Page 20 - Energize May 2022

NEWS

Vertical inspection solution for tank

farm maintenance

hen a large petrochemical many related health and safety issues. “While our Elios SkyEye drones
tank farm depot in Germiston The system provides fully automated are ideal for complex spaces, precision
Wwas investigating alternative inspections of even the hardest-to-reach repeatability can be limited. This is where
maintenance methods that are cost- vertical asset. the Zenith system comes into its own,
effective as well as quick and flexible, it “We became aware of a case study as it can save set parameters in order to
turned to leading rope access specialist from the US where this system had been be able to repeat certain manoeuvres
Skyriders Access Specialists Pty Ltd. The used successfully on a petrochem tank and take numerous identical pictures for
two-phase project involved moving large project,” explains Zinn. He immediately comparative analysis,” highlights Zinn.
plant and equipment off these big storage saw the technology as being highly Skyriders has been collaborating with
tanks to facilitate access. complementary to Skyriders’ own drone this particular petrochem producer since
This was followed by deploying the service, allowing it to provide a holistic 2013 on its maintenance requirements,
Elios SkyEye drone, in addition to the new inspection service. “The combination of with a spotless record to date. The
Zenith vertical inspection solution from Elios SkyEye and Zenith definitely closes longstanding relationship has not only
the US, in order to inspect the internal any gaps that either system may have, stood the test of time but gave the client
structure of the tanks. “It was quite a opening up many other opportunities for the confidence to implement the latest
unique project,” comments Skyriders’ us.” technology in order to cut costs and
marketing manager Mike Zinn. The Zenith system is ideal for mine increase safety.
Developed by Interactive Aerial, an shafts, silos, elevator shafts, towers,
American company based in Traverse smokestacks and even sewer systems. It Contact Mike Zinn, Skyriders, Phone 011
City, Michigan, Zenith is a simple-to-use, was conceptualised and patented in 2019, 312 1418, mike@ropeaccess.co.za, www.
interactive, remote drop camera system with final testing completed only in 2020. ropeaccess.co.za
which allows users to survey 150 m of “Basically, it is a drone that is lowered and Facebook: www.facebook.com/
vertical space, negating the need for controlled very carefully on a vertical cable SkyridersIndustrialRopeAccess
costly downtime, human entry and the to take pictures,” adds Zinn. Twitter: twitter.com/SkyridersZA

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