12.2 Contact Based Nondestructive Testing (NDT) at Height with Aerial Robotics (Drone)
(Room 234-236)
10 Apr 18
2:30 PM
-
3:00 PM
Tracks:
Session 12: Measuring & Testing II, Session 12: Measuring, Testing & Automation
To take Nondestructive Testing (DNT) measurements at height, currently one needs to utilize a lift, scaffolding, ladders or other solutions to reach areas on ships, bridges, aboveground storage tanks, flare stacks and other Infrastructure and Industrial sites. This is both dangerous, due to the possibility of falls, and time consuming. Utilizing an aerial robotics platform for NDT measurements such as Dry Film Thickness (DFT) allows workers to remain safely on the ground to take measurements. Further, since there is no need to move a lift, scaffolding or ladders or for the person taking the DFT readings to move from their current position, the DFT measurement process is faster in addition to being safer.
This is a new and novel application utilizing existing technologies (DFT readers, drones, etc.) with a system of complex integrations that allows for a better application of science. The system has the potential to improve the inspection, testing and data collection aspects of coated assets, in part, by making the DFT measurement “process” easier and safer thus allowing for more frequent measurements and/or a larger quantity of measurement samples.
With an easier, faster, and safer method to collect DFT measurements from locations of height we can expand the science of coating thickness measurements by collecting data from locations where data was either inaccessible or difficult to obtain (access issues, safety considerations, etc.). The technology is patented and video will be shown of the system wherein the drone flies up to a structure with a metal sub-straight, then under full autonomous software control, touches a DFT measurement probe to the target and records the measurement data compliant with SSPC-PA2 standards. The session will make participants aware of this new technology as well as provide information as to its efficacy, limitations and operational requirements.