What are the differences
between borescopes, fiberscopes, videoscopes and video probes? TOP
A borescope is, literally, a rigid optical device that
lets the user look into a remote area through a small opening,
and uses a lens
system to project an image that can be observed through an eyepiece.
A fiberscope is a flexible instrument that does the same thing
through the use of fiber optic bundles. The terms videoscope
and video probe
are interchangeable and refer to a scope that uses a CCD chip
in the tip and a fiber optic light guide to obtain an image and
project
it on a video monitor. The term "Borescope" is often generically
used to describe all of these instruments.
What is Articulation? TOP
Some videoscopes have control
knobs that allow you to move the tip of the scope in any direction.
This allows you to steer your way around bends or obstacles and
to inspect side to side and up and down in the inspection area.
What do you need to
know in order to recommend a scope for my application? TOP
Know the specifics of your inspection,
for instance; What are you inspecting? What is the size of the
access opening? How far into
the area do you have to go? Are there bends or other obstacles
to get around? With this information, we can make the proper recommendation.
Should I use a non-articulating
scope or an articulating scope? TOP
This, again, depends on access, but also on what the purpose of the
inspection is. The majority of non-articulating pipe camera rentals
are for boiler or pipe inspections where there is a fairly large
opening (1.75" plus) and long straight runs with sweeping elbows.
The articulating scopes are generally used in areas with smaller
access ports and more complicated internals, for example heat exchangers,
turbines, tubes with bends, etc.
How do you determine
what diameter borescope to use? TOP
The rule of thumb is to use the
largest diameter scope that the access will accommodate. This is
because the larger the diameter,
the larger the fiber optic bundle is, and that means more light
at the tip. For instance, if you have a 1/2" opening into a larger
inspection
area, an 8 mm diameter should be used. If the same access opening
leads into tubing with bends in it, a 6 mm diameter scope should
be used.
What length of scope
should I use? TOP
We recommend that customers rent
a longer scope than needed, just to make sure that they aren't
caught short.
Can I record the
inspection? TOP
All systems have digital recording capability, either on-board or through auxiliary equipment. Standard Monitor/VCRs are also available.
What are the charges
and when do they start? TOP
We charge according to the type
of scope that is rented and the length of the rental period. We also charge shipping from Wexford, PA to
your location, or ship on your Fed Ex number. We start charges
on the day the scope is received and stop charging on the day the
scope
is shipped back. We ask that the scope be shipped back standard
overnight when the inspection is completed.
What do you need
from us to start the process and what are your terms? TOP
After determining what scope system
will do the job, we will fax over a contract that should be signed
and faxed back. If a P.O. is
needed for payment, that can also be faxed to us. If the inspection
is an emergency, as is often the
case the equipment can be shipped out and the paperwork can catch
up the next day. Our terms are net
30 and we will invoice you when the equipment is received back
at our office. We also accept most major credit cards.
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