mini borescopes provide the ability to inspect internal components, bore holes, castings and other manufactured items such as turbine blades, automotive components, circuit boards, rifle barrels and welds.

• Castings. Super thin Fiberscopes can be used to inspect inside casting of engine blocks and other high quality casted components.

LED light sources for Endoscopes

2010-01-21T01:24:00.000-08:00

No wonder today innovations touch every area of our life. The best and most useful discoveries are devoted to cure and save people. LED light sources stand out of this long list. What can be more familiar to us than a usual bulb? For decades we have used simple electric bulbs, but now they are rapidly being substituted by new LED bulbs.

What is a LED? LED – light-emitting diode – consists of a semiconductor diode. LED was discovered yet in 1927 by Russian scientist Losev, but enjoyed its practical application only in 1962, when the production of red light emitting diodes launched. One of the first LED indicators was used in calculators in 1968.

Gradually LED light sources penetrated into many spheres of industry and medicine. Scientists developed new very bright light sources based on super efficient LED bulbs, which at a higher current emit thousands of lumens. Now we can say that LED light sources have more advantages than any other, including Halogen or Metal Halide light sources.

LEDs produce more light per watt than other bulbs. Just with the help of 3V battery you can receive power of a good multiwatt bulky Halogen light source.

LEDs can emit light of an intended color without the use of color filters. Now LED handles for endoscopy emit a very powerful white light. This light is “cleaner” and “whiter” than Halogen and stands near Xenon light sources, which helps at the most complex operations.

LEDs can be very small (smaller than 2 mm). Based on this feature LED light sources (or LED handles) become more and more compact. Their weight is getting less. Everything is handy. You can easily take it and adjust light intensity and focus just with a slight touch of finger!

LEDs light up very quickly. You don’t need to wait long for the efficient work. The brightest light starts emitting in microseconds, and often these very microseconds can be decisive.

LEDs can very easily be dimmed either by modulation or lowering the forward current. Now LED light sources get a light intensity switch to decrease or increase illumination easily.

In contrast to most light sources, LEDs radiate very little heat in the form that can cause damage to sensitive objects or tissues. Wasted energy is dispersed as heat through the base of the LED.

LEDs can have a long useful life. One report estimates 35,000 to 50,000 hours of useful life, though time to complete failure may be much longer.

LEDs, being solid state components, are difficult to damage with external shock.

The solid package of the LED can be designed to focus its light. Incandescent and fluorescent sources often require an external reflector to collect light and direct it in a usable manner. This feature results in LED light sources with adjustable focus. This helps to illuminate either a large are of inspection, or to concentrate on a small spot.

The development of LED technology has caused their efficiency and light output to increase exponentially, with a doubling occurring about every 36 months since the 1960s, in a way similar to Moore's law. Soon LEDs will completely substitute all the other light sources.

Does My Borescope Need a Camera?

2010-01-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

Optical borescopes and fiberscopes can record video with the help of a CCD camera. The CCD camera is attached to the eye piece of the borescope with a C-mount video coupler. You get a very convenient device - both for optical (eye) inspection or to view the video on a TV monitor.

Various adapters can transform analog signal to digital. They are so called Image Capturing devices or boxes. With the help of such a set - Fiberscope + CCD Camera with a coupler + USB Capturing device - Inspections can be viewed and recorded on a laptop.

For more information please email me.

Borescope Application at Power Plants

2010-01-12T01:49:00.000-08:00

During maintenance works at Electric Power Plants borescopes sand videoscopes are used to reduce maintenance costs and avoid outages. Videoscopes can be used in the following areas:

Steam and gas turbines - turbines are checked for foreign object damage, erosion, burning and cracking. Combustion chambers are inspected for cracks, combustion deposits and burning. Turbine section nozzles and blades are checked for cracks and erosion.
Heat Exchangers - cooling tubes are checked for scale deposits, corrosion and cracking.
Boilers are remotely inspected with long videoscopes.

For more information on videoscopes email me

Borescope LED Light Source - New and Innovative

2010-01-06T00:35:00.000-08:00

As a skilled professional looking for the best tools for remote visual inspections, the Xtreme LED is exactly what you need. Essential improvements include - portability, as there are no cords to plug in unlike metal halide light sources, increased illumination with 50,000 Lux, higher then any other 3W light sources and bright enough to use with most flexible fiberscopes.

Professionals often meet situations when the weight of equipment is vitally important. The Xtreme LED light source is the best solution at such complex tasks, as high-altitude works, field works, areas without electricity and others.

