RADIATION MANAGEMENT & ALARA | BORESCOPES & SAFETY plants while improving user efficiency, worker safety, and


equipment uptime. ● Resistant to radiation damage The video borescope’s insertion tube must be tough enough so that the illumination and image sensor still work even after being exposed to a significant amount of radiation, such as 1,400 Gy (a unit that measures an absorbed radiation dose). A particularly beneficial feature to prolong the life of your borescope is an LED illuminated optical tip adapter. This adapter type eliminates the need to use optical fibers that can yellow when exposed to radiation. Ultimately, the insertion tube should withstand many times more radiation than the established safe limits for workers: around 140,000 times a person’s annual exposure limit of 5 rems (0.05 Sv).


● Long-distance insertion tube Video borescopes with an extra-long insertion tube enable workers to make inspections from a safer distance. For example, a 30-meter (100-foot) tube can be fed into dirty water pipes in the radiation containment area, and workers can control and manoeuvre it from afar. For greater flexibility and safety, use a video borescope with a wireless connection. This lets you observe live images and record still images and video on another screen, such as a tablet or PC, away from the borescope unit. Workers can keep their distance while remotely controlling the borescope.


● Replaceable insertion tubes and tip adapters An interchangeable insertion tube can be replaced at the inspection site. This both saves time and reduces costs as the inspector can bring a spare scope and change it in the field if the original becomes contaminated with radiation. Interchangeable tip adapters (see figure 3) offer similar flexibility—if a lens is damaged, just replace the optical tip and keep inspecting.


● Optimal illumination, contrast, and exposure Image brightness is essential to inspect the inside of a pipe or vessel from far away. A video borescope’s


optical tip adapter should continuously deliver bright light regardless of the scope length. LED illumination paired with advanced image processing technology can produce bright, contrast-balanced images throughout the entire depth of field. A long exposure function can help operators find defects easily when inspecting large spaces, such as a reactor vessel.


● Compact for quick transport To maximize worker safety, inspections in a radiation environment must be completed as quickly as possible. A compact video borescope system enables workers to quickly transport the system to an inspection site. For example, a borescope with a wheeled carrying case is easy to move, and wheel locks keep the system in place when workers are ready to inspect.


● Easy to handle for fast inspection Another helpful feature to improve efficiency is a gravity sensor in the scope tip. This technology automatically orients the image so that you know which direction is up, reducing any confusion and speeding up the inspection (see figure 4). In addition, a guide head on the scope’s distal end makes it easier to pass smoothly through pipe elbows, further enhancing your inspection efficiency.


Nuclear Plant Construction In addition to playing a key role in nuclear power plants’ operations, long video borescopes are an asset in the construction of these facilities. James Steven, the quality control manager of Altrad


Engineering Services, uses the IPLEX GX video borescope as an inspection tool during the construction of a new nuclear power station when delivering a mechanical, electrical and HVAC package (MEH). This unit has scope options with lengths up to 10 meters (32.8 ft). The operators use the long video borescope to perform


clear bore inspections. This is an important inspection for construction, as clearing the internal surfaces after welding helps ensure the surfaces have minimum oxidation. Steven noted, “Carrying out inspections using this


technology ensures we have met the design intent defect- free. With the IPLEX GX video borescope, we can accurately measure the sizes of defects. We use this technology as an activity in all of our documentation.” When choosing a video borescope for the task, Steven


looked for a model with a long articulated insertion tube and excellent after-sales service, including local training support. Training flows down at the facility, as their fully trained operators can train other operators on the inspection team for greater efficiency. The use of industrial video borescopes in the


construction and operation of nuclear power plants exemplifies how technological advancements can enhance inspection processes throughout the industry. These tools enable detailed, remote inspections, reducing the risk of radiation exposure and helping ensure comprehensive assessments without the need for reactor shutdowns. Ultimately, the integration of advanced video borescopes


Above: A video borescope from Evident 30 | July 2025 | www.neimagazine.com


in nuclear power plant inspections underscores a commitment to safety, regulatory adherence, and operational excellence. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play an even more crucial role in safeguarding the future of nuclear energy. ■


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45