Infographic: Cut Costs with the Right sUAS UT Solution

Harnessing the Power of sUAS Technology for Inspections

With new ultrasonic thickness (UT) drones hitting the market, choosing the right sUAS UT solution for your specific application can lead to maximized cost savings. Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, are revolutionizing inspections across various industries. Small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) provide significant advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, and data accuracy.

MFE Inspection Solutions has been at the forefront of integrating sUAS technology into various industrial applications, offering cutting-edge tools that enhance operational capabilities.

Flyability Elios 3 with UT Payload

The Flyability Elios 3 with UT payload drone is specifically designed for confined space applications within the oil and gas industry. Its robust build and advanced ultrasonic testing (UT) capabilities make it ideal for inspecting the interiors of storage tanks, pressure vessels, and other hard-to-reach areas.

The Elios 3’s collision-tolerant design ensures safe navigation in tight and hazardous environments, providing high-resolution visual and ultrasonic data for accurate assessments of structural integrity.

This drone’s ability to operate in confined spaces significantly enhances safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual entry into dangerous areas.

Voliro T NDT UT

The Voliro T NDT UT drone is tailored for outdoor applications, offering advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) and ultrasonic testing capabilities for large-scale inspections. Ideal for pipelines, offshore platforms, and other extensive outdoor infrastructure, the VoliroT drone combines durability with precision.

Its sophisticated sensors and robust design enable it to perform detailed inspections in challenging environments, detecting corrosion, cracks, and other defects.

By leveraging the Voliro NDT UT Drone for outdoor applications, companies can achieve comprehensive and efficient inspections, reducing downtime and ensuring the safety and reliability of their assets.

Versatility in Applications

As you can see in the above infographic: Choosing the Right sUAS UT Solution, the versatility of sUAS makes them suitable for a wide range of applications across different industries. These applications include:

• Pipeline Inspections: sUAS can fly along pipelines to detect leaks, corrosion, and structural damage, providing real-time data to operators.
• Flare Stack Inspections: sUAS can safely inspect flare stacks, capturing high-resolution images that help identify issues such as soot buildup and structural wear.
• Storage Tank Inspections: sUAS provide comprehensive inspections of storage tanks, both internally and externally, to detect corrosion, cracks, and other defects.
• Offshore Rig Inspections: sUAS are particularly useful for inspecting offshore oil rigs, where accessibility is a significant challenge.

Enhancing Safety & Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of using sUAS in industrial inspections is the enhancement of safety. Traditional inspection methods often require personnel to enter hazardous areas, exposing them to risks such as toxic gases, high-pressure environments, and structural hazards.

sUAS technology mitigates these risks by allowing remote inspections, thereby protecting workers and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

sUAS also significantly improve inspection efficiency. These systems can quickly cover large areas and access difficult-to-reach locations that would otherwise require scaffolding or rope access. This capability not only speeds up the inspection process but also minimizes downtime, ensuring that operations continue with minimal disruption.

Advanced Data Collection & Analysis

sUAS equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors provide detailed visual and thermal data, enabling thorough inspections of infrastructure such as pipelines, storage tanks, and structural components. The integration of advanced imaging technologies allows for the detection of minute defects, corrosion, and other anomalies that could compromise structural integrity.

Data collected by sUAS is often processed and analyzed using specialized software, providing actionable insights that help in maintenance planning and decision-making. This level of precision and accuracy ensures that maintenance efforts are targeted and effective, ultimately extending the lifespan of critical assets.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Adopting sUAS technology for inspections also presents a cost-effective solution.

By reducing the need for extensive scaffolding, rope access, and other traditional methods, companies can significantly cut down on labor and material costs.

Additionally, the speed and efficiency of sUAS inspections mean that assets spend less time offline, maximizing productivity and reducing financial losses.

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Benefits

sUAS technology aids in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards. Regular and thorough inspections ensure that infrastructure meets safety and environmental regulations, thereby avoiding penalties and enhancing operational credibility.

Furthermore, by facilitating early detection of leaks and other environmental hazards, sUAS contribute to environmental protection efforts. Early intervention helps in mitigating the impact of spills and emissions, supporting the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Final Considerations

MFE Inspection Solutions’ integration of sUAS technology into industrial inspections exemplifies the future of the field. The benefits of enhanced safety, efficiency, advanced data collection, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance make sUAS an invaluable tool in maintaining the integrity and reliability of industrial infrastructure.

As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of sUAS will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability across various industries.