Borescopes are optical instruments that facilitate visual inspection of hard-to-reach spaces, such as the inside of narrow pipes or tubes. They consist of a lens or camera on one end, a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid tube and/or fiber assembly, and a display on the other end. Industry professionals utilize them to inspect a wide range of industrial parts and products during manufacturing operations and maintenance and repair work. By detecting defects in components—e.g., cracks or leaks in welds—that need to be resolved, they help improve ROI and extend component life.
What Is a Borescope Inspection?
Borescopes are commonly used in non-destructive testing (NDT) operations involving components with hard-to-reach cavities. Some have lights on the lens end to enhance visibility within the component during inspection operations, while others (video borescopes) have a recording function that makes it easier to maintain comprehensive documentation of inspections. Regardless of the design and configuration, they serve the same function: helping technicians inspect component areas that are difficult or impossible to reach without damaging or dismantling the object. These instruments allow for fast and easy diagnosis of component issues, such as blockages, corrosion, cracking, erosion, or weak welds.
Borescope Inspection Procedure for Piping and Tubing
One of the most common applications for borescopes is the inspection of pipes/tubes and fittings. They are used to determine and/or verify the integrity of longitudinal weld joints in manufactured pipes and tubes and orbital weld joints in connected pipe and tube assemblies.
Common issues found in tube/pipe interiors include weld irregularities (which can lead to corrosion and buildup), gaps or light (which indicate an incomplete weld), and cracks or damage (which can cause malfunction). Catching these defects early on allows welders to rectify them before they cause more significant problems.
Once pipes and tubes are thoroughly inspected and approved for use, they are employed in a wide range of industrial applications and processes, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Food Processing
- Brewery and Beverage Systems
- Aseptic Dairy Processes
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Any Piping System that is welded
Highland Equipment: How We Use Borescopes to Ensure Quality
At Highland Equipment, we are fully aware of the important role borescopes play in inspection operations. By utilizing these tools to inspect the hard-to-reach areas of our piping system fabrications, we ensure the quality of each weld and the integrity of the overall system. To learn more about how we use borescopes to ensure fabrication quality, contact us today.