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The Voliro T drone, developed by Voliro and equipped with a high-temperature ultrasonic probe, has been deployed by Grupo DR1 to perform a real-time thickness measurement inspection at Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of packaging paper.
Industrial chimneys are exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, so frequent thickness testing and maintenance is crucial to stopping structural failures, and ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
Traditional inspection methods involve scaffolding and elevated platforms. These have many operational challenges, such as high costs, production downtime, major safety risks, and inefficient manual inspections.
Klabin itself needed a safe, efficient, and non-disruptive solution, which Voliro’s inspection drone provided.
Grupo DR1’s inspection of Klabin’s chimney was conducted using the T drone’s ultrasonic sensor, which can withstand temperatures up to 260°C. This enabled an inspection in high-heat conditions without production being shutdown. The chimney remained fully operational with near zero downtime, optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.
The drone has a rotating structure, enabling inspection at multiple angles for a thorough data collection. Its real-time, high-resolution ultrasonic scans gave engineers immediate insight into structural thickness, and potential areas of concern.
The chimney inspection was completed 40% faster than traditional methods, again increasing process efficiency by lowering working time.
The precise data collected with the T drone allowed for early detection of the chimney’s wear and corrosion. It improved maintenance planning and increased worker-safety, as well as enabling a more efficient allocation of resources that favor high-risk areas with data-driven decision-making.
Following the success of this project, Klabin has adopted drone-based inspection as a new standard in its industrial asset management strategy, recognizing its value in maintaining operational continuity whilst performing precise, real-time structural inspections.
