Most flexible borescopes and videoscopes are rated for a maximum temperature exposure of 140 F (60 C). The purpose of this temperature maximum limit is to protect image sensor (micro camera), or lens materials at the tip of the probe as well as any fibers or communication ribbon inside the insertion tube. For a standard industrial borescope being exposed to temperatures greater than 60C is inviting catastrophe damage to your borescope probe. Some videoscopes will offer high temperature warning sensors at the tip of the probe that will display a warning on the borescope control station to remove the probe from the inspection area immediately. Many systems however do not offer this advance feature. If your borescope does not offer the advanced feature of high temperature warning you must confirm the ambient temperature of your inspection area prior to introducing the borescope probe. If the borescope probe is introduced to an overtempt exposure the internal components of the borescope can be compromised. There are a number of inspection applications where this poses a higher risk such as steam turbines, process piping, weld inspections or other processing applications. When introducing your borescope to the inspection area we commonly suggest using the ‘Rule of Thumb’ method, in that if the environment is acceptable to introduce your thumb than is should be acceptable to introduce your borescope probe.
For some borescope inspection applications, it may be advisable to use a thermometer to determine internal temperatures prior to beginning an inspection.
The USAVS-8-3000-HT designed with a special insertion tube that is protected with metal braided layers, and uses a constant flow of compressed air to cool down the probe tip and image sensor.
The high temp borescopes are designed to perform in a maximum temperature of 482 F (250C). This advanced technology assist with the challenge that a standard videoscopes cannot be used when engine is hot. Technicians need to wait sometime for hours for the engine or process piping to cool down. Mechanics and Technicians can immediately perform borescope inspection work and reduce downtime. The high temperature video borescopes is based on cooling with a constant compressed air stream. The cooling effects are highly depended on the air pressure of the air tank or pump, the flow rate of the cooling air, and the temperature of the cooling air.
The High Temperature videoscope scope are not designed for high temperature liquid inspections. This high temperature inspection camera is for dry applications only. In addition, the probe nor the borescope probe tip is designed to withstand molten metals, torch or furnace flames, sparks or liquid slag from a welding process. The High Temperature borescope are not certified for explosive environments and if you require a borescope for flammable environment a certified borescope for explosive environments we invite you to read this blog: https://usaborescopes.com/news/why-you-need-to-invest-in-a-hazardous-environment-borescope/
After you complete the inspection with the High Temperature borescope, please use caution with removing the borescope probe from the inspection area. The borescope probe, even though being constantly cooled with the air flow, will be hot. Proper PPE should be unutilized when performing any hot work and confirm with your Health and Safety Manager if a Hot Work Permit is required for your borescope task. Use caution when handling the borescope probe and do not place the probe on any combustible surfaces. The high temperature borescope probe should be cooled to ambient temperature before placing in the storage case.
