Visual Inspection and Industrial Endoscopy

L’endoscopie industrielle est une technique de contrôle visuel permettant d’observer l’intérieur d’un équipement sans démontage. Elle s’inscrit dans les méthodes de Contrôle Non Destructif (CND) et garantit l’intégrité des installations sans altérer leur fonctionnement.

Industrial endoscopy is used specifically to access complex or hard-to-reach areas. Industrial endoscopic inspection uses a video camera to detect defects, wear, or abnormalities without damaging the components being inspected.

Endoscopic inspection relies on the use of endoscopes, borescopes, or videoscopes. These devices are capable of transmitting real-time images from confined spaces. This is also referred to as Visual Testing (VT), a method commonly used in the field of NDT (non-destructive testing).

At IFServices, we perform industrial endoscopic corrosion inspections across a wide range of industries, including nuclear, petrochemical, metallurgy, energy, and aerospace.

Our industrial endoscopies are performed at the customer’s request, with precision and without compromising the equipment’s functionality or durability.

Our industrial endoscopies are performed by our engineers who specialize in corrosion protection. Skilled in detecting early signs of corrosion and degradation, our experts rely on measurement tools and standardized methods (ISO, NACE, etc.)

An industrial endoscopic inspection begins with identifying an access point to the area to be inspected. This could be a port, a hatch, or any existing opening in the equipment. Once this access point has been identified, the operator inserts a suitable probe (rigid, flexible, or articulated), depending on the geometry and environmental constraints.

The camera at the tip of the probe then allows the interior of the equipment to be viewed in real time. The operator performs a visual inspection to detect any anomalies such as corrosion, cracks, fouling, or mechanical defects. Finally, video inspection systems allow for the capture of photos and videos, ensuring the traceability of the inspection and facilitating subsequent analysis.

Endoscopic corrosion inspection is an effective solution for assessing the condition of equipment without resorting to time-consuming and costly disassembly operations. Industrial endoscopy allows for the rapid inspection of hard-to-reach areas. This inspection ensures that facilities remain operational, thereby minimizing production downtime.

Industrial endoscopy inspections enable the early detection of signs of corrosion, wear, or deterioration. Furthermore, this facilitates the implementation of preventive maintenance measures. By quickly identifying the source of a problem, operators can plan interventions in advance and optimize the management of their equipment.

In addition, industrial endoscopy improves operational safety by preventing operators from being exposed to hazardous environments. It also helps reduce costs and turnaround times, while ensuring compliance with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) standards such as ISO, COFREND, and ASNT.

Industrial endoscopy relies on high-performance equipment designed to ensure accurate and reliable corrosion inspection. A complete system includes a probe suited to the inspection environment, which can be rigid or flexible depending on the requirements.

This probe is equipped with a high-definition camera capable of transmitting detailed images. A built-in lighting system, typically LED or fiber-optic, ensures optimal visibility under all conditions.

The entire system is connected to a display screen that allows the operator to monitor the inspection in real time. Finally, a recording device captures images and videos (in JPG or MP4 formats), which are essential for documenting, analyzing, and tracking inspections.

At IFServices, we use high-performance Vizaar devices such as the VUCAM XO 6mm. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies that deliver high-quality imaging.

Industrial endoscopy is used in many industries to inspect a wide variety of equipment. Endoscopes are particularly well-suited for inspecting pipes, heat exchangers, welds, and mechanical components.

• In the energy and petrochemical industries, industrial endoscopy is used to inspect steam and gas turbines, compressors, and pressure vessels.
• In the aeronautics industry, endoscopes are used to inspect engines and turbomachinery. The accuracy and reliability of these inspections are essential.

Thanks to its versatility, industrial endoscopy has become an essential solution for ensuring the performance, safety, and durability of facilities.