In the power generation, oil and gas or chemical industries, it's crucial to minimize downtime on rotating machinery such as turbines, for reasons of plant efficiency and productivity. The wide field of view, extensive measurement capabilities and user-friendly software of the latest generation of videoscopes provide detailed images and rapid measurements, guaranteeing optimum efficiency and uptime.
Plant inspection is essential, but highly complex, given the multitude of equipment involved. Rotating machinery, such as turbines, pumps, generators, compressors or gearboxes, is constantly under stress and strain, requiring regular inspection to prevent failure or maintain high fuel efficiency. Frequent checks to detect, identify and size various types of defects and breakdowns (Figure 1).
Accelerated inspections
The power output and productivity of rotating equipment are often directly related to the running time. Sometimes, before allowing inspection, this type of equipment needs to be replaced or cooled down. That's why technologies that speed up this process quickly generate an excellent return on investment.
Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) technology is a commonly used method of reaching hard-to-reach areas of rotating machinery. The latest generation of remote visual inspection equipment, such as videoscopes IPLEX NX® from Olympus (Figure 2) is perfectly suited to this type of inspection, thanks to its intense illumination, intuitive handling and user-friendly software.
Large components
Wide field of vision
Designed to speed up the imaging and measurement of large components such as turbine blades, the IPLEX NX videoscope offers a viewing area four times larger than that of conventional videoscopes (Figure 4). This enlarged viewing capacity ensures an overview suitable for large parts, without the need to juxtapose multiple images. As a result, workflow is simplified and accelerated.
This improved viewing area also makes it possible to obtain measurements more directly. Once an indication has been found, it usually needs to be sized. This means measuring the distance from the base of the blade, or determining the size of the crack. Thanks to the wider viewing angle, measurements no longer have to be assessed from two separate images, ensuring speed and accuracy.
Inspect. Sort. Report.
Another key to the effectiveness of IVR technology is the way in which the device's software annotates or sorts images and generates reports. During an inspection, the technician captures a large number of images, which must be properly organized to produce a clear report. Often, this operation is performed with one hand, while the other maneuvers the machine.
Olympus' InHelp image management and reporting software makes it easy to annotate and sort images during inspection. What's more, it enables indications to be rated with a single click, according to damage severity (Figure 3). These features ensure that reports are produced quickly and easily, not to mention reducing the risk of human error.
Products used for this application
The IPLEX NX is a state-of-the-art industrial videoscope combining portability, advanced features, ease of use and durability. From high image quality inspection to foreign object extraction operations, its great versatility will enable you to enjoy new benefits.