Dexon Technology PLC has introduced the GEN 2.0 Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) drone system, a groundbreaking enhancement following the success of the GEN 1.0 UTM drone. Initially launched in July 2023, the GEN 1.0 demonstrated remarkable inspection capabilities on offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Thailand. The unveiling of GEN 2.0 represents a monumental leap forward in the realm of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
What's New with the GEN 2.0 UTM Drone System:
- Extended Inspection Altitude: The most prominent upgrade is the significant boost in inspection altitude, skyrocketing from 25 meters to an impressive 100 meters. This expanded range facilitates comprehensive assessments of assets within refineries and plants, substantially curbing the necessity for prolonged shutdowns, cost-intensive procedures, and revenue loss.
- Adjustable Ultrasonic Sensor Arm: Dexon's GEN 2.0 UTM drone incorporates a 180-degree adjustable ultrasonic sensor arm, delivering dynamic inspection capabilities. This feature enables the inspection of surfaces at any orientation or angle, ensuring thorough and precise data collection from a broader spectrum of assets.
Key Operating Capabilities:
- Live Data Collection: Both GEN 1.0 and 2.0 enable live inspection data collection and verification, fostering collaborative efforts among the pilot, co-pilot, and inspection engineers during flights. This ensures real-time data accuracy and verification, eliminating the need for rerun inspections due to poor data quality.
- Rapid Smart Charging: A state-of-the-art smart charging station guarantees uninterrupted operations and virtually limitless flight time. Multiple batteries can be charged and rotated simultaneously, optimizing efficiency and minimizing inspection downtime.
Understanding Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM):
UTM serves as a vital technology for non-destructive testing across various industries. It entails sending high-frequency sound waves through a material to measure its thickness, aiding in the identification of corrosion, erosion, or thinning—factors that can compromise safety and performance.
Advantages of the UTM Drone Over Conventional Inspection Methods:
Drones have transformed the landscape of asset inspection, eclipsing traditional methods like rope access and manual inspection in numerous ways:
- Online Inspections: Drone-based UTM inspections can be conducted while assets are operational, eliminating the need for costly shutdowns and enabling continuous operations.
- No Tank Drainage Required: Unlike traditional methods, there's no necessity to drain tanks, saving both time and resources.
- Enhanced Safety: Drone-based inspections reduce safety protocols and requirements, minimizing risks to personnel and associated expenses.
- Minimal Preparation: Setup is minimal compared to traditional methods, as there's no requirement for extensive Scaffolding.
Applications of GEN 2.0 UTM Drone System:
Dixon's GEN 2.0 UTM drone system finds application across the petrochemical, oil, and gas industries, providing non-destructive testing capabilities for a wide range of assets, including:
- Spherical and cylindrical tanks
- Pipe elbows and process tubing
- Marine vessels and hulls
- The upgraded UTM probe arm's 180-degree range of motion facilitates inspections at various angles, from horizontal overhangs to flat and curved surfaces, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of asset integrity.
Dexon Technology's GEN 2.0 UTM drone system signifies a monumental advancement in asset inspection technology in Thailand, equipping the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors with a potent tool for safety maintenance, extended asset lifespan, and operational optimization.
https://www.dexon-technology.com/gen-2-0-ultrasonic-thickness-measurement-utm-drone-system/
