Industrial chimneys are an essential part of installations in the energy, chemical and metallurgy sectors. They ensure the safe evacuation of often toxic combustion gases, and guarantee the smooth operation of production units. However, these complex and often very high structures require regular inspections to ensure their integrity.
But inspecting an industrial chimney is not a trivial operation. It presents a number of hazards for operators, incurs significant costs and sometimes requires heavy technical resources. In this context, innovative solutions such as the Stereo2developed by Multinnovcombine safety, efficiency and economy. This confined-area inspection drone revolutionizes the approach to industrial maintenance, keeping man away from danger while guaranteeing high-quality visual inspection .
The dangers of inspecting industrial chimneys
The inspection of industrial chimneys is a critical step in preventive maintenance, but not without risk. The complexity of these structures requires human intervention at height or in confined spaces, often under extreme conditions.
Risk of falling from height
Industrial chimneys can be hundreds of meters high. To inspect their walls, technicians often have to work suspended from ropes, platforms or aerial work platforms. Even when properly equipped (harnesses, fall arrest systems, etc.), there is still a risk of falling. In France, as elsewhere, falls from height remain one of the leading causes of industrial accidents.
Inhalation of toxic gases
The inside of a chimney may contain combustion residues or residual gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides or sulfur dioxide. The inhalation of these gases, sometimes invisible and odorless, represents a major health hazard for inspectors, especially in poorly ventilated or recently used flues.
Extreme temperatures
Even several hours after a furnace or industrial plant has been shut down, the inside of the chimney can remain very hot. Contact with the walls, or an incorrect assessment of the ambient temperature, can cause burns or heat-related discomfort.
Structural risks
Over time, chimneys can suffer a variety of degradations: cracks, corrosion, delamination of materials, weakening of supporting structures... Human intervention inside a weakened chimney can lead to partial collapse or falling elements, directly endangering technicians.
Logistical and financial constraints
Setting up a manual inspection often requires stopping production, mobilizing qualified personnel (rope access technicians, HSE engineers), installing complex safety devices... This generates not only direct costs, but also operating losses that can have a major impact on plant performance.
The Stereo2 drone: an innovative solution to keep man away from danger
To meet the challenges of safety and efficiency, Multinnov offers a technological alternative: the Stereo2an inspection drone specially designed to operate in confined, dark, narrow or dangerous environments.
This indoor drone has been developed with a clear objective in mind: to keep man away from danger , while ensuring accurate, fast and reliable overhead inspection . It meets the most stringent industrial, safety and operational performance requirements.
Technical features tailored to chimney inspection
The Stereo2 is a concentrate of technology :
- Robust, lightweight structure : enclosed in a spherical carbon-fiber cage, the drone is protected against impact and can safely operate in narrow ducts or with irregular walls.
- Low-latency 4K camera : for high-definition visual inspection , even in dark areas or at great depths. The operator can pilot the drone while observing the condition of structures in real time.
- Powerful LED lighting : four adjustable LED panels illuminate surfaces evenly, improving image legibility and detecting anomalies (cracks, corrosion, delamination, etc.).
- Stable flight in confined spaces : the Stereo2 is designed to maintain optimum flight stability even in the absence of GPS or in vertical ducts, thanks to its inertial stabilization system.
- Remote control and live feedback : all data (video, telemetry, distance, flight time) is transmitted live, enabling rapid decision-making and fully autonomous inspection.
A solution that transforms industrial inspection
The Stereo2 drone drone offers an in-depth transformation of the approach to chimney inspections:
- Zero human exposure : the inspector no longer sets foot in the duct. The man remains outside and controls the drone remotely, eliminating all physical risks.
- Considerable time savings : no need to erect scaffolding or suspend operations for several days. The inspection can be completed in just a few hours.
- Cost reduction : by avoiding heavy, costly equipment (gondolas, lifelines, extended shutdowns, etc.), the return on investment is rapid.
- Inspection quality : very high-resolution images enable detailed analysis that can be recorded and shared with design offices, experts or inspection authorities.
- Traceability : each inspection is digitally archived, facilitating comparison over time and predictive maintenance management.
Inspecting an industrial chimney is a critical but perilous operation, requiring considerable resources and exposing operators to high levels of risk. In an industrial context where safety,efficiency and profitability are top priorities, it is becoming urgent to rethink these operations with appropriate technological solutions.
With this in mind Multinnov offers the Stereo2a new-generation inspection drone designed to operate in the most complex environments, including confined spaces and at height. Thanks to its innovative design, technical capabilities and ease of deployment, itkeeps man away from danger while ensuring reliable, fast and cost-effective inspection.
Forindustry players looking for a high-performance tool for their inspection operations, the Stereo2 is a must-have solution. It combines technology, safety and operational intelligence in a modern preventive maintenance approach.
