What Is The Role Of Inspection Robots In Pipelines?

The inspection robots are not known for being the cleanest jobs on earth. As a pipe inspector, you are likely to work in less than ideal environments and do field coating inspections.  Many of your workspaces are dimly lit, hot, and cramped. Modern tools and technology, thankfully, are designed to make your job a little easier. The pipe-inspection robots help protect your pipeline system from internal corrosion.

Pipe Inspection Robots Have Arrived

These devices are really handy and revolutionary, despite the moniker seems like something out of The Jetsons. They also help in improving the pipeline industry.  These robots for inspection, which are designed to get the job done while keeping workers safe, reduce the amount of physical and dirty work involved in the pipeline inspection process, as well as a lot of risks.

Today, we’ll take a look at how they work and the various applications they have.  Interested in learning more? Come on, let’s go.

Pipe Inspection Robots: What Are They?

It is often necessary to crawl into it. We don’t need to go over why this business is risky on multiple levels. A recent study tracked millions of miles of pipeline in the United States from nearly nine years ago. Results? During that time, there have been more than 5,500 pipeline-related accidents.  In addition, nearly 600 people were infected, with more than 125 people dying.  The investigation showed the omnipresent dangers that pipe inspectors face daily, with more than 800 fires and nearly 300 explosions.  In response to this danger, the concept of pipe inspection robots was established.

These are battery-operated CCTV tube inspection robots that can imitate the thinking and functions of a human employee. It can travel deep into even the longest pipelines and is fully submersible and easy to manage, helping teams uncover hidden concerns without putting themselves in immediate danger.

Why Should You Use Robot Inspection?

Robot metrology was once thought to be “beyond the budget of the average firm” in the 1990s.  Things have altered in recent years.  Robotic inspection has become much more affordable, and the benefits make it well worth it in many manufacturing scenarios.

When compared to the two alternative metrology options, the advantages of robot metrology become clear.

1. Measurement Machines That Work Together (CMMS)

You attach your inspection probe to this precise Cartesian positioning equipment. You can position them quite precisely due to their high rigidity.  They are, however, expensive, inflexible, and have a restricted workspace, limiting the size of things you may inspect.  Robot metrology, on the other hand, is more versatile, allowing for a larger workspace, and is potentially less expensive.

2. CMMS On Wheels

The next generation of metrology devices is designed to be operated with one hand. The probe is held by the inspection engineer at various places around the product. The system determines the precise location of the sensor in 3D space using external sensors.

These are more versatile than typical CMMs, but they have the drawback of requiring the user to move the probe around by hand, which is tedious and time-consuming. Robot metrology, on the other hand, takes over the tedious, repetitive component of the inspection process.

This improves the efficiency of your operation by allowing the engineer to focus on the more critical portion of the job, which is inspecting the scans for faults. Because you can inspect more things, it can also contribute to greater product quality.

3. Remote User Management

Inspectors can control the complete robotic system from a lightweight, handheld all-in-one control system rather than going into the pipes. They can view the crawler’s high-definition camera’s real-time, live video stream with the controller in hand.

Users can adjust the shadowless LED lights right behind the controller for a clearer view. Users can adjust the shadowless. Even in the darkest situations, this can assist them to enhance visibility and brightness. They can also use the camera’s pan, tilt, and zoom features to get a closer look at any flaws or other difficulties.

A small, robust tether connects the robot to the controller, allowing for this connection.  Users can document the inspection and transfer all of the findings straight to an integrated asset management software after the proper videos and photographs have been captured.

4. Change Your Perspective On Pipe Inspection

You have one of the most vital and critical jobs in your community as a pipe inspector. That does not imply you have to put up with inhumane or dangerous working circumstances. Pipe inspection robots are here to stay, and embracing this technology could relieve some of the stress and worry you’re experiencing. Our Deep Trekker CCTV pipe crawlers are revolutionising the market as the first portable, battery-operated equipment of their kind.

Conclusion

Although there is still a long way to go before robotic units play a major role in industrial equipment maintenance, the technology’s capabilities are promising, and the benefits are apparent. Lamble is a modern, easy-to-use mobile CMMS software that helps managers organise, automate, and simplify their maintenance operations, removing the stress and chaos from the process.