Voliro Launches Innovative Drone With Pulsed Eddy Current For Enhanced NDT Inspections

Voliro, a leading name in Aerial Mobile Robotics, has recently announced a significant development in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technology. In a pioneering move, the company is integrating the first-ever drone-enabled Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) payload developed by Sixpec®. This collaboration marks Voliro's initial foray into incorporating third-party payloads, underscoring their dedication to enhancing inspection technologies and methodologies through their open robotic platform.

Pulsed Eddy Current technology stands out as a sophisticated technique within the NDT sector, designed to identify defects such as Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) in insulated metal components and structures. The technology operates by emitting short, high-energy electromagnetic pulses capable of penetrating various materials, including coatings and insulation. This allows for the detection of hidden corrosion or metal loss without necessitating direct contact. PEC technology is particularly crucial for industries where the integrity of pipelines, vessels, and structures is paramount, including the petrochemical sector.

Traditional methods of inspecting for CUI involve the use of bulky equipment and can require scaffolding, rope access, or the removal of insulation, which introduces safety risks and incurs high costs. Voliro’s integration of the lightweight, second-generation Sixpec® module onto their Voliro T drone revolutionizes this process. Their innovative solution facilitates safe, efficient, and precise inspections of difficult-to-access areas without the need for direct contact or invasive preparatory work. This approach was successfully validated at a refinery, demonstrating its capability to detect early-stage CUI beneath up to 100 mm of insulation thickness.

The PEC payload boasts unique features such as a new probe design, noise shielding and canceling, and specialized algorithms that ensure high-quality measurements through thick layers of coating and corrosion (patents pending).

The Voliro T as a Platform

The introduction of the third-party PEC payload developed by Sixpec® signifies a strategic expansion of Voliro’s platform approach. The Voliro T drone transcends its identity as merely a drone; it is a comprehensive platform tailored to meet diverse inspection needs. Its adaptable payload system facilitates the seamless integration of various inspection tools, rendering the Voliro T an invaluable asset for any work at height.

This platform strategy enables Voliro to adapt to the evolving demands of different industries and serve a broad spectrum of clients using state-of-the-art drone technology.

A Leap Forward for the NDT Industry

The development and integration of the PEC Payload by Voliro represent a significant advancement for the NDT industry. By merging sophisticated PEC technology with the agility and safety offered by drone inspections, Voliro is redefining standards for efficiency, safety, and accessibility in industrial inspections.

The company invites industry stakeholders to join this new era of inspection technology through Voliro’s innovative solutions. The collective goal is to achieve safer, more efficient, and comprehensive inspections, thereby propelling the NDT industry forward. An early adoption program for the PEC payload on Voliro T drones is currently underway with select customers, with a general availability date yet to be announced.