The 3 Questions All Inspectors Must Answer When Conducting Internal Inspections—And How They Define Flyability’s Product Roadmap
June 06 03:04:50, 2025
When carrying out internal inspections, every inspector has to answer three critical questions. These questions are essential not only for identifying potential issues but also for ensuring safety and efficiency in the inspection process.
The first question that inspectors must address is whether there are any defects present in the asset. This is the most fundamental inquiry, as identifying defects is the starting point for any further action. To assist inspectors in answering this question, we developed the Elios drone. Designed specifically for flying indoors, the Elios enables inspectors to explore confined spaces remotely, capturing detailed visual data without putting themselves at risk.
For instance, the Elios was instrumental in helping inspectors detect corrosion in a chemical plant's storage tank. By flying directly into the tank, the drone identified areas where the protective coating had worn away, exposing the metal beneath. This discovery would have been impossible without such advanced technology.
The second question focuses on determining the dimensions of the detected defects. Understanding the size of a defect is crucial for assessing its severity and deciding on the appropriate course of action, whether it involves repair, monitoring, or further investigation. Following the success of the Elios, we aimed to enhance our capabilities in this area. Our team worked closely with inspectors to gather feedback and refine our approach, leading to the creation of the Elios 2.
The Elios 2 introduced several innovative features designed to assist inspectors in accurately gauging defect dimensions. For example, it offers precise 2D measurements with an accuracy of ±10% of the measured length, with a maximum deviation of ±5mm. Additionally, the drone can generate photogrammetric models from its visual data, providing a comprehensive view of the defect's extent and characteristics. Enhanced lighting options, including an oblique lighting feature, ensure that inspectors can clearly see textures and depths, while the improved image quality with 4K video resolution captures even the smallest details.
Finally, the third question concerns the precise location of the defects within the asset. This presents a unique challenge in confined spaces, where traditional GPS-based positioning systems are ineffective. Without clear markers, inspectors might spot a defect in video footage but struggle to pinpoint its exact location.
To tackle this issue, we developed Inspector 3.0, a sophisticated software solution that allows inspectors to create sparse 3D models based on the data collected by drones like the Elios 2. These models offer usable locational data, enabling inspectors to identify defect locations without uncertainty. Processing times are relatively short, typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the volume of data collected. Moreover, the software simplifies data collection, requiring no additional flight paths or special considerations.
Take the case of a recent inspection at a hydrogen reformer facility. Using Inspector 3.0, the team was able to locate and document multiple defects with unprecedented precision, saving hours of manual effort. Points of interest (POIs) within the model are easily accessible, allowing inspectors to focus on specific areas of concern.
While we have achieved significant progress with these solutions, our journey is far from over. We remain committed to advancing both hardware and software technologies to support inspectors in their vital work. The three foundational questions will continue to guide our development efforts, ensuring that our innovations contribute to faster, safer, and more efficient inspections across industries.
Fiberglass
coated with fluorin rubber is a fire new material, which have a good capacity
of temperature and corrosion resistance and have numerous applications.