In a notable advancement within the drone and non-destructive testing (NDT) space, Aerial Mobile Robotics company, Voliro, is set to incorporate an innovative NDT payload incorporating the Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technology developed by Sixpec®. This marks the firm's first venture into third-party payloads and underscores Voliro's intention to revolutionize inspection technologies through its open robotic platform.
PEC technology is a sophisticated non-destructive testing method that plays a crucial role in identifying flaws, such as Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI), in metal components and structures beneath insulation. It operates by emitting high-energy electromagnetic pulses capable of penetrating various materials, allowing for the detection of hidden corrosion or metal loss without necessitating direct contact. This technology is particularly valuable in industries where the integrity of pipelines, vessels, and other structures is paramount.
The traditional method of inspecting for CUI often involves cumbersome equipment and can pose significant safety risks and high costs. Voliro's initiative to integrate the lightweight, second-generation Sixpec® module onto its Voliro T drone presents a promising alternative. This integration facilitates safe, efficient, and accurate inspections of areas that are difficult to access, negating the need for direct contact or the removal of insulation.
This approach has been put to the test at a refinery, yielding promising results in detecting early-stage CUI beneath up to 100 mm of insulation. The PEC payload comes equipped with several unique features, including a newly designed probe, noise shielding and canceling capabilities, and specialized algorithms, all of which contribute to the payload's ability to deliver high-quality measurements even through thick layers of coating and corrosion.
The Voliro T drone is envisioned not merely as a drone but as an aerial robot that can maneuver around and directly interact with physical surfaces. Its interchangable payload system allows for the integration of a broad array of inspection tools, positioning the Voliro T as go-to-technology for performing industry inspection work at height.
The introduction of the PEC payload signifies a significant leap forward for the NDT industry. By marrying advanced PEC technology with the mobility and safety afforded by aerial robot inspections, Voliro is establishing a new standard for efficiency, safety, and accessibility in industrial inspections.
Voliro aims to lead the broader NDT industry into a new era of inspection technology, with their latest development delivering on the promise of safer, more efficient, and comprehensive inspections to transform the landscape of industrial inspection practices.
The latest payload is available as part of the company's early adoption program with select customers, with general availability yet to be announced.
.png)