The Xtreme light source can be widely used under severe climate conditions, where other light sources cannot be operated. One of the most important features of the Xtreme LED light source is a very durable LED bulb with practically endless resource (over 1,000,000 hours of lamp life per bulb) unlike HID or Halogen bulbs.

For more info and FREE brochure please email me

Borescope Field of View - What? Why? How?

2010-01-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

It is important to understand some terms when choosing the right inspection tool - borescope. The field of view (FOV) is the angular extent of the observable inspection area that is seen at any given moment. Borescopes, fiberscopes, videoscopes and other remote visual inspection equipment should all list field of view in their specifications.

A wide field of view allows conducting a turbine inspection to complete each section in one pass while a narrow field of view may require the inspector to inspect the same section of turbine blades twice and take more time to conduct the inspection.

It is also worth attention to evaluate how a different field of view affects the depth of field (the distance from the target a clear image can still be seen). Typically, the wider the field of view a borescope has, the shorter the depth of field.

Videoscope Inspection of Oil Field Pumps

2009-12-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Oil field pumps operate in some of the most rigorous industrial environments. Periodic remote visual inspection helps to ensure that these pumps are functioning properly. An oil field pump that is not functioning properly will not operate efficiently and cost money.

A Videoscope is the most preferred method of inspecting these pumps for corrosion, cracking, obstruction and overall system integrity. A Videoscope is easily inserted into an access of 3 cm and pushed to 3-5 meters to inspect the interior condition of the oil field pump.

Please email me for more info

Videoscopes to Study Turbine Fuel Nozzles

2009-12-24T02:03:00.000-08:00

Videoscopes can be used to inspect large gas turbine components such as fuel nozzles. The efficiency and proper working of a gas turbine depends on such components as fuel nozzles. Videoscope with a small diameter of probe, such as 4.0 mm, will easily access the twists and turns in the tight spaces of these fuel nozzles. The videoscope should be able to twist with the assistance of the scopes articulation.
For more information please email me

Borescope for Bridges

2009-12-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

Steel and concrete structures are subject to corrosion and fatigue. Specialists can use industrial videoscopes or video borescopes to inspect inside voids, cavities and other hard-to-reach areas to determine the condition of a bridge.
Borescope inspection of bridges—a videoscope or Video borescope is typically used to evaluate the condition of areas difficult to access for visual inspection. These tools can transmit images from a video scope camera attached to the tip of a thin flexible tube that can be as long as 30 meters. Common applications in bridge evaluation include bearing inspection and tendon inspection. Remote visual inspection access can be through existing holes or cracks or small holes drilled into the structure.

Borescope Inspection Applications on Commercial Ships

2009-12-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

Borescopes and videoscopes are used to remotely inspect a variety of internal areas on large commercial ships. These ships range from large yachts to and oil tankers. Borescopes are to ensure that the ship is in good condition.

Borescope and Videoscope Applications include:

Diesel Engines and Turbines. Borescope inspections of engines and turbines on commercial ships is essential to ensure that the power plants are functioning properly and can continue to safely operate without unnecessary maintenance.
Grey water lines. Commercial ships need to inspect long lengths of gray water lines using long push or pipe inspection cameras. The ship board pipes can be checked for corrosion, pitting and prevent potential problems.
Bulkheads and confined spaces. A large commercial ship or cruise line is filled with tightly confined spaces that need to be periodically checked for condition. Videoscope can easily access the smallest areas to check for corrosion and other defects.

Feel free to email me

Borescope for Automobile

2009-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

Visual Inspection has many applications in the automotive industry. You can use borescopes and videoscopes to inspect internals engine castings, cylinder bores, gearboxes, body shells and finished vehicles. You can study many various problems without teardown with an automotive borescope including finding sources of unwanted noise and checking internal component condition for carbon deposits and wear, identifying corrosion and confirming component failure. Borescopes can be used cost-effectively in automotive applications. Automotive Applications include:

Engine - valve damage, cylinder inspection, head gaskets and piston top
Clutch - condition and thickness of lining – condition of springs of pressure plate and thrust bearing
Transmission and differential – ring, bevel gear inspection – seals and shaft bearing inspection
Body and Chassis – inspection of hollow members to detect cracks and corrosion

You can learn more about use of borescopes in automotive inspection

Wireless Video Borescope

2009-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

Wireless Video Borescope Systems are great for a wide range of applications where a small portable inspection device is required to capture images and video. The video borescopes are great for accessing spark plug holes or inspecting industrial equipment. The ability to place the monitor in a convenient location and proceed with more specialized inspections is a great addition too.
Now you can place the monitor separately at any convenient place! Besides each wireless videoscope is supplied now with three mirrors for different angle of view. You can read more about Wireless videoscope here Wireless Videoscope

