UV video pole from Ultrafine enables fast inspection of long shafts

With its 60 degree field of view, at right angles to the pole, the system enables inspection up to twice as fast as using endoscopes, which typically have only a 25 degree field of view in this type of application.

The anodised aluminium pole contains the camera cables and liquid light guides, which provide independent ultraviolet and white light illumination. Both lighting types can be used simultaneously, since the UV is powerful enough for fluorescence imaging in the presence of white light.

The camera control unit and light source are combined in a single rugged unit, reducing the numbers of cables and connectors required. The video signal is fed to a frame grabber so individual images can be viewed on a laptop computer.

The system is ideal for high resolution fluorescent penetrant inspection and magnetic particle inspection for a wide range of applications, said Ultrafine managing director John Patterson, including the internal inspection of rotors, drums, motors and bridge components.

The standard kit comprises a manual focus video pole camera, 14 inch LCD monitor, SuperLite UV light source and camera control unit with 24W white light source. Standard pole lengths are 1.8 to 3.0 m, while other lengths and diameters can be built to order.