Inspection tools

This data could be visual , thermal, or related to thickness measurements. The specific type of data needed for an inspection will be determined by the inspection requirements, which will in turn determine the types of inspection tools needed for the job.

After collecting data, inspectors examine it to understand the condition and maintenance status of the thing they are inspecting. Although the overall idea is fairly straightforward, the types of inspection tools that inspectors use can vary greatly. That is, drones and ground-based robots can sometimes be equipped with different sensors, which means that the same inspection tool can be used to capture different types of data. For the purposes of this article, inspection tools are the actual tools and instruments inspectors use to collect data.

This could be a thickness measuring sensor that helps inspectors evaluate the thickness of a wall inside a coke drum, or it could be a drone with a camera that helps inspectors enter a boiler in order to collect visual data on its condition from a remote location. Inspection equipment , on the other hand, is anything that helps inspectors get access to data or that simply supports their work as they collect data.

This could be the toolbelt an inspector wears, the scaffolding inspectors stand on to manually collect visual data with the naked eye, or the ropes inspectors use to climb or rapel inside an asset in order to collect the data they need. Cameras and other v i s u a l data collection de v i ces. And of course, cameras are the go-to inspection tool for collecting visual data, but not all cameras will be useful for a given inspection. As noted above, the primary criteria to use when choosing an inspection tool for collecting visual data is the data requirement.

Although visual data is the most common type of data inspectors need to collect, there are lots of other types that might be needed to meet the requirements of a given inspection. Each type of data an inspectors needs will require a different inspection tool with a sensor made for collecting that data, or an NDT Non-Destructive Testing method that can collect the data required.

Inspectors from Premium needed to conduct a coke drum inspection without building scaffolding. To do this, they used a unique combination of drones and rope access so that they could leverage all of the inspection tools required for the job. Using rope access, inspectors performed other types of data collection inside the coke drum, including:.

Here are some examples of data inspectors might need which would require specific sensors or NDT testing methods:. Over the last several years, inspectors working in industrial scenarios have started using robots to collect inspection data remotely. Any tool that allows an inspector to collect data remotely falls under the umbrella term Remote Visual Inspection RVI , and drones are quickly becoming one of the most common types of RVI tools.

Inspectors typically use drones to collect visual data, but some drones can also collect thermal data or even be outfitted with unique sensors that allow them to collect other kinds of data.

As drone technology develops, the ability to use different kinds of sensors with them to enable new types of data collection will only continue to grow. Indoor drones are inspection tools made for operating in confined spaces. This kind of design was created with indoor inspection scenarios in mind. Boilers, pressure vessels, and tanks are all examples of assets commonly inspected with an indoor drone, but there are many other types of assets that require a drone like this— check out our case studies to see all the different industries benefiting from the use of indoor drones.

Many wonder if there will ever be an intrinsically safe drone that can inspect potentially explosive hazardous environments. Another type of RVI tool that inspectors use to collect inspection data are ground-based robotics solutions—that is, robots. Ground-based robots can provide the same kinds of benefits that drones do for inspectors, helping them increase savings while improving safety during inspections.

There are several different types of robots out there made specifically for inspection data collection—here are just a few examples:.

The Deep Trekker DT is a mini pipe crawler made for inspections inside sewer pipes and other small spaces that present challenges for manual data collection due to accessibility issues.

The Inuktun Versatrax is another type of crawler inspection system. Inspectors should have a respirator for the times when they must enter areas containing materials that may introduce particulates into the air that are potentially hazardous if inhaled.

Dust masks are inadequate. Respirators must be equipped to filter out both particulates that represent biological hazards, such as viral, bacterial and fungal organisms, and hazards caused by material lodging in the respiratory system, as with asbestos and other carcinogens.

Other particulates that are small enough to become airborne may not be carcinogens but may cause other types of respiratory illness. Gloves and safety glasses used when working around exposed electrical components are other common safety items. Inspectors use many other types of equipment because their use allows the inspector to offer an inspection of enhanced value.

Moisture meters and infrared cameras are good examples. Both of these pieces of equipment allow inspectors to identify unacceptable conditions that cannot be identified visually. Although not required by the Standards of Practice, inspectors sometimes feel that offering inspections using these tools will allow them to provide a more valuable inspection, giving them an advantage in the competitive inspection business.

Some types of equipment are used because they make the inspection process easier or faster for the inspector. Telescoping ladders are a good example. They can be collapsed and carried through a home with less risk of bumping into walls and furniture. Infrared thermometers allow inspectors to check the temperature of heating and cooling system registers located in inaccessible places, such as under beds and other large, heavy furniture.

Here are examples of some of the equipment used by home inspectors. This photo shows an example of the equipment typically used by an inspector. Equipment is taken to the inspection in two cases. Inspectors may use a bag, a bucket or a general-purpose toolbox. Inspectors use a variety of electrical testers according to their preference and how much they are willing or can afford to pay. Generally, the more expensive testers identify a wider range of defects than less expensive testers.

Electrical tester: This type of tester is widely used but indicates only the more common defects. The button is for testing GFCI devices and the three colored lights indicate various defects. It does not test for defective AFCI devices that are often required in certain rooms in new homes.

It tests volt electrical receptacles but not volt receptacles. Almost every inspector has one and many inspectors use only this tester when checking electrical components. It is used by some inspectors. Voltage indicator: This very simple device is used to determine whether voltage is present in a device or in wiring. It has limited accuracy and may give positive readings where no house current is present but levels of generally harmless static electricity are present.

Electrical tester: This tester tests for the presence of both volt and volt electrical current. It is useful for testing electrical receptacles for dryers when no dryer is installed in the home at the time of the inspection. Half-face and full-face respirators are good for respiratory protection but not very comfortable, especially in the heat. Many inspectors may own them but may not actually use them on a regular basis. They are important to have available because some areas are dangerous to enter without respiratory protection.

Some types of organisms can even enter the human body through the mucus membranes around the eyes. A combustible-gas detector detects small amounts of combustible gases. Most inspectors use their noses since the most common combustible gases — natural gas and propane — have odors that are easy to detect. Moisture meters come in two types: search and measure. Using the meter in search mode, inspectors can find elevated moisture levels hidden behind a variety of materials, such as tile and vinyl.

This feature helps locate plumbing leaks hidden beneath shower and bathroom floors. Using the meter in search mode allows inspectors to find areas with elevated moisture levels but does not provide a measurement of those levels.

Using the meter in measure mode allows inspectors to actually measure levels in materials by touching the material with the two pins. Some moisture meters have both search and measure features. Most meters have either one or the other. Carbon monoxide analyzer: Carbon monoxide CO is a tasteless, odorless, toxic gas produced by combustion appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces and boilers. CO can accumulate in the human body over time to a point at which it can be fatal.

Excessive levels can be produced when combustion appliances operate inefficiently and need servicing or when they are improperly vented.

The digital readout on an infrared thermometer tells the temperature of whatever you point it at using an infrared beam. Infrared thermometers are also convenient for checking the temperature of items that are difficult to reach. Continuous radon monitors test for the radon.

Radon testing is an ancillary inspection for which clients pay an additional fee. Radon levels in homes vary by area. Some areas have little or no radon, and some can have high levels.

Continuous radon monitors sample the air once an hour. At the end of the hour minimum test period, the monitor gives a result that is the average of all samples. Infrared IR cameras form images using infrared radiation in a manner similar to the way a conventional camera forms images using visible light.