Collaborative innovation in action

Collaborative innovation in action – QUU and Utilita Water Solutions trial drone technology!

The deployment of a crash proof drone to capture high resolution images of structural elements within the DWAS bin for engineering evaluation.

The drone was able to collect images as directed by the Structural Engineer in real time, a flight plan was developed so that future inspections can be repeatable & comparable.  The inspection was completed in a few hours, whereas previously it would require a shutdown, scaffolding and a confided space team. Imaging was recorded to benchmark future inspections and provide material for further desktop evaluation. Equipment was transportable and quickly deployable.

Due to the successful performance of the inspection our client was able to make informed assessments regarding the structural integrity of the asset and extend the operational life of the DWAS bin. This allows a process critical asset to remain in operational service and the CAPEX budget to be better utilised within the business.

 

 

Savings / Benefits

• Time – The drone was safely and quickly deployed achieving the desired outcomes within a few hours.
• Safety – No people were required to enter the confined space. No requirement for expensive scaffolding. Down time of the asset was kept to a minimum.
• Evaluation – The structural engineer was able to direct the drone to points of interest and make technical assessments in real time.
• Repeatability – By recording the flight plan, future inspections can repeated using the same reference makers.

 

The drone has a diameter of 400mm weighs a total of 750grams, it has a carbon fibre crash cage which maintains horizon by use of a multi-directional gimble system. It incorporates adaptive LED light technology and can be piloted by a single person. The drone has a flight time of approximately 8mins per battery, 12 batteries were used for continuous operation.