A Summary of Borescope Inspections
Regular inspections are an important aspect of ensuring an aircraft remains safe for flight. Because they must be done at regular intervals, mechanics and technicians are often looking for the quickest and least invasive methods of inspection. One such method is through borescope inspections. A borescope inspection is a type of visual inspection that can be done to examine inaccessible or difficult-to-reach parts and components without disassembling or damaging them. Disassembling an aircraft engine can be complex, expensive, and potentially very risky, making non-destructive testing techniques such as borescope inspection vital to technicians seeking to evaluate the condition of engine parts. Furthermore, borescope inspections can also bolster flight safety by quickly detecting aircraft engine defects before they create significant problems.
Simply put, a borescope is a very small camera designed for use in compact mechanical spaces that can’t be observed using traditional tools like mirrors and flashlights. Borescopes are essentially tin tubes equipped with a series of lenses and lights. The camera is designed to be adjustable and fully flexible, allowing the borescope to examine extremely tight areas without the risk of damaging any components. Despite this, rigid borescopes also exist and are generally a lower-cost option. Technicians use borescopes by feeding it directly into the part being inspected and navigating its path through the use of an independent video display. This method of inspection is ideal for detecting common flaws such as cracks resulting from mechanical fatigue, thermal cycling, unintended overhearing, and vibration. However, borescope inspections also include looking for debris, residue, corrosion, wear, or other signs that indicate a problem within one of the aircraft engine’s components.
Borescope inspection provides a myriad of benefits, the chief of which being that it allows for confined space navigation, avoidance of engine disassembly, reduced aircraft downtime, and minimized financial loss. Other benefits include detailed & magnified imaging, periodic condition monitoring, and foreign object damage analysis. These inspections also help determine the serviceability of an aircraft after unusual operations, establish a wider scope of repair possibilities, and help in the measurement of the size, shape, and depth of any irregularities. Aside from aircraft engines, borescopes are commonly used to inspect aeroderivative industrial gas turbines, steam turbines, diesel engines, and automotive & truck engines.
There are multiple types of borescopes available for different requirements. However, the criteria for selecting a borescope is usually image clarity and access. Generally speaking, the largest borescope that will still fit and provide mobility is the best option. Larger borescopes will provide clearer images. In most borescopes, there are three types of optical systems: standard rod lenses, achromatic doublets, and gradient index rod lenses. In large diameter borescopes (those greater than 12mm), achromatic doublets are the most ideal. However, as the diameter of the borescope tube gets smaller,the standard and gradient index rod lenses begin to provide supplier clarity of images. For small borescopes under 3mm, the gradient index lens relays are best.
For all types of borescope inspection equipment and much more, look no further than Aviation Axis. We are a premier supplier of all types of aviation parts as well as NSN parts, electronics parts, and much more for various military and civilian applications. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense, electronics, and IT hardware industries. Our dedicated account managers are standing by and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aviationaxis.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.
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