Intersecting Passages

Intersecting passage inspections require precise optical alignment and illumination to achieve clear visualization. Depending on the size of the passage, the correct direction of view and lighting configuration is essential for accurate results. When coaxial lighting is needed to inspect into small intersecting passages, a mirror tube can be fitted over the outer diameter of the scope to position a mirror at the tip. This directs both the image and illumination at a 90° angle, providing visibility deep into the intersecting passage.

For larger passages, separate prism-based illumination may be used in place of a mirror tube. While mirror tubes deliver excellent coaxial lighting, they are more susceptible to contamination, so proper cleaning and handling are critical to maintaining image quality.

In cases where the passage is at an angle other than 90°, a different configuration may be more effective. Flexible or articulating scopes can be guided into the intersecting passage with the aid of insertion tools, though many standard Zibra Corp scopes can achieve these results without articulation. Zibra Corp can also develop custom configurations to meet unique inspection requirements, ensuring the correct balance of flexibility, image clarity, and maneuverability for each application.