Exelon Clearsight recently employed the Elios 2 drone for an ASME XI nuclear containment building inspection, cutting down billable hours by over 300 and completing the inspection a full month faster than traditional methods while requiring only half the number of qualified inspectors. Speed Inspection time dropped from six weeks to just two weeks. Reduced Workforce Qualified inspectors needed fell from three to just one. Safety Enhanced safety by minimizing risks for inspectors. Nuclear inspections are inherently complex due to the unique challenges posed by radiation exposure. Yet, they are critical for ensuring the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Regular inspections help detect potential issues before they escalate, maintaining the integrity of nuclear infrastructure. Nuclear inspections follow stringent codes that dictate how inspections should be carried out. One such inspection involves the containment building, which must be inspected every five years under ASME XI code. These buildings, made of concrete, require thorough checks for any signs of deterioration. ASME XI inspections are extensive due to the massive scale of containment buildings. They include checking every square inch of the structure for cracks or damage. Given the size of these buildings, which can exceed 40,000 square feet, traditional methods of inspection can take over a month even with a large team. Inspectors traditionally use various tools like telescopes, binoculars, and scaffolding. However, these methods are not only time-consuming but also risky. In one incident, two inspectors were stranded 280 feet in the air after a crane malfunctioned. Traditional inspection methods involve building scaffolding and using rope access to inspect hard-to-reach areas. These methods are costly, risky, and resource-intensive. Recognizing these challenges, a nuclear facility manager sought assistance from Exelon Clearsight’s inspection experts. They aimed to conduct the inspection using drones rather than manual methods. Elios 2 drone performing the nuclear containment building inspection Using drones promised significant benefits, including reduced costs, increased efficiency, and enhanced safety. This was a major project, with over 40,000 square feet needing inspection. Moreover, this was only the third time this type of inspection was attempted with a drone. With deep expertise in nuclear inspections and drone technology, Exelon Clearsight selected the Elios 2 for this task. Its unique design allowed operators to closely examine concrete surfaces and gather essential data. Elios 2 drone operating outside the containment building Did Exelon Clearsight succeed in conducting the ASME XI inspection using the Elios 2? Yes, they did. Within two weeks, using a team of just four people, Exelon Clearsight completed the inspection of the entire 40,000 square feet. They captured high-resolution images of over 150 areas of interest. They achieved full coverage of the structure, despite its immense size. The final report provided detailed defect categorization along with photogrammetric measurements. Here are the benefits Exelon Clearsight realized by employing the Elios 2: Exelon Clearsight’s success in this nuclear containment building inspection highlights the Elios 2’s capability to meet the strictest ASME XI standards. They plan to apply these methods to future inspections, saving hundreds of man-hours and reducing downtime. This inspection also suggests the Elios 2 could be valuable for inspecting other concrete structures for wear and tear. The potential applications of these methods are vast. Learn more about Exelon Clearsight’s offerings on their website or LinkedIn page. As a subsidiary of Exelon, which serves over 10 million customers, Exelon Clearsight leverages its deep industry experience to deliver innovative solutions. Their unique insights help create value for clients across the utility sector. Scented Oil Diffuser,Essential Oil Diffuser,Best Essential Oil Diffuser,Aroma Oil Diffuser Guangzhou Chiyang Scent Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.diffuserscent.comA Month of Work Saved in Complex Nuclear Inspections with the Elios 2
Key Benefits at a Glance
Introduction
Customer Requirements
Solution
Results
Advantages of Using the Elios 2
Conclusion
About Exelon Clearsight
One Month of Work Saved on Complex Nuclear Inspection Using the Elios 2