Industrial inspections are crucial to maintaining the safety, productivity and quality of processes in high-risk environments. In sectors such as the cement industry, installations are often subjected to extreme conditions, including dusty and confined environments. This makes visual inspections difficult and risky. This is where specialized drones, like the Stereo2 from Multinnovcome into play. In this article, we take you to Belgium, to a cement plant in Heidelberg, where an inspection mission was carried out in collaboration with Alphascana company specializing in technical inspections by drone. Together, they used the Stereo2 to inspect the plant's cyclones, offering an innovative, high-performance solution for inspections in complex conditions.
Cyclone inspection in a cement plant: a duo mission with Alphascan
Alphascan stands out for its ability to carry out technical inspections using drones in a wide variety of industrial environments. Whether for critical infrastructure inspections or maintenance missions, Alphascan uses drones equipped with the most advanced technologies to collect precise data while ensuring the safety of those involved.
As part of this mission, Alphascan collaborated with Multinnov to inspect cyclones at a cement plant in Heidelberg, Belgium. Cyclones are used to separate fine particles from gases, a key process in cement production. They need to be inspected regularly to ensure that they are working properly, and to avoid failures that could lead to costly production stoppages. However, as cyclones are often located in areas that are difficult to access and sometimes high up, their manual inspection represents a major challenge.
It is in this context that the use of the Stereo2 was a major asset. Thanks to its small size, maneuverability and high-definition camera system, the Stereo2 made it possible to inspect the cyclones without having to interrupt the production process. It was able to infiltrate confined spaces and provide detailed images of different parts of the cyclones, enabling technicians to detect any anomalies without having to risk the safety of human operators.
The Alphascan-Multinnov duo used the drone to obtain the 360-degree views and high-quality images needed to assess equipment conditions. The use of this technology not only enabled the work to be carried out faster and more accurately, but also helped to reduce risks for operators by eliminating the need to send workers into hazardous areas.
Stereo2 in the dust
One of the main difficulties encountered when inspecting a cement plant is the presence of dust. Cyclones, silos and other production equipment generate dust.
a significant amount of dust, making visibility extremely difficult. What's more, the drones used in these environments must be able to withstand these conditions while offering a clear view of the area being inspected.
The Stereo2 has been specially designed to meet these challenges. With its advanced technical features, the Stereo2 is perfectly suited to inspecting installations in dusty environments. One of its major assets is its small size, enabling it to squeeze into tight spaces while offering remarkable stability in flight. Even in dusty environments, this drone can maintain visual stability thanks to its high-definition camera systems and indirect LED lighting, designed to improve visibility in poorly lit areas.
The cameras of the Stereo2 cameras are capable of capturing sharp, precise images, even in difficult conditions. Whether spotting cracks, blockages or signs of wear on equipment, the drone delivers images of such quality that they enable detailed analysis without the need to visit the site. The fact that the drone is resistant to dust and extreme conditions also makes it particularly suitable for industrial areas such as those found in this cement plant.
The Stereo2with its dust protection and lighting system, provides operators with an effective tool for carrying out inspections in complex environments. Missions can thus be carried out more safely and efficiently, reducing risk while increasing productivity.
The technology behind Stereo2: Innovation for industry
The Stereo2 is no ordinary drone. It's a drone designed specifically for inspections in confined, hard-to-reach environments. Its compact design, with a diameter of just 39 cm, enables it to operate in areas where other, larger drones would be unable to reach. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as 4K cameras and a stabilization system, to capture the high-quality images and video essential for any technical analysis.
In addition to its small size and ability to fly in confined spaces, the Stereo2 features an ultra-precise flight control system that enables it to maintain optimum stability even in windy or turbulent conditions. Thanks to its flight stabilizer and advanced navigation technologies, the drone is able to carry out precise inspections without the risk of drift.
The 4K camera system, combined with high-performance LED lighting, guarantees optimum visibility even in dark or dusty environments. This enables the drone to capture detailed images of equipment, allowing potential problems to be detected before they become critical. This level of detail is essential for inspections in complex plants such as cement factories, where minor defects can have major consequences on production.
Drone inspection of cyclones at the Heidelberg cement plant Stereo2 showed just how much of an asset this technology can be to the industry. In an environment as demanding as that of a cement plant, where dust and confined spaces make conventional inspections difficult, the Stereo2 demonstrated its ability to offer innovative solutions for complex inspection missions.
In partnership with Alphascan, Multinnov has provided an effective and safe solution for inspecting installations without endangering the safety of operators. The Stereo2 not only enabled faster, more accurate work, it also contributed to better risk management and improved productivity.
The cutting-edge technology of Stereo2technology, combined withAlphascanexpertise, makes it possible to meet the technical challenges encountered in complex industrial environments. In a world where innovation is essential to remain competitive, this type of solution represents the future of industrial inspection.
Find out more about the capabilities of the Stereo2capabilities, watch the video of the mission carried out at the Heidelberg cement plant.