Wireless Video Borescope

2009-11-29T23:47:00.001-08:00

Please watch this video about the basics of Videoscope with Wireless monitor

Video about MVBS videoscopes

2009-08-04T00:45:00.000-07:00

Here is interesting video about quite versatile and not expensive MVBS videoscopes

New Xtreme Light Source for All Borescopes

2009-07-31T22:17:00.001-07:00

Portable Xtreme LED light sources are a convenient, easy to use, substitute for bulky halogen or metal halide light sources. These Xtreme light sources feature a high intensity 3W LED, which produces well over 50,000 Lux of illumination, and an adjustable intensity control lever, to vary the illumination for different inspection areas, or areas with reflective surfaces.

These portable Xtreme LEDs work with flexible and rigid endoscopes/ borescopes, and some flexible fiberscopes too. They produce a focused bright white light, not an unfocused yellow light like some halogen light sources. Power is provided by a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and at full power these units will run continuously for 45 minutes. Charging takes 2 hours, but the LED should be good for over 1,000,000 hours of lamp life per bulb.

Please email me for more information

Active Scope (Videoscope) camera

2009-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting video. This is about a kind of a mixture of a snake and a camera. This videoscope is designed to penetrate through complex debris. Please watch how well it can be directed, like a real snake!

Borescope Inspection of Rifle Barrel

2009-07-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

This time I would like to show you the process of rifle barrel inspection. This is done with the help of a videoscope. The videoscope consists of a monitor, insertion probe with the camera and light source in the tip. It provides a good image and many other functions, like recording, transferring of live video and images etc.

Most Flexible Fiberscopes

2008-07-05T02:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to tell you about flexible borescopes, which offer a bright and clear analog image of the inspection area. These Fiberscopes are designed with an ergonomic hand piece, a flexible insertion tube and a detachable light cable.You can choose between 12,000 or 20,000 glass fiber optic pixels. The insertion tube is made of a resin coated braided steel. It is water and oil proof. The fiberscopes have 70 degrees field of view, 2 or 4 way tip articulation with a minimum of 90 degrees in each direction and a focusable eyepiece. All Fiberscopes are supplied with a removable portable LED light handle and a carrying case for safe transportation.
These scopes can be used in Aviation and Automotive Maintenance, Industrial Machinery, Building Inspections, Search and Rescue Operations, Customs and Police Inspections, Oil and Gas Industry. Fiberscopes provide a clear image of areas, which are normally impossible to inspect.
http://www.fiberscope.net/servlet/the-Fiberscopes/Categories

USB Videoscopes: New and Better

2008-06-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

This time you can see a successful addtion to existing USB video borescopes. Now there are two more models with insertion tubes with diameter 9 mm (0.354'') and length of 91 and 150 cm (36'' - 59'').
NEW industrial Flexible USB Video Borescope (videoscope) is a whole new innovation that we use in digital image transfer instead of transferring analog image through optical fiber.
The way of transferring image in this Flexible USB Video Borescope is quite different with the traditional optical fiber endoscope technology.
Flexible USB Video Borescope (videoscope) can provide not only higher image resolution than normal fiberscope but also can take still picture and record video for user needs. It is the total solution for replacing traditional industrial fiberscope.
You can find more details here http://www.fiberscope.net/servlet/the-106/USB-Video-Borescope%2C-usb/Detail

Application of borescopes

2008-04-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

INDUSTRY:
Weld integrity analysis

Pipeline inspection

AVIATION:
Turbine inspection

Checking engines

Plane inspection

Air plane maintenance

AUTOMOTIVE:
Transmission inspection

Car engine check

SECURITY:
Analysis tool for terrorism investigation

Police application

SCIENCE:
Study of insect life

Biological studies

BUILDING:
Concrete integrity inspection

Quality checks

Our equipment helps you meet your goals.

For more details PLEASE VISIT WWW.FIBERSCOPE.NET

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF MEDIT FIBERSCOPES!

Every Borescope Needs This MEDIT Camera

2008-03-17T01:31:00.000-07:00

Please pay attention to this beautiful High Resolution, Video Endoscopy Camera for all kinds of endoscopes, borescopes, fiberscopes.
It has universal eyepiece connection and is equipped with focusable optical coupler for connecting it to eyepiece of your endoscope/borescopes.
Camera has easy set up and connection. Simply connect to 12 volt power adapter (included) and connect RCA connection to your TV, TV-monitor or video monitor.
Connect your scope to the coupler and start using our improved video camera for scopes right away!

