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Remote Visual Inspection Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Inspection Equipment Questions
Inspection Equipment Services
Policies and Procedures

RVI (Remote Visual Inspection) Equipment Questions

Q What is a borescope?
A borescope is a type of equipment used for remote visual inspection of areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. Borescopes have a narrow insertion tube with an eyepiece on one end, a lens on the other, and a series of optic fibers that runs between. A rigid borescope creates a very high quality image however, because of its rigid tube design it can not “see” around curves and corners like a fiberscope or a videoscope. The term borescope is often used to generally include borescopes, fiberscopes, and videoscopes. Watch What is a Borescope Video Tutorial.

Q What is a fiberscope?
A fiberscope is a type of equipment used for visual inspection of areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. A fiberscope is essentially a flexible borescope – It has a long narrow flexible insertion tube containing optic fibers which are connected on one end by an eye piece, and on the other end with a lens. The eyepiece remains outside the area being viewed, while the body of the fiberscope is run along the inside of the area being inspected. Fiberscopes can be snaked around corners curves and obstacles and can be used to view areas up to several hundred feet from the eye piece. Watch What is a Fiberscope Video Tutorial.

Q What is a video probe?
See videoscope

Q What is a videoscope?
A videoscope is a type of equipment used for visual inspection of areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. A videoscope has a long flexible insertion tube containing optic fibers, connected on one end to a monitor, and to the other end with a tip containing an articulating lens. Videoscopes make it possible for the viewer to see and record inspections in areas that require the ability to move around curves corners and obstacles. Watch What is a Videscope Video Tutorial.

Q Can I use a borescope underwater?
A borescope can be used underwater. However, do not submerse the handle, only the insertion tube.

Q What is articulation?
Articulation is the ability to manipulate the tip of the scope, which contains the lens, in one or more directions. This allows the scope to look around corners, bends, and obstacles in up to four directions: up, down, left and right.

Q What kind of borescope gives the best optic resolution?
Rigid borescopes give the best optic resolution. However, their design makes it impossible to see around curves corners and obstacles. When that ability is necessary fiberscopes and videoscopes are used instead.

Q I have a digital camera. Can I use it to record an inspection?
To determine if a customer’s digital camera can be used with a videoscope used for remote visual inspection, please call our applications department at 800.281.0650. Often times with the proper adapters this can be done.

Q Can I detect ghosts and other paranormal activity with an IR camera?
It depends on your interpretation :)

Q How much heat can a borescope handle?
Most Atlas borescopes can withstand temperatures up to 170° F (77 ° C) .  Please discuss your application with an Atlas employee to make sure that it will work for you.

Q Can I record an inspection?
Videoscopes (and fiberscopes with the right attachments) can record inspections for later

Q How do I determine the diameter I need?
To decide what diameter is needed, determine what the largest diameter is that will access the entire area to be inspected. The larger the diameter of scope, the more light will be given off by the tip.

Q How do I determine the length I need?
To determine the best length, select one that will to accommodate the entire length of the area to be inspected without having any unnecessary excess.

Q What is the difference between a rigid and flexible scope?
On a rigid scope the insertion tube of the scope is rigid and can not bend, so it can not be used in applications requiring the scope to move around curves corners or obstacles. A flexible scope has a scope body that is very flexible and has the ability to move around curves and corners and obstacles.

Q How do I decide if I need a rigid or flexible scope?
To decide whether a rigid or flexible scope will work best for your application determine whether the area to be inspected has curves corners or obstacles that the scope will need to maneuver around. If the area to be inspected has curves corners or obstacles use a flexible scope, if not use a rigid scope. If you need assistance to determine what kind of scope will work best for you, call us for applications assistance at 800.281.0650.

Q What is two-way articulation?
Two-way articulation means that the tip can be moved remotely to look up and down.

Q What is four-way articulation?
Four-way articulation means that the tip can be moved remotely to look up and down, left and right.

