Borescope Inspection Cameras for Corrosion Control

Corrosion is the deterioration of materials due to chemical reactions between them and their environment. This process manifests itself as an electrochemical reaction in which atoms on a metal surface are oxidized, leading to the formation of substances such as rust. Corrosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon driven by the environment, as oxidized metals tend to be more stable than their non-oxidized counterparts. This degradation can cause significant damage in various structures, including pipelines, buildings, bridges, and engines.

In the case of airplane engines, corrosion can affect both operational and non-operational engines. The air intake required for most aircraft engines, combined with the exhaust gases produced by the engine, can lead to corrosion within the engine. Even new engines are susceptible to corrosion and after a short period of inactivity, corrosion can be observed on the cylinder walls.

In the context of engines, corrosion can occur in two ways:

• Hot - At high temperatures, vanadium and sodium in the fuel can react and cause corrosion in the exhaust passage.
• Cold - Sulphur in the fuel can cause corrosion of the cylinder liner and combustion chamber.

Borescopes and technical endoscopes are utilized to visually inspect and detect deformations, erosive wear, cracks, and corrosion, fix defects, and record them without compromising the integrity of the structure. They enable quick and accurate examination of the cavities of mechanisms and machines without disassembly. Borescopes can be equipped with a video camera to transmit the image to a monitor or computer. The primary advantage of rigid endoscopes is their high resolution. These devices are employed to inspect the internal surface of simple geometric products that do not require bending of the working part of the distal end.

Borescopes and technical endoscopes are utilized in industry for quality control purposes, including incoming quality control, to detect hidden manufacturing defects in new equipment, and to create protocols. They are also used for contamination control in pharmaceutical processing lines.

When selecting a borescope for corrosion inspection, it is important to consider several factors. Rigid borescopes are ideal for inspecting the inside of simple geometries due to their high resolution. On the other hand, flexible borescopes, equipped with fibre optic image and light transmission systems, are better suited for inspecting areas that are inaccessible to rigid borescopes. Video cameras, which come with a video camera, allow the image to be transmitted to a monitor or computer. When choosing equipment, it is important to consider its length, diameter, and the ability to connect additional equipment, such as light sources, cables, and adapters.