Safety screening of boiler
In this case study, we explore the need for a safety screening of a waste boiler and how we helped an inceneration plant using our drone.
Key points from the case:
Why perform a safety screening of a waste boiler?
When waste is burned to produce electricity and heat in power plants, a residual product called slag is formed. This slag can become hard as rock and stick to the boiler walls. To prevent the slag from falling and hitting employees during maintenance, the client uses dynamite to blast away the build-up.
However, dynamite alone doesn’t always remove all the slag on the first try. Due to the size of the boiler and the many hidden areas, it can be difficult to get a full overview. Therefore, there is a risk that the crew is sent into a boiler where slag can still fall down.
Safety screening with drone
Drone Eksperten was contacted by the inceneration plant with a desire to increase safety during boiler inspections and maintenance work before audits.
Our solution is based on our Elios 3 drone, which one of our experienced drone operators maneuvers into the boiler after the first blasts. The drone gives us a visual overview of the areas where additional dynamite may be needed to remove the remaining slag. By combining the drone’s camera with a 3D LiDAR scanner, we create a live 3D model that maps where additional blasting is needed.
The inspection takes just 15-30 minutes and can potentially save lives.
Results and impact measurement
After implementing the drone-based safety screening, the client has seen significant improvements in both efficiency and safety. By replacing traditional manual inspections with a fast, 3D LiDAR-supported drone inspection, the total inspection time has been reduced by up to 50%. This time saving means that potentially dangerous areas can be identified and remedied faster, minimizing the risk of slag accidentally falling during maintenance.
Furthermore, the detailed 3D model provides accurate mapping of areas where additional blasting is needed, reducing wasted dynamite and optimizing resource consumption. These results highlight how the integration of modern technology not only improves daily operations, but also creates a direct positive impact on employee safety and company finances.