Thermal power generation remains a valuable source of electrical energy worldwide. In thermal power plants, heat is intended to be converted into electricity. Therefore, regardless of the fuel or heat source, the steam boiler is a key component of these systems. Any problem that occurs in the boiler during power generation can seriously disrupt the power supply. Consequently, proper maintenance of the boiler pipes is an important task for the operation of a thermal power plant.
In the boilers of thermal power plants, hot steam passes through numerous narrow pipes. Proper maintenance of the plant involves ensuring that these boiler pipes remain free of cracks or corrosion, as well as foreign objects or accumulations of rust/magnetite that could block them. Such defects or blockages could lead to a pipe explosion, resulting in costly facility shutdowns or serious bodily injuries to personnel. Remote visual inspection (RVI) tools, such as industrial videoscopes, provide a solution for operators of such plants. With a videoscope, maintenance personnel can visually inspect the interior of the boiler pipes. When integrated into the regular maintenance program, videoscopes can identify problematic areas in advance and help operators reduce the risk of damage and accidents to the equipment.
Recommended tool for your dedicated boiler pipe inspection toolkit
To detect defects and foreign objects inside boiler pipes, Evident recommends the IPLEX™ GT industrial videoscope equipped with a 6 mm (0.24 in.) insertion tube and 10 meters (32.8 ft) long. The IPLEX GX and GT videoscopes are portable, drop-resistant, and designed in accordance with IP65 standards for dust and water resistance: important qualities for inspecting the interior or exterior of boilers in tight spaces and under demanding environmental conditions. They also offer exceptional maneuverability, lighting performance, and image quality that are essential for navigating the entire length of the pipes and inspecting them properly.
Equipped with a comfortable handle, the IPLEX GX/GT industrial videoscope features an ergonomic design with a balanced weight distribution and fully motorized insertion tube control. The sensitive articulation of the TrueFeel™ tip allows for quick navigation to the area of interest and to stay in the determined position thanks to the locking capability. The IPLEX GX/GT videoscope can be used to safely inspect boiler pipes without dismantling or damaging them, or without completely stopping the operation of the plant. Various shapes of pipes and areas that were previously impossible to observe directly can now be inspected with the videoscope. Additionally, the ten-meter (32.8 ft) reach and powerful lighting provided by this videoscope enable inspectors to overcome various challenging work environments.
Clearly observe the interior of
the boiler pipes
The lighting inside boiler pipes is generally insufficient, resulting in poor quality images. However, the 8" LCD monitor with vibrant colors of the IPLEX GX/GT videoscope, its high-resolution CCD camera, and its LED light source—30% brighter than its predecessor—provide clear and bright images even in long and dark boiler pipes. It is possible to clearly see any corrosion, deposits, cracks, deformations, weld beads, or foreign objects.
Inspection of the interior of a boiler tube with the IPLEX GX/GT videoscope
The inspection of boiler pipes is a key stage in mitigating operational disruptions in boilers, as well as the risk of accidents, in addition to increasing efficiency and improving the boiler's heat rate. The powerful and flexible features of Evident's industrial videoscopes help inspectors easily complete inspections and quickly locate problems to maintain safe boiler operation.
For more information about the full range of Evident videoscopes and boroscopes, please visit our page Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) Solutions.
Autor:
Ryan Chen. / OCSM RVI
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