Impairment is a decrease in the condition of a component, part or item. In visual inspections the deterioration failure is limited to the condition visible to the inspector that shows a decrease in the condition.

Shaft coupling with deterioration due to wear and misalignment. Photo: Lorenzo Soler.

Causes

The most common causes of deterioration detectable by visual inspection are:

  • Use beyond shelf life.
  • Overheating
  • Fatigue.
  • Improper operation.
  • Tampering
  • High humidity of the environment.
  • Corrosive work environment.
 

Cases

Through visual inspections the most common cases of deterioration that are diagnosed are:

  • Hoses.
  • Heat exchangers.
  • Bases and benches.
  • Seals and packaging.
  • Thermal insulation.
  • Cables, ground connections.
  • Tank surfaces or walls.
  • Facades.
  • Chimneys.
 

Diagnosis

The detection of deterioration in visual inspections is by direct observation of the coloration, physical shape, rigidity or, if it is certain, the touch of the broken part if it has not come off.

Points to consider:

  • Because spoilage is a generic condition in common parlance, avoid using this fault indifferently.
  • Usually, deterioration is a failure that appears gradually over a long time. When diagnosing this failure, please attach a photograph or comment indicating the degree of deterioration.