Taking NDT to New Heights: Drones Reshape Inspections in India
MAD Times
13/2024
By Ravi Karkara, GN Madhu, Dr S Srikrishnan
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Non-destructive testing (NDT) ensures the integrity of structures and equipment without causing damage. Traditionally, NDT involved inspectors working at heights or in confined spaces. Drones are revolutionizing this field, offering a safer, faster, and more efficient solution.
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Global Scenario:
NDT drones are gaining traction worldwide. They excel in inspecting oil & gas pipelines, wind turbines, bridges, and storage tanks. Companies like Voliro (https://mfe-is.com/product/voliro-t-ultrasonic-ndt-drone/) offer specialized drones for ultrasonic NDT, enabling flaw detection in hard-to-reach areas.
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India and the Drone NDT Market:
The Indian drone industry is booming, with the government actively promoting its use. NDT presents a significant opportunity within this. Here's a SWOT analysis for companies considering NDT drones in India:
?Strengths:
Cost-effective: Drones reduce manpower needs and inspection times, leading to substantial cost savings.
Safety: Drones eliminate risks associated with working at heights or in confined spaces.
Accessibility: Drones can reach areas inaccessible to traditional methods.
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Weaknesses:
Regulations: While regulations are evolving, complete clarity on drone operation for NDT purposes is awaited.
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Skilled Workforce: There's a need to train a workforce in drone piloting and NDT techniques for drone-based inspections.
Payload Limitations: Current drone payloads might limit the range of NDT techniques that can be effectively deployed.
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Opportunities:
Growing NDT Market: The Indian NDT market is expected to witness significant growth due to rising infrastructure development.
Evolving Regulations: As regulations become clearer, NDT drone adoption is poised to accelerate.
Technological Advancements: Advancements in drone technology, like increased payload capacity, will further enhance capabilities.
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Threats:
Competition: As the market matures, competition from established NDT service providers is likely to increase.
Weather Dependence: Drone operations can be hampered by adverse weather conditions.
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Feasibility in the Indian Market:
The Indian market shows strong potential for NDT drones. The cost benefits, safety improvements, and alignment with government's drone push make it a compelling proposition. However, addressing regulatory hurdles and creating a skilled workforce are crucial for successful adoption.
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Conclusion:
NDT drones represent a transformative technology for the Indian infrastructure sector. By addressing the existing challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, companies can leverage this innovation to gain a competitive edge and ensure the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure.