Cutting-Edge Aerial Robotic Platform for Non-Destructive Testing & Inspection

Voliro Drones Enhance High-Altitude Industrial Inspections

Bilfinger’s Voliro T drones equipped with ultrasonic testing tools provided an accurate inspection of a 400-foot stack, delivering significant time and cost savings Inspection Drones / Feature Article by Voliro
Voliro Drones Enhance High-Altitude Industrial Inspections
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The field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections is seeing substantial advancements due to robotic technologies. Traditionally, inspecting tall structures has been both costly and challenging. Read more >>

Inspections of high structures often necessitated building expensive and time-consuming scaffolding or hiring specialized rope access teams, which poses safety risks to personnel.

Voliro is transforming this space with its advanced mobile robotics technology. The Voliro T drones are designed for contact-based, precision tasks near structures.

These drones come equipped with various payloads, including NDT and Lightning Protection System (LPS) sensors, to meet a range of inspection requirements.

Case Study: Bilfinger NDT Inspection

Bilfinger’s Voliro T drone team was deployed at a client’s facility in Missouri to perform an inspection of a 400-foot stack. Bilfinger’s client conducts yearly Ultrasonic Testing (UT) inspections of their stacks as part of their asset integrity checks.

UT is a non-destructive testing method that employs high-frequency sound waves to evaluate material properties and take precise measurements. UT is particularly suited for inspecting large industrial structures such as flare stacks, wind turbines, storage tanks, or pipes.

UT-and-high-UT

The standard UT probe and High Temp UT probe

The Bilfinger team employed the Voliro T drone, equipped with a UT payload specifically designed for high-altitude inspections of stacks and chimneys.

The standard UT probe measures thicknesses ranging from 2 to 150 mm (0.08 – 5.9 in). The high-temperature UT probe can function between 0 and 260 °C (32 – 500 °F), eliminating the need to cool down objects during inspections.

Key Benefits of the Voliro T Drones

Using the Voliro T drones, the inspection crew completed the task in just 1.5 days—far faster than the typical 25 days needed with scaffolding, which accelerates project timelines and decreases downtime.

Utilizing the Voliro T offered major financial advantages, allowing Bilfinger’s client to save $165,000. This cost efficiency resulted from a significant reduction in labor, equipment, and time.

Voliro T drone

Thickness measurement using a UT sensor payload on Voliro T

Efficiency was notably boosted by decreasing the required crew size from 10 to only 2. This streamlined approach not only simplifies logistical planning but also minimizes the human resource allocation for inspection duties.

Other advantages of utilizing Voliro T drones for inspections include:

  • Maximize shutdown periods by completing inspections within planned timeframes.
  • Perform more detailed inspections in less time, boosting efficiency and productivity.
  • Enhance cost-effectiveness by optimizing inspection processes.
  • Compliment traditional inspection methods with drone technology, broadening service options and offering versatile solutions.

Read the original article on the Voliro website >>

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Posted by William Mackenzie Connect & Contact