Summary
Bore holes machined into vessels and heavy components are among the hardest surfaces in a plant to inspect well. The inner wall sits out of reach, curvature works against consistent probe contact, and manual techniques leave little record of exactly where a probe traveled. Structural Integrity Associates (SIA) designed and fabricated the Automated Bore Access Scanner to close that gap, delivering repeatable, encoded examination of vessel bore holes where accurate probe placement determines whether an inspection result can be trusted.
The portable scanner uses three axes of motion to position an ultrasonic phased array probe or an eddy current array probe against the inner surface of the bore. Vertical and rotational travel are encoded and governed by a motor control drive unit (MCDU) that sets speed, zero point, and position to an accuracy of 0.001 inch (0.03 mm), while the third axis holds the probe against the bore wall with constant force for consistent contact from start to finish. The result brings proven SIA NDE methods and technologies, into physical locations that conventional scanners cannot reach.
The system is configured for bores from 2 to 16 inches (50 to 406 mm) in diameter and up to 40 inches (1,016 mm) long, and SIA can customize it for other sizes. Magnetic feet secure the scanner to ferromagnetic components, and cross-arm braces mount it on non-magnetic materials. Because it is easy to transport and set up on-site, crews spend less time rigging and more time collecting quality data. The scanner reflects the custom tooling approach behind SIA’s nondestructive examination (NDE) services, where purpose-built delivery systems make difficult configurations inspectable.
Encoded data is only as valuable as the decisions it supports. SIA pairs bore inspection results with pressure systems engineering expertise in fitness-for-service, fracture mechanics, and life cycle management, giving owners a defensible basis for run, repair, or replace decisions. Explore related NDE applications for pressure vessels and other critical components, or contact Structural Integrity Associates to discuss a bore inspection challenge.