Q How do I decide if I need articulation?
To decide if articulation is needed determine if the area to be inspected is straight and does not have any curves corners or obstacles to maneuver around. If this is the case, use a (rigid) borescope. If the area to be inspected has curves, corners or obstacles to maneuver around, use a fiberscope or videoscope.

Q How do you decide what kind of light source to use?
Call us for application assistance at 800.281.0650

Q What kinds of light sources are there?
There are three kinds of light sources: halogen, xenon, metal halide.

Q What if you send me a scope that won’t work for my application?
If the scope you receive will not work for your application, call us immediately at 800.281.0650

Q What information do I need to know to decide what kind of scope to use?
To decide what kind of scope to use, you must know

1. Whether you need to maneuver around curves and corners
   
2. The smallest diameter the insertion tube needs to access
   
3. What the maximum distance the scope needs to travel
   
4. Whether you need articulation,
   
5. Whether or not you need to record the inspection
   
6. How long you need to keep the scope
   
7. How soon you need the scope.

Q What is a thermal or IR camera and what is it capable of?

An IR (infrared) camera, also known as a thermal camera, shows you changes in, or differences in, temperature on the surface of the target.  More experienced and trained users can use it to measure exact temperatures.  It's often used for preventative maintenance applications, like detecting hotspots in switchgear, and for home inspections, to detect heat loss.  IR/thermal cameras do not work like x-ray cameras, which is a common misconception.

Q What is Infrared Thermography?

Thermography is the technique of producing pictures called thermograms, from the invisible thermal radiation that objects emit.  This is a non-contact means of identifying electrical and mechanical components that are hotter than they should be, often an indication of impending failure. It also indicates excessive heat loss which is normally a sign of faulty or inadequate insulation.

Q What are the uses of Infrared Thermography? 

Thermography is playing an increasingly important role in facility maintenance, Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and predictive maintenance programs. Thermography detects hidden problems and allows for corrective action before costly system failures. Using IR Thermography can reduce downtime by avoiding unplanned shutdowns and by assisting in the timing and planning of scheduled maintenance thus allowing production time to be increased by maximizing equipment availability.  Thermographic equipment can also provide valuable data in building maintenance.      Common applications are:

• Evaluation of roofing systems.
• Detection of damp.
• Heating and cooling system evaluation.
• Heating and cooling loss detection.
• Pressure vessel integrity checks.

Q Why should I use Infrared Thermography? 

Companies and individuals are finding that strict regulations regarding quality, safety and manufacturing standards together with a constant battle to maintain productivity levels can become a drain on precious resources. Managers are becoming more aware of technological advances in equipment, whose practical applications can assist them in meeting statutory and production requirements, thus releasing valuable resources to the company. Current methods in use are slower, labor intensive and in most cases will require some interruption to the process being inspected.  Thermography is a faster and totally non-intrusive means of inspection and as a result is a less expensive option than traditional inspection method.

Q.  Can I install IR windows into a field installation?

There are many issues to be considered when it comes to the field installation of IR windows.  The first point of call should be to the manufacturers of the equipment to discuss any associated risks and produce a risk assessment and method statement covering all the requirements of the installation, you should then contact any relevant certification bodies regarding the install procedure, fitting instructions and certifications of our IR windows.  Remember that under no circumstances can you impair the integrity of the panel in which you intend installing IR widows. 

 

Q What is the difference between a push camera and a crawler?

A push camera is a straight view camera at the end of a rigid push rod for 1"-12" diameter pipes for distances up to 300 feet. These camera heads contain adjustable LED lights, flexible "goose-neck" for getting around corners, and sonde emitters for locations.  Crawlers are generally remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for longer distances (over 300') and for larger diameters (4" and larger) which include features such as pan, tilt, and zoom camera heads, zero-radius skid turns, variable LED lighting, inclinometers, laser referencing and measurement, sonde emitters, and distance counters.

 

Q What size pipe will your equipment work in? 

