Remote Visual Inspection (RVI)
Remote visual inspection is a non-destructive testing technique that employs the use of remotely operated cameras and robotic crawlers in order to assess the integrity of components and infrastructure in areas that are too dangerous or remote for direct human intervention.
Details
How it Works
Remote visual inspection (RVI) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique for visual observation of a component or region under test where the inspector or technician operates the test equipment from elsewhere. Pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras have evolved to a more compact size in order to access extremely confined spaces. Software developments have enabled objective data to be viewed on screen, recorded for analysis and reporting later. Continued advancements in the field of robotics has empowered inspection cameras to travel into previously inaccessible areas. RVI is used to examine a wide range of infrastructure. When utilized as a standalone tool or part of a remote crawler system, RVI cameras can deliver high definition video with advanced imaging options for detailed assessment of any industrial structure with limited or unsafe access.
Benefits
RVI is a cost-effective NDT method for inspection of capital assets and critical components, monitoring conditions and preventing failures that might otherwise cause serious environmental damage and increase risk to human health and safety. Remote visual inspection enables timely assessments and real-time evaluations without the need for interrupting service.
- Removes humans from potentially unsafe conditions
- Reduces or eliminates need for Confined Space Entry (CSE)
- No need for scaffolding or working at heights
- No disassembly or lost production time for in-service inspection
- Objective data doesn’t rely on inspector expertise
Remote Operations
Robotic crawler systems used for RVI are also regularly deployed for a variety of remote applications including cleaning and surface preparation, and remote handling or retrieval operations where human intervention is limited due to access restrictions or unsafe areas.
Beyond Inspection: we offer OnSpec Robotics for remote industrial applications that fall outside of non-destructive testing. Visit our dedicated site to learn more and get in touch with our robotic experts!
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Remote Cleaning
- Duct cleaning and dry ice removal | View blog
- Cleaning of offshore production and drilling rigs, FPSO and ship hulls, pipelines, hauls, chain, fishing nets, dams, culverts, drains and wind farms | View blog
- Subsea cleaning operations for ship hulls, offshore riser platforms and offshore wind turbines | View blog
- Surface preparation operations in difficult-to-access or potentially dangerous environments | View video
Remote Asset Maintenance
- Paint and coatings application in petrochemical plants, remote pipelines and offshore oil platform risers | View blog
- Grout removal from inside neutrino-muon beamline | View blog
- Vacuuming water and silt out of water storage tanks | View blog
- Plural component polyurethanes and polyurea application including applying foam in abandoned pipe | View blog
Remote Handling, Tooling, and Foreign Object Search and Retrieval (FOSAR)
- Move and recover suspect packages, cut straps and cords | View blog
- Collect nuclear waste samples from tanks | View blog
- Search and rescue in underwater applications | View blog
- Tool recovery or debris removal | View blog
Beyond Inspection
Eddyfi Technologies offers custom robotic solutions for remote industrial applications in confined spaces, hazardous environments, and underwater areas previously inaccessible by direct human intervention. Learn more about our OnSpec Robotics here.