New Video Probe Offers Increased Probability of Detection

With its innovative XpertSuite of features, the new XL Go+ portable VideoProbe from the Inspection Technologies business of GE Measurement and Control (USA) offers improved probability of detection (POD), to provide increased efficiency, reliability and productivity in a range of inspection tasks in confined, hard-to-reach locations. Developed from the company’s field-proven XL Go series of remote visual inspection (RVI) equipment and weighing just 3.8 lb (1.73 kg), the robust XL Go+ sets new standards of light output, image quality and precise steerability and incorporates powerful measuring tools. It will find application both as a trouble-shooting solution to determine the cause of unexpected breakdown and as a routine maintenance tool in the oil and gas and process sectors and, particularly, in the inspection of rotating machinery in aerospace and power generation.

“The XL Go+ has been developed to help ensure that the chances of missing a defect or an out-of-place artifact are greatly reduced,” say Melissa Stancato. RVI product manager at GE. “In turn, this will help to reduce the chances of catastrophic failures, while reducing maintenance costs. This is especially relevant in the case of compressors or gas turbines, where undetected flaws can eventually cause shut-down, which can lead to forced outage costs of the order of millions of dollars.”

The rugged XL Go+, which is designed for operation in a wide range of harsh environmental conditions, features powerful operating, application and measurement software. Intuitive drop-down menus, combined with on-screen cues ensure user-friendly operation and the instrument can create data folders, recall files and copy and view thumbnail images. GE’s patented Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) is an optional add-on. This software tool helps guide inspectors through the inspection process and intelligently names saved images and videos and auto-generates reports. The latest version of MDI will be available for users to trial and this introduces new features such as characterisation of specific components to speed up inspections, increased inspection detail and the ability to import reference materials in standard image forms. The range of measurement tools incorporated in XL Go+ includes ShadowProbe®, StereoProbe® and Comparison measurement capabilities.