Revolutionizing Industrial Inspections with Voliro
Voliro recognizes that inspecting industrial assets, especially high-risk components like columns and piping in chemical facilities, has traditionally been both expensive and time-consuming.
Conventional inspection techniques frequently enough require intricate scaffolding or teams using rope access, which not only inflate labour costs but also extend downtime and pose safety hazards. Fortunately, the emergence of aerial robotics is transforming this landscape, providing a safer, quicker, and more economical solution.
leading this change is Voliro,a pioneer in aerial robotic technology tailored for inspections at height. With advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) sensors, Voliro’s drones facilitate precise data collection while minimizing disruption too operations. The Voliro T drone, in particular, has been crucial in enhancing efficiency in industrial inspection tasks.
Bilfinger’s Utilization of the Voliro T Drone
In a recent project at a chemical facility, Bilfinger employed the Voliro T drone to perform a extensive inspection of three columns and their associated piping.
These components are subject to annual evaluations as part of the facility’s integrity management strategy. Typically, such inspections demand considerable downtime and a large workforce due to the challenges of accessing curved piping and elevated structures.
by incorporating Voliro T drone technology,Bilfinger completed the inspection in just 2.75 days, a important reduction from the 8 days required with conventional rope access methods. This swift execution not only minimized disruption to the plant but also resulted in considerable cost savings.
Cost Efficiency and Workforce Streamlining
One of the most notable outcomes of the inspection was a 30% decrease in overall expenses. This financial efficiency arose from several key factors:
- Reduced personnel requirements: Traditional inspections typically necessitate a minimum of three workers for rope access. With the Voliro T drone, only a two-person team was needed, significantly lowering labor costs.
- Decreased equipment demands: The removal of scaffolding and complex rigging systems led to direct financial savings.
- Faster data acquisition: The drone’s capability to swiftly navigate and scan hard-to-reach areas allowed for quicker decision-making and a more efficient inspection process.
Enhancing Ultrasonic Testing for Industrial Structures
A vital aspect of the inspection involved ultrasonic testing (UT), a well-established NDT technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to evaluate material properties and measure wall thickness.
The Voliro T drone, outfitted with a UT payload, effectively collected accurate measurements on the plant’s piping and column structures, particularly in 90-degree bends where corrosion risks are elevated.
Bilfinger’s deployment included two specialized probes:
- Standard UT probe: Measures thickness ranging from 2 – 150 mm (0.08 – 5.9 in).
- High-Temperature UT probe: Functions at temperatures between 0 – 260°C (32 – 500°F), eliminating the need to cool assets during inspections.
By utilizing these advanced capabilities, the Bilfinger team ensured a thorough integrity assessment while maintaining operational continuity.
Towards widespread Adoption in the Industry
The prosperous deployment of the Voliro T drone by Bilfinger highlights a broader trend towards robotic solutions in industrial maintenance. With improved safety,cost-effectiveness,and accuracy,such technologies are set to become standard practice for NDT inspections.
Looking forward, Bilfinger’s client has shown a strong interest in further integrating drone technology into their long-term maintenance plans. This initiative not only boosts asset reliability but also aligns with the industry’s push for digital transformation and sustainability.
By leading the way in adopting innovative robotic technology, Bilfinger is establishing a new standard for efficiency and creativity in industrial inspections, demonstrating that the future of asset integrity management is indeed airborne.
For more details, read the original article or visit the Voliro website.