We offer equipment for sale and for rental.  The equipment comes in three main types: videoprobes, pipe cameras and robotic tractors.  Videoprobes will work in ½” ID pipe and up and typically for lengths up to 25’-30’.  Pipe cameras range in size from 7/8” Outside Diameter to 3” and have insertion lengths up to 500’ (commonly up to 300’).  Robotic tractors typically have a pan and tilt (sometimes zoom) camera mounted and will work in pipes from 4” – 72” with lengths up to 1,600’.  Our rental inventory includes videoprobes and pipe cameras for 1” – 24” pipe and up to 500’.  Our robotic tractor inventory is portable so it can be shipped easily.  We have systems on hand that will inspect 4” – 72” pipe with 656’ of insertion cable.  The tractors include a built in inclinometer, skid steering and have an optional scissor lift to enable centering of the camera in up to 32” pipe.

Q How portable are the pipe inspection systems?

All of our rental inventory is designed to be portable and shippable.  A videoscope system will ship in one or two cases depending on the length of scope and type of recording.  Our pipe cameras  will typically ship in one or two cases depending on the brand and length of insertion.  The pipe line robotic crawler systems will typically ship in 4 medium sized cases.

Q Are pipe inspection systems difficult to use? 

There is a certain amount of skill involved in pipe inspection, especially in large dirty pipe at long distances.  The equipment however is designed to be easily operated.  Our rental systems come with a detailed procedure on how to operate the equipment and we are available by phone for operations assistance.  Even though the equipment is typically easy to operate, one needs to take care to not damage the equipment.  Experience can really help keep the equipment from being damaged.

Q What happens if I damage pipeline inspection or videoscope systems?

Anytime you are using pipeline inspection equipment and videoscope systems in tough industrial environments damage can occur.  We repair all makes and models of borescopes, fiberscopes, and videoscope equipment and are an authorized repair center for Insight Vision Pipe Cameras and Rapidview IBAK pipeline robotic systems.  We have developed repair techniques for nearly everything else that we offer.  In the event that you do damage something while you are using it we can repair it quickly and inexpensively.

Q How far can I go inside a pipeline? 

The short answer is “it depends….”  In small diameter pipe - ½”-1” pipe - it is typical to be able to insert 25’ or so.  This will vary with the cleanliness of the pipe/tube and the number of bends.  On larger pipe 4” and up a portable system allows for up to 656’ and it is entirely reasonable to expect to get that far.  The pipe line inspection tractors are made of chrome plated brass which makes them inherently heavier and therefore they have more traction than a stainless steel system .  Things that will limit your distance include the number of bends (45’s and 90’s), the condition of the pipe (large off sets and other defects can hinder progress), the cleanliness (debris can block) and the type of pipe.  Our rental pipeline inspection systems offer multiple types of wheels to optimally handle PVC, metal, clay, concrete, etc.  Pipeline robotics allow for additional weight to be added for more traction,  in addition axle extenders and all utilize a very light cable to minimize drag.

Q Can pipeline inspection systems go under water?

Yes, videoscopes, pipe cameras and pipeline robotic systems can all operate under water.  They all have different depth ratings to make sure you check with us on the specifics of the system you are using to know its limits.  The bigger question is what can you see under water?  Water will limit your visibility (sometimes significantly).  Water can also leave debris on the lens.  You can mitigate the effects of water on the lens with a coating of rainx or a similar product.

 

Q I have a pipe inspection system and it’s broken.  Where do I get it fixed?

We have an Authorized Repair Center in Seattle for Insight Vision Pipe Line Inspection Cameras and for Rapidview IBAK pipe line robotic inspection cameras.  We also perform 3rd party repairs on Rigid SeeSnake, Pearpoint, Geneye and others.  We offer component level repair for all makes and manufacturers of videoscopes, borescopes and fiberscopes.

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Services

Q What do rental fees include
Call 800.281.0650 for details

Q Can you build me a custom scope?
Atlas builds customs scopes. Call our Applications Department at 800.281.0650 for assistance.

Q Do you sell used scopes?
Yes, Atlas sells used scopes. Contact our Sales Department at 800.281.0650 for assistance in determining your needs.

Q Do you sell new scopes?
Yes, Atlas sells new scopes. Contact our Sales Department at 800.281.0650 for assistance in determining your needs.

Q Do you repair scopes?
Yes, Atlas repairs all major brands and models of scopes.

Q Do you use OEM parts?
Yes, when available. We are an authorized service center for Insight Vision and Rapidview Ibak.  In certain cases OEM parts are not available to third party repair centers, in which case we use parts of equivalent or superior specs.

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Policies and Procedures

Q Who pays for transit time?
Customers pay for the use of the equipment from the time it leaves the Atlas shipping doc in route to the customer’s location until the time it arrives at Atlas, less one day. We use FED EX Overnight Shipping whenever that service is available and the customer needs the equipment as soon as possible.

Q How fast can you get me the equipment?
We ship FED EX Overnight whenever that service is available. When unavailable, equipment can usually be shipped in 1 to 3 days.

Q Do you ship to overseas locations?
Yes, Atlas ships to locations through out the world. Many overseas locations can be delivered to in 1 to 3 days. Contact our Shipping and Receiving Department at 800.281.0650 for more information.

Q What is your return policy on scopes you sell?
New scopes sold by Atlas are covered by the equipment manufacturer. If the scope you purchase fails to perform as warranted by the manufacturer, Atlas will assist you in getting a replacement scope. Most used scopes sold by Atlas have a 30 day limited warranty covered by Atlas.

Q What industries use borescopes?
Borescopes, fiberscopes, and videoscopes are used in a wide range of industries including oil and gas, aviation, law enforcement, HVAC, automotive, museums and water purity

Q What are some of the applications for using borescopes, fiberscopes, and videoscopes?
Scopes are used in a wide variety of applications and industries.

Q Do you offer terms for rentals?
Atlas offers Net 30 terms for US companies with good credit. Overseas customers with no US affiliation must pay for equipment in advance of shipment by wire only. For US or US affiliated companies we accept bank wires, most major credit cards, and company checks.

Q Do you offer terms for equipment sales?
Atlas offers Net 30 terms for US companies with good credit. Overseas customers with no US affiliation must pay for equipment in advance of shipment by wire only. For US or US affiliated companies we accept bank wires, most major credit cards, and company checks.

Q Do you lease equipment?
Atlas has partnered with several major leasing companies to offer its customers flexible terms and competitive pricing.

Q What is your warranty for repairs?
We offer a six month warranty on all repairs performed by Atlas Inspection Technologies.

Q What is your warranty for sales of new equipment?
We offer a one year warranty on all new equipment

Q What is your warranty for sales of used equipment?
Most used equipment is sold with a limited 30 day warranty.

Q Do you take trade-ins?
Trade-ins are taken in on a case by case basis.

Q How long can I keep the equipment?
When you rent equipment from Atlas let us know how long you think you will need it. This will help us determine the best pricing to offer you. If during the rental period you find that you need to keep the scope longer, please contact us and let us know. We will make arrangements for you to keep the equipment for an extended rental period. If you determine that you would like to lease or purchase equipment during the rental period we can offer you special discounted pricing.

Q What is the minimum amount of time I can keep a scope?
The minimum rental period for equipment is 1.5 or 2 days, depending on the type of equipment.

Q What if I break a unit I have rented from you?
You are responsible for the scope upon acceptance of delivery. If you find damage to the equipment upon its arrival, contact Atlas immediately before using. If the equipment is damaged after it is received and accepted, you will be charged for the cost of the repairs and the rental period will continue until the repair is completed and the equipment returned to Atlas.

Q Do I have to clean the equipment after I have finished using it?
When you receive the equipment it will be clean. You must return the equipment in the same clean condition. Dirty equipment returned to Atlas will be charged a minimum cleaning fee of $100.00.

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