Skyriders uses drones to complete boiler inspection at Medupi

January 2019 News

One of the largest boiler inspections ever undertaken using drones in South Africa was recently completed by Skyriders on Unit 6 at Eskom’s Medupi Power Station. The project was distinguished by its sheer size, with Unit 6 a towering 80 metres high. In addition, a full internal inspection had to be conducted of the entire furnace area, from the bottom all the way up to the super heater elements. This was especially important as it was the first time that the boiler had been inspected thoroughly since start up.

Skyriders’ marketing manager Mike Zinn explains that from the outset the decision was to deploy the company’s proprietary Elios collision-tolerant drone technology. Imported from Switzerland, the hi-tech drone includes a full HD camera, a thermal camera, and an on-board LED lighting system with remotely adjustable intensity. The drone can be brought into inaccessible places up to many hundred metres beyond line of sight due to the wireless communications system and live video feedback. The collision-tolerance feature means it can enter furnace areas easily, and even go right up to a burner for close inspection, without any danger of crashing or causing damage.

The drone was operated by trained pilots, accompanied by a Level 2 boiler inspector, obviating the risk of any staff having to enter the boiler themselves and also making the inspection much quicker to perform. Skyriders opted to use SkyEye technology because it is designed specifically for such arduous conditions. First of all, the boiler was switched off, and subjected to a forced cooling period so that the drone could enter safely. Thereafter, the drone was piloted inside in order to carry out a full boiler inspection.

For more information contact Mike Zinn, Skyriders, +27 11 312 1418, [email protected], www.ropeaccess.co.za

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...

---

Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.

Read more...

---

Groundbreaking renewable energy skills platform
News
South Africa’s renewable energy sector has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of PowerUp. A South African first, this online platform is designed to equip the country’s workforce with the skills required to meet industry demands.

Read more...

---

Innomotics wins Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding
News
Innomotics has been awarded with the Platinum TITAN Brand Award for Best Corporate Rebranding. The international jury honoured Innomotics’ efforts to develop a powerful and recognisable brand after the carve-out of Innomotics from the Siemens Group in 2023.

Read more...

---

Unlocking Africa’s hydrogen potential
News
Africa is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global green energy revolution, with hydrogen emerging as a critical commodity of strategic and national importance across the continent. Namibia is putting ambition into action by having already reached a number of key milestones towards final investment decision on up to five projects.

Read more...

---

Fuchs doubles sales volume
News
An aggressive growth strategy in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa over the last decade has resulted in Fuchs Lubricants South Africa achieving a CAGR of 6% in volume sold since 2015. The result of this is that sales volume has nearly doubled in this time.

Read more...

---

High-quality sensing and automation equipment
News
The Turck Banner Demo Van is showcasing the company’s latest products and solutions.Turck Banner sells directly to end users and OEMs in a broad range of industries and applications.

Read more...

---

SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.

Read more...

---

From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.

Read more...

---

2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.

Read more...

---