Bilfinger conducted a column and piping inspection at clients chemical plant using Voliro T drone.
Time Efficiency: The inspection was completed in just 2.75 days, a significant reduction compared to the average 8 days required with traditional methods like rope access.
Streamlined Workforce: The use of the Voliro T drone required only a two-person crew, whereas rope access would typically need at least three people. This reduction in crew size contributes to lower labor costs.
Cost Savings: The streamlined process and reduced labor needs led to an overall cost reduction of 30% for the client, this stems from the significant reduction in labor, equipment, and time.
The field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections is transforming with the introduction of robotic technologies. Inspecting tall structures used to be costly and challenging, often requiring either the construction of scaffolding or the use of specialized rope access teams. These traditional methods were not only expensive and time-consuming but also placed human inspectors at significant risk from working at heights.
Voliro is at the forefront of this transformation with its advanced robotics technology. As a leader in aerial robotics for height-related tasks, Voliro’s drones are designed to carry out precision contact-based inspections close to structures. These drones come equipped with various NDT sensors and Lightning Protection System (LPS) sensors, meeting a wide range of inspection requirements with enhanced safety and efficiency.
Bilfinger is an international industrial services provider. Their aim is to increase the efficiency and sustainability of customers in the process industry and to establish itself as the number one partner in the market for this purpose. The company delivers its services in two service lines: Engineering & Maintenance and Technologies.
Bilfinger is primarily active in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Process industry customers come from sectors that include energy, chemicals & petrochemicals, pharma & biopharma and oil & gas. With its ~30,000 employees, Bilfinger has identified two strategic thrusts: repositioning itself as a leader in increasing efficiency and sustainability, and driving operational excellence to improve the organizational performance.
Bilfinger’s client conducts annual inspections on their column and piping assets as a key component of their asset integrity program. During this inspection, the Bilfinger team deployed the Voliro T drone with UT payload tailored for inspecting elevated and hard to reach structures such as curved piping.
Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine material characteristics and take dimensional measurements. Ultrasonic testing is ideal for examining large industrial assets like flare stacks, wind turbines, storage tanks, or pipes. With the right instruments, inspections can be performed in a few hours with minimal asset downtime.
The standard UT probe is able to measure thickness in the range of 2 – 150 mm (0.08 – 5.9 in). Our High Temp UT probe can operate at temperatures between 0 – 260 °C (32 – 500 °F), avoiding the need to cool objects down during inspections.
Bilfinger conducted an inspection at a clients`s chemical plant using the Voliro T drone, achieving significant efficiencies and cost savings.
The inspection targeted three columns and associated piping, crucial components subject to yearly checks due to their susceptibility to erosion and corrosion, particularly around 90-degree bends. Utilizing the Voliro T’s capabilities, UT payload was used to collect measurements that were efficiently gathered as part of the facility’s routine inspection protocol.
Voliro T drone technology enabled completion of the task in just 2.75 days—substantially less than the 8 days typically required with conventional rope access methods. The drone’s deployment not only slashed inspection time but also reduced the required crew size from at least three individuals to just two, further driving down operational costs.
As a result, Bilfinger delivered a 30% cost reduction to their client, underscoring the financial benefits of integrating drone technology into traditional inspection practices. The client, already an advocate for innovative solutions, expressed great satisfaction with the results and are eager to further leverage the technological advancements for future maintenance tasks.
This proactive approach not only ensures the integrity and safety of the plant’s infrastructure but also sets a new standard in operational efficiency and cost management in the industry.
Our technology significantly enhances operational efficiency, making the process of inspections not only more reliable but also more cost-effective.
Choosing Voliro T for NDT inspection unlocks numerous benefits:
Maximize the utilization of shutdown time by conducting comprehensive inspections within the planned time frame
Conduct more thorough inspections in less time, increasing your efficiency and productivity
Significantly improve cost-effectiveness by streamlining inspection processes
