Inspections are essential to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency across various sectors. From ships to industrial plants, maintaining equipment in optimal condition is indispensable. However, traditional inspection methods often face challenges related to accessibility, safety, and efficiency. In this scenario, UT drones emerge as an innovative solution, transforming the way inspections are conducted.
At XD4Solutions, the official representative of Flyability in Brazil, we bring the advanced technology of UT drones, such as the Elios 3, to Brazilian industries. Learn how these drones can elevate your inspections to the next level, enhancing safety and reducing costs.
What Are UT Drones?
UT drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with ultrasonic technology, designed to measure material thickness in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations, such as:
- Ship hulls and ballast tanks
- Industrial pipelines and silos
- Chimneys and confined spaces
With drone-enabled non-destructive testing (NDT), UT drones simplify inspection processes, reduce risks, and optimize asset management.
How Do UT Drones Work?
UT drones operate by flying to the target surface and using a probe to transmit ultrasonic waves through the material. The reflections of these waves are analyzed to determine the material’s thickness. Advanced drones, like the Elios 3, can even operate without coupling fluid to ensure precise sound transmission, delivering accurate measurements even in challenging environments.
Key Benefits of UT Drones
Enhanced Safety
Inspections in confined spaces, at great heights, or in hazardous areas can endanger human lives. UT drones eliminate these risks by conducting inspections remotely, eliminating the need for ropes or scaffolding.
- Confined spaces: UT drones can operate in areas as small as 50×50 cm, avoiding exposure to toxic gases, asphyxiation risks, or drowning hazards.
- High altitudes: Inspections of chimneys or ship hulls become safer by replacing scaffolding with drones.
Unmatched Efficiency
UT drones enable faster inspections by eliminating time-consuming processes like scaffolding assembly or heavy equipment movement. Key features include:
- Rapid deployment: Drones are inspection-ready within minutes.
- Advanced precision: High-definition cameras and real-time LiDAR scanning offer live 3D mapping, enabling inspectors to mark and georeference measurements with precision.
For instance, the Elios 3 drone can perform up to 40 thickness measurements per flight, delivering results much faster than traditional methods.
Cost Reduction
By reducing the need for labor-intensive processes like scaffolding assembly or rope access, UT drones significantly lower inspection costs. Additionally, frequent and efficient inspections help detect issues early, extending asset lifespan and minimizing costly repairs.
How UT Drones Increase Inspection Frequency
Traditionally, many assets are inspected only once a year or even less frequently due to costs and logistical complexities. With UT drones, the scenario changes:
- More frequent inspections: The agility and low operational costs of drones allow for regular checks.
- Early problem detection: Frequent measurements help identify corrosion or structural issues before they escalate, saving costs on emergency repairs.
- Reduced downtime: Inspections can be conducted during operation, avoiding productivity loss.
In Brazil, industries like petrochemicals in Paulínia (SP) report significant improvements in managing critical assets thanks to the ability to perform quarterly inspections.
Industrial Applications of UT Drones
Maritime Industry
Ships require regular inspections to assess corrosion in cargo tanks, ballast tanks, and hulls. Traditional methods involve long downtimes and large teams. With a UT drone like the Elios 3:
- Scaffolding is unnecessary.
- Critical measurements are georeferenced for higher precision.
- Inspections can be conducted in confined spaces without additional permits.
Power Generation
Chimneys and ducts in power plants pose inspection challenges due to isolation or limited access points. UT drones can navigate these areas, capturing data without removing insulation or interrupting operations.
Cement Plants and Industries
Exhaust ducts, silos, and other confined assets often remain uninspected due to inaccessibility. UT drones provide unparalleled access, ensuring critical measurements without halting production.
Case Studies: The Impact of UT Drones
15,000 Hours Saved in a Ship Inspection
A medium-sized ship required ultrasonic thickness measurements of its oil cargo tanks. Using the Elios 3, inspectors completed the survey without scaffolding, saving over 15,000 work hours. This approach reduced downtime and ensured compliance with maritime regulations.
Chimney Inspection in Northern Canada
A power plant needed ultrasonic testing in a chimney, but harsh weather and isolation made the task challenging. The Elios 3 inspected the chimney interior without removing insulation or erecting scaffolding, optimizing the process in record time.
Duct and Silo Measurements in Germany
A cement factory tested the feasibility of UT drones for routine inspections. The Elios 3 navigated tight spaces and provided critical data without disrupting operations, proving the value of NDT with drones.
The Future of UT Drone Inspections in Brazil
The adoption of UT drones in Brazil is transforming industrial and maritime sectors, offering an innovative approach to critical inspections. With the growing need for safety and operational efficiency, UT drones represent a paradigm shift, delivering benefits far beyond cost savings.
Purchase UT Drones from XD4Solutions Today!
Take your operations to the next level with unparalleled efficiency, safety, and cost savings. We provide the best solutions for industrial and maritime inspections in Brazil.
