VZÚ Plzeň, a leading robotic inspection service provider in the Czech Republic, is transforming the way power generation sites are inspected. By integrating the Elios 3 drone into their operations, they are achieving unprecedented levels of safety, efficiency, and accuracy in non-destructive testing (NDT) across complex industrial environments.

Key Benefits at a Glance

What Is NDT?

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a critical method used to evaluate the condition of materials and structures without causing any damage. It plays a vital role in industries like power generation, where the integrity of assets is essential to prevent failures, accidents, and costly downtime. NDT techniques allow engineers to gather valuable insights that help maintain infrastructure safely and efficiently.

From power plants to pipelines, NDT is widely applied to ensure that equipment remains functional and reliable. In the power generation sector, even a small failure can lead to significant losses in production and revenue. That’s why adopting advanced NDT solutions like the Elios 3 is becoming increasingly important.

Bridging the Gap Between Robotics and NDT

VZÚ Plzeň has been at the forefront of integrating robotic technology into NDT practices. They first started using the Elios 2 in late 2022 after attending a training session with Flyability. Since then, they’ve upgraded to the Elios 3, which has significantly enhanced their workflow and capabilities.

Filip Schmidt, VZÚ Plzeň’s lead drone inspector, shared his experience: “The Elios 3 has made our operations much smoother. We’ve seen major improvements in piloting, defect detection, data collection, and overall flight efficiency.”

Initially, some industry professionals were skeptical about using drones for inspections. But through consistent performance and high-quality results, VZÚ Plzeň has built a strong reputation. Their success has led to increased trust and more opportunities in the power generation sector.

How the Elios 3 Enhances Boiler Inspections

Boiler inspections are notoriously difficult due to the need for scaffolding and the risks involved in working at height. Traditional methods often require extensive planning and can result in prolonged downtime. However, the Elios 3 offers a safer and faster alternative.

Using the Elios 3, VZÚ Plzeň can quickly gather visual and LiDAR data from inside boilers, identifying potential issues without the need for physical access. This not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with scaffolding and labor. If maintenance is needed, the team knows exactly where to focus their efforts, minimizing disruption to plant operations.

This boiler inspection was done using the Elios 3 to access the asset from the inside

With the Elios 3, VZÚ Plzeň ensures that boiler inspections are conducted safely and efficiently, helping power plants avoid unnecessary downtime and reduce maintenance costs.

Inspecting Flue Ducts with Drones

Flue ducts are challenging to inspect due to their height and the presence of abrasive materials like ash. At one site, VZÚ Plzeň was tasked with assessing the condition of flue gas ducting, which had steel guiding plates installed to protect against wear.

The Elios 3 makes it possible to inspect assets at-height from a safe location on the ground

Despite the protective plates, the ducts showed signs of severe erosion. Rope-access inspections were no longer feasible, so the Elios 3 became the ideal solution. The drone provided clear visuals and data, allowing VZÚ Plzeň to identify critical issues without putting inspectors at risk.

300 Flights Inside a Power Plant Cooling Tower

In 2023, VZÚ Plzeň was asked to inspect a power plant's cooling towers. Over the course of two visits within four months, they completed 300 flights and inspected around 16,000 points across four towers.

The cooling tower bases had many structures that were inspected with the Elios 3

Thanks to the Elios 3, VZÚ Plzeň was able to collect and analyze vast amounts of data, identifying defects and providing detailed reports to plant managers. This level of insight helped improve decision-making and long-term maintenance planning.

Building Confidence in Drone Inspections

VZÚ Plzeň’s experience with the Elios 3 demonstrates the growing confidence in drone-based NDT solutions. By eliminating the need for scaffolding and reducing risks, they have improved both safety and efficiency at power generation sites.

As Filip Schmidt explained, “Our journey into drone inspections has not only transformed our services but also changed how we and our clients view safety and efficiency. We’re committed to delivering excellence in every mission we undertake.”

With ongoing advancements in drone technology, VZÚ Plzeň continues to explore new ways to enhance their NDT capabilities. They remain dedicated to helping power generation facilities achieve greater reliability, cost savings, and operational efficiency through the use of the Elios 3.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its applications in the power generation industry today.

Clutch Release Bearing For Scania

Clutch Release Bearing For Scania,Clutch Bearing For Scania,Scania Release Bearing,Scania Clutch Release Bearing

Hangzhou Kangxin Bearing , https://www.cnkxb.com