DRAX COOLING TOWER INSPECTION AND SURVEY
Sector
Power GenerationRegion
EuropeCyberhawk’s two-man team, consisting of a highly trained UAV pilot and an inspection engineer, provided close visual and thermal UAV inspection of 12 cooling towers at Drax. Cyberhawk created a three dimensional model of each cooling tower to aid the visualization and accurate measurement of defects and to complement a comprehensive inspection report providing detail on the 360o condition of the structure from ground level to the mantle.
Typically, this standard of inspection would be carried out by a team of steeplejacks using cradle access suspended from the top of the cooling tower and would require a period of two to three weeks to complete. Cyberhawk’s team’s experience of working with tall and live assets at power stations saw Cyberhawk emerge as the preferred provider for this complex work scope.
The inspection of tall structures such as cooling towers, chimneys and flares requires meticulous planning.
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This detailed reporting allowed Drax to evaluate its assets and make critical operational maintenance decisions. This service was vital to reduce the potential risk of costly delays or surprises during their planned shutdown.
With accurate condition information in hand, during the shutdown, the necessary repairs and maintenance was completed by a specialist chimney repair company.
