Chimneys

We propose to inspect the higher sections of chimneys by drone for a fast, safe and affordable execution. We are familiar with the OHS requirements of industrial sites and we make sure to perform flights in full compliance, and using the most efficient technologies available on the market.

 

Advantages :

• Less expensive and faster than a crane basket inspection
• Lots of quality photos or videos
• Can be performed while chimneys are in service
• Possible to use the captured photos to obtain a 3D point cloud of the equipment using photogrammetry

 

To consider :

• Usually allow two days between request and execution for the preparation of mission plans
• Weather conditions can delay the work (rain, snow, winds)
• Provide a nearby area reserved for take-off and landing

 

Conformity :

• Approved to fly on the two refineries in Quebec
• Transport Canada drone operator license
• Pilots certified by Transport Canada

If you suspect any anomalies in height while the chimney is in service, we are able to perform a quality and detailed thermographic inspection on the entire equipment with a drone. This technology provides an infrared view of the chimney, making it possible to identify abnormal thermal gradients linked to localized loss of thickness or damage in the refractory concrete. We are familiar with the OHS requirements of industrial sites and we make sure to perform flights in full compliance, and using the most efficient technologies available on the market.

 

Advantages :

• More efficient than an inspection from the ground
• Lots of quality images

 

To consider :

• Usually allow two days between request and execution for the preparation of mission plans
• Weather conditions can delay the work (rain, snow, winds)
• The chimney must be in service

 

Conformity :

• Approved to fly on both refineries in Quebec
• Transport Canada drone operator license
• Pilots certified by Transport Canada

Using high-resolution infrared cameras, we are able to observe from the outside the efficiency, and therefore the condition, of the refractory concrete inside the chimneys. These inspections are carried out in operations and inspections at regular intervals make it possible to follow the evolution of the damage and plan interventions more efficiently.

 

Advantages :

• Inspection carried out remotely, and in service
• Battery-powered infrared camera with real-time results
• The inspection report provides all the visible and infrared images, in order to clearly identify the damaged areas

 

To consider :

• To get good results, the inspector should get shots from different locations to be as perpendicular as possible to the surfaces of interest
• Interpretation is greatly improved when inspections are carried out at certain time intervals to observe changes

We have developed an exclusive and very innovative technique using a drone for a fast and safe inspection of the interior of chimneys during production turnarounds. This is a technique proven on site. We deliver inspection results in immersive 360 ​​video format. We are familiar with the OHS requirements of industrial sites and we make sure to perform flights in full compliance.

 

Advantages :

• Less expensive and faster than a crane basket inspection
• Deliverable in quality 360 video that covers the entire interior surface in one file
• Safer than sending an inspector inside with a crane basket

 

To consider :

• Top end must be open (accessible)
• Usually allow five days between request and execution for preparation of mission plans
• We will need the plans of the chimney to inspect
• Weather conditions can delay the work (rain, snow, winds)
• Provide a nearby area reserved for take-off and landing

 

Conformity :

• Approved to fly on both refineries in Quebec
• Transport Canada drone operator license
• Pilots certified by Transport Canada

We generally use "phased-array" ultrasonic testing for the detection of loss of thickness in the walls, heads and nozzle necks of equipments.

This technique provides fast coverage and excellent interpretation of surface profiles.

Advantages :

• Precise thickness data
• Rapid coverage of large areas
• Excellent interpretation of the type of dammage
• Possible to inspect through a uniform and well-adhered paint
• Applicable on hot surfaces (variable maximum temperature)

To consider :

• Need to apply couplant to the contact surface
• It may be difficult or impossible to take measurements from a heavily corroded contact surface
• Measurements may become more difficult to take when the remaining thickness is less than 1 to 3mm (depending on the application)

Phased-array ultrasonic thickness measurement data can be recorded based on position to obtain detailed thickness mapping for the region of interest. Different scanners can be used, including a magnetic robot with a range of 60 feet, or a pipe elbow scanner. But more frequently we use a small encoder attached to the probe for versatility, being that obstacles are often present in the areas of interest (nozzle, walkways, ladders, insulation, etc.).

Advantages :

• Efficient and detailed thickness mapping
• Data available in Excel format for "fitness for service" calculations or monitoring of progress over time
• Very versatile technique
• During shutdowns, this technique applied from the inside allows excellent detection of CUI (corrosion under insulation)

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant or water to the contact surface
• Magnetic robot can be used to reach remote areas

Technician Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, PAUT
• ASNT, UT level 3

Magnetic particles non-destructive testing method is very efficient and simple to perform. It detects defects emerging at the surface in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic yoke is generally used to create the magnetic field.

Different Techniques:

• Dry powder (yellow or red)
• Black particles on a white background ("black & white")
• Fluorescent particles (in dark environment)

Advantages :

• Fast and effective
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on various geometries
• The dry powder technique is applicable at high temperature

To note :

• Applicable only to ferromagnetic materials
• Detection of surface defects, or very close to the surface, only
• Requires a clean surface (no grease)

Technician Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Magnetic Particles, Level 2
• CGSB, Magnetic Particles, Level 2

Various non-destructive testing techniques are available by rope access, like ultrasonic testing, magnetic particles, liquid penetrant or 3D laser scanning.

 

Advantages :

• Less expensive than interventions with cranes
• Today's rope access techniques are proven and safe

 

To consider :

• Preparation of interventions is necessary, usually including a preliminary site visit

 

Conformity :

• IRATA certified technicians