You can view and purchase this videocamera here

New Light Source for All Borescopes

2008-02-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

Medit Inc. presents a new 3W superbright powerful light source for any type of borescopes and fiberscopes.
Medit Inc.’s Portable Superbright LED Light Sources are a convenient alternative to bulky Halogen and Metal Halide light sources, or unfocused LED light handles. Our LED light sources feature a convenient design, high intensity illumination, and low price. They combine reliability with durability by offering a low power 3W LED element, with a specially designed super-magnifying lens. This design allows for ample illumination, on average 28,000-46,000LuX, with low power consumption (3 AAA batteries for 2.5 hours of continuous illumination), and over 1,000,000 hours of lamp life per LED light source.

In addition to the outstanding illumination and low power consumption our LED light sources are available with either an ACMI or STORZ threading. This allows you to use them with a wide variety of medical, veterinary, and industrial endoscopes, fiberscopes, and borescopes, for quick and simple inspections, or in the field. It also makes our LED light source a better choice than many of the higher Watt Light Sources on the market today.
Direct Link to the Light Source

Discover the World of Medit Borescopes and Videoscopes!

‘Miniature Landscapes’ - Fungal art at its best (Borescope Pictures)

2008-01-30T05:41:00.000-08:00

On the way home from work today, I stopped by the new gallery in Mann Library for the opening of Miniature Landscapes, an extraordinary exhibit by Kent Loeffler, one of three photographers who have served the Department of Plant Pathology at Cornell over the last century, and Kathie Hodge, a faculty member in that department who blogs at the Cornell Mushroom Blog.

Kent is a treasure and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He toils all day shooting diseased leaves and other mundane subjects. But he’s a great artist and photographer who is as quick to share his expertise as he is to share his smile. If you’re in the neighborhood, you owe it to yourself to view these photos.

Kent used a borescope to get right down into the the world of fungi. He describes it as “a bit like having a fisheye lens on the end of a stick.” You can see more examples of this technique and some of the technical details at his photo lab website. Kathie’s equally fascinating videos of growing fungi and decaying fruit are running on continuous loops on retro Macs in the center of the exhibit.

Some of my favorite work of Kent’s, though, are at the other end of the spectrum — his panoramas. (You can drag yourself around Minns Garden outside my office 360 degrees.) Many have graced the cornell.edu homepage and some 6-foot-long prints of his decorate the halls of the office where my wife works in Collegetown.

Many of Kent’s works are online, but scattered all over like the spores he’s often called on to shoot. Check out these:

Plant Path Photo Lab website with linke to still, panoramas, time-lapse movies and some other very interesting techniques. (Check out his digital photography and PhotoShop tips.)
Plant Pathology Photos rescued from the old ExploreCornell site. Interesting historical stuff along with Kent’s work.
Ithaca 360 features more of Kent’s 360-degree panoramas from the Ithaca area.

Interesting note: If you google image search Kent’s name, you don’t get his great art. But you do get a great image we comissioned Kent to do of viburnum l eaf beetle larva for our viburnum leaf beetle website.

Now what excuse can I think up to borrow Kent’s borescope?

Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa borescope photo by Kent Loeffler

Permalink http://www.remarc.com/craig/?p=329

Portable Monitor Type Flexible Borescope

2008-01-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

Medit Inc. presents a new revolutionary unit, which offers operators a video image of the inspection area.

Often we need portable devices for inspection needs. With the help of a new Portable Monitor Type Flexible Borescope you can discover new possibilities to inspect areas. This Borescope is equipped with a powerful LED Light Source, 3.5” TFT display screen, internal CMOS camera chip in the tip. It is able to capture images and video. Though it is quite compact, this Borescope can perform all types of remote visual inspections, similar to any traditional industrial Borescope. Its working length 1 - 30 m, diameter of probe 5.5 mm. You can change videoprobes. A bright TFT monitor allows better communicating and understanding when discussing with your clients about the inspections.

The unit’s 5.5mm outer diameter can easily access small spaces including the spark plug holes of gasoline or diesel engines. The extra-wide angle camera takes pictures up to 640x480 resolution. You can save pictures and video of your inspection areas to SD card.

Discover the World of Medit Borescopes, Fiberscopes and Videoscopes!

Link to this Portable Monitor Type Borescope