Revolutionizing Industrial Inspection with PEC Technology
Voliro, a leading aerial mobile robotics company, has introduced a game-changing addition to non-destructive testing (NDT) methods: the first-ever drone-enabled Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) payload. Developed by Sixpec®, this innovation leverages Voliro's adaptable drone platform to bring advanced inspection capabilities to previously hard-to-reach locations, transforming the landscape of industrial inspection.
What is Pulsed Eddy Current Technology?
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technology is an advanced NDT technique that allows for the detection of internal flaws like corrosion under insulation (CUI) in metal structures. Using short, high-energy electromagnetic pulses, PEC can penetrate coatings, insulation, and other materials to detect hidden damage without direct contact. This makes PEC especially valuable in industries such as petrochemicals, where maintaining the integrity of pipelines and storage vessels is critical.
Redefining Inspections with Voliro’s PEC Drone
Traditional CUI inspections often involve heavy equipment, scaffolding, or rope access, posing safety risks and high costs. Voliro’s PEC-equipped drones eliminate these hurdles, enabling safe, efficient, and accurate inspections without the need for direct contact or removing insulation.
In a recent demonstration at a Tupras refinery, the Voliro T drone equipped with Sixpec’s second-generation PEC module successfully detected early-stage corrosion with insulation layers up to 100 mm thick. Eralp Koltuk, Inspection Chief Engineer at Tupras, commended the system, stating, “The Sixpec module integrated with the Voliro T platform introduces another crucial inspection procedure, making vital NDT activities even more efficient.”
The PEC payload features a new probe design, advanced noise shielding and canceling, and specialized algorithms, all aimed at enhancing measurement quality through thick coatings and corroded layers (patents pending).
The Versatile Voliro T Platform
The Voliro T drone isn’t just another drone—it’s an inspection platform built for versatility and customization. Designed for seamless integration with diverse inspection tools, it allows clients to address a broad array of industrial needs using one robust drone system. This open-platform approach reflects Voliro’s commitment to meeting the ever-evolving demands of the inspection industry.
Pioneering a New Standard for the NDT Industry
The development of the PEC payload marks a significant leap for NDT by blending advanced PEC technology with the agility and reach of drone inspections. Voliro’s innovation sets new standards in safety, efficiency, and accessibility for industrial inspections.
As Voliro launches the early-adoption program for its PEC payload, the NDT industry stands on the brink of a new era, where inspections are safer, more cost-effective, and comprehensive than ever before. General availability for the PEC payload is forthcoming, and the industry is invited to embrace these advancements, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial inspection.
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