VZÚ Plzeň, a leading robotic inspection service provider in the Czech Republic, is transforming the way power generation sites are inspected using the Elios 3 drone. This innovative technology is helping them streamline operations, improve safety, and deliver more accurate results than ever before. Safety First The Elios 3 allows VZÚ Plzeň to inspect high-risk areas like tall structures and confined spaces without putting personnel in danger. By eliminating the need for scaffolding or rope access, they ensure a safer working environment while maintaining full control over the inspection process. Enhanced Efficiency In just 10 days, VZÚ Plzeň was able to inspect 16,000 points of interest on a cooling tower using the Elios 3. This rapid data collection not only fits into scheduled maintenance windows but also ensures faster decision-making and quicker turnaround times for clients. Precision & Accuracy Even when inspecting towering structures over 100 meters high, the Elios 3 provides precise data that can be localized within a 3D model. This level of accuracy makes it easier for maintenance teams to identify and address issues quickly and effectively. Business Growth By leveraging the Elios 3 for detailed non-destructive testing (NDT), VZÚ Plzeň has expanded its client base and secured new projects. The high-quality insights they provide give them a competitive edge and add real value to their customers’ operations. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a critical inspection method used across industries to evaluate the condition of assets without causing damage. It plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability and longevity of equipment, especially in sectors like power generation where failure can lead to severe consequences. NDT helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures compliance with safety standards. In the power generation sector, where even a minor issue can disrupt electricity supply and cost millions, NDT is essential for maintaining operational continuity and safety. VZÚ Plzeň has been at the forefront of adopting advanced robotic inspection tools, including the Elios 3, to enhance their NDT capabilities. Starting with the Elios 2 in late 2022, they have since upgraded to the latest model, which has significantly improved their workflow and inspection outcomes. Filip Schmidt, VZÚ Plzeň’s lead drone inspector, shared, “The Elios 3 has transformed our operations. Piloting, defect detection, data collection, and overall flight efficiency have all seen major improvements.†Initially, some industry professionals were skeptical about the effectiveness of drones in inspections. However, through consistent performance and high-quality results, VZÚ Plzeň has earned the trust of their clients, proving that drone-based NDT is both reliable and efficient. Boiler inspections are traditionally time-consuming and require extensive setup, such as scaffolding and elevated work platforms. These steps not only increase downtime but also pose safety risks to inspectors. With the Elios 3, VZÚ Plzeň can conduct thorough internal inspections in a fraction of the time, without the need for physical access. This approach not only saves time and money but also minimizes disruption to plant operations. If no maintenance is required, the plant avoids unnecessary costs. If repairs are needed, the precise data from the Elios 3 ensures that maintenance crews can target specific areas efficiently. This boiler inspection was conducted using the Elios 3 from the inside The ability to gather visual and LiDAR data quickly ensures that power plants can make informed decisions about maintenance, reducing unplanned outages and maximizing energy output. Flue gas ducts are often difficult to access and prone to wear due to abrasive particles. At one site, VZÚ Plzeň was tasked with assessing the condition of these ducts, which had steel guiding plates installed to reduce damage. However, upon inspection, the team found that the plates had eroded, creating a hazardous environment. The Elios 3 enables safe, remote inspections of high-level assets With the Elios 3, VZÚ Plzeň was able to navigate the ducts and identify critical areas of concern without requiring risky rope access. This approach provided a safer alternative while still delivering the necessary data for maintenance planning. In 2023, VZÚ Plzeň was commissioned to inspect a power plant’s cooling towers. Over the course of two visits, they completed 300 flights across four towers, inspecting around 16,000 points of interest in just 10 days. The Elios 3 was used to inspect complex structures within the cooling tower By accurately mapping defects and localizing them in a 3D model, VZÚ Plzeň provided clear and actionable insights to the plant managers, enabling them to prioritize repairs and maintain optimal performance. VZÚ Plzeň’s experience with the Elios 3 demonstrates how drone technology can transform traditional inspection methods in the power generation sector. Their success has not only improved safety and efficiency but also helped shift industry perceptions about the reliability of drone inspections. As Filip Schmidt explained, “Our use of the Elios 3 has not only enhanced our services but also raised the bar for safety and efficiency in the industry. We’re committed to delivering exceptional results and continuing to explore new opportunities in power generation.†With ongoing advancements in drone technology, VZÚ Plzeň is well-positioned to continue leading the way in NDT inspections. Their commitment to innovation and quality ensures that they remain a trusted partner for power generation clients across the Czech Republic and beyond. Learn more about the Elios 3 and how it's changing the future of industrial inspections. Plastic Denture Holder,Denture Case Holde,Invisalign Aligner And Retainer Case,Cleaning Invisalign Case Ningbo Hinix Hardware Industry & Trade Co., Ltd , https://www.hinixpack.comRevolutionizing NDT Inspections in Power Generation with the Elios 3
Key Benefits at a Glance
Understanding Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Integrating NDT with Robotic Inspection Technology
Streamlining Boiler Inspections with the Elios 3
Inspecting Flue Ducts with Drone Technology
300 Flights Inside a Power Plant Cooling Tower
Building Trust in Drone-Based Inspections