Utilizing Industrial Endoscopes for Corrosion Inspection of Indoor Gas Risers

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Global Gas Accident Statistics (2023 – Present)
2. Causes and Characteristics of Gas Riser Corrosion
   • Kitchen Environment
   • Characteristics of Concealed Gas Risers
   • Corrosion Patterns and Research Focus
3. Determining Inspection Pathways Using Industrial Endoscopes
4. Technical Requirements for Industrial Endoscopes
5. Issues Identified During Testing
6. Conclusion

1. Overview

From 2023 to the present, over 1,200 gas-related accidents have been reported globally, resulting in more than 100 fatalities and 700 injuries, including 15 major incidents. By gas source:

• Natural gas: Approximately 400 incidents, 30 fatalities, 150 injuries
• Liquefied petroleum gas: Around 700 incidents, 60 fatalities, 450 injuries
• Unverified gas source: Close to 100 incidents, 10 fatalities, 100 injuries

A significant proportion of these incidents occurred in residential settings. During kitchen renovations, homeowners worldwide often prioritize aesthetics, leading to the concealment of gas risers. These risers, commonly made from galvanized or seamless steel pipes, are increasingly prone to corrosion and perforation as they age. Once concealed, early detection becomes challenging, creating severe safety risks.

While safety standards in many countries recommend periodic household inspections (e.g., at least once every two years), they often lack specific guidelines for detecting corrosion in concealed indoor gas risers. The global gas industry continues to face challenges in addressing this critical safety issue.

2. Causes and Characteristics of Gas Riser Corrosion

2.1 Kitchen Environment

The kitchen environment accelerates corrosion due to its inherent characteristics:

• Moisture: Water splashes during washing, condensation from cooking, and damp mops or cloths.
• Residues: Oil spills, salt, acidic and alkaline cleaning agents.
  This combination of humidity, oil, salt, and pH variations promotes rapid corrosion of gas risers.

2.2 Characteristics of Concealed Gas Risers

Older kitchens often feature brick countertops where only the riser above the countertop is visible. This type of kitchen is less common today and allows easier detection of corrosion.

In modern kitchens, gas risers are fully concealed behind cabinets, countertops, and ceiling panels. The risers are often encased with custom panels, leaving only small doors for accessing the valve. This concealment makes inspection challenging, and corrosion often remains undetected until a leak or renovation occurs.

2.3 Corrosion Patterns and Research Focus

• Older Kitchens: Corrosion typically occurs where the riser meets the countertop due to water infiltration into the cement.
• Modern Kitchens: Corrosion is concentrated at the base of the riser near the floor and may extend into the ceiling of the apartment below. The concealed areas are a priority for inspection.

Both scenarios exhibit external-to-internal, circumferential, and large-area corrosion patterns.

3. Determining Inspection Pathways Using Industrial Endoscopes

Concealed risers are inaccessible to visual inspection during routine checks. To address this, industrial endoscopes can be utilized to inspect the hidden sections effectively.

• Key Inspection Points:
  • Ceiling joints where the riser meets the floor slab.
  • Cabinet corners where the riser base meets the floor.

Inspection can be conducted by inserting the endoscope’s camera into ceiling gaps or through access panels near gas valves.

4. Technical Requirements for Industrial Endoscopes

An industrial endoscope comprises a miniature camera, flexible cable, control handle, and display screen. Some models allow smartphone integration instead of a dedicated screen.QBH UW18 180° steering borescope for android and ios.

Key Specifications:

1. Resolution:
   • Minimum 1080P for clear imaging and corrosion assessment.
2. Focal Range:
   • 3–20 cm with automatic zoom for close-up inspections.
3. Field of View:
   • Dual or multi-lens options with flexible camera angling for comprehensive visibility.
4. Lighting:
   • LED illumination with adjustable brightness for dark, enclosed spaces.
5. Camera Size:
   • Diameter ≤ 5 mm to navigate narrow gaps.
6. Maneuverability:
   • Semi-rigid, shape-retentive cables for precise control.
7. Storage:
   • High-capacity storage (≥1 GB) to save inspection images and videos.

5. Issues Identified During Testing

5.1 Positioning Challenges

Flexible cables often lack rigidity, making camera positioning difficult. The addition of external supports like steel wires resolved this but introduced portability issues. A semi-rigid aluminum cable proved more effective.

5.2 Single-Operator Difficulty

Operators require both hands for maneuvering the camera and monitoring the display, complicating the process.

5.3 Limited Resolution

Standard 1080P cameras sometimes lack sufficient clarity. High-resolution options are needed.

5.4 Corrosion Assessment Standards

No quantitative criteria currently exist, relying on subjective judgment. AI-based image recognition could address this in the future.

5.5 Time-Consuming Inspections

Early trials averaged 15 minutes per inspection. Improvements reduced this to 8 minutes per unit.

5.6 Image-User Matching

Manual methods for linking images to specific users are prone to errors. Customized apps could automate this process.

5.7 Lens Contamination

Dust and grease in concealed spaces reduce image quality. Regular lens cleaning with alcohol wipes is recommended.

5.8 Equipment Wear

Cables and lenses are susceptible to wear. Durable materials and replaceable protective covers are necessary.

6. Conclusion

Using industrial endoscopes for inspecting concealed gas risers is a viable solution but requires further development. Collaborating with industrial endoscope manufacturers to address issues like clarity, durability, and operational efficiency is essential for creating a high-performance, gas-specific endoscope to enhance safety inspections effectively.

Take Action Now!
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