Confined Space Inspection System using UAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Confined spaces are spaces with limited entry and exit openings and poor natural ventilation, where toxic or flammable contaminants can accumulate, or where the atmosphere is deficient in oxygen. For these reasons, these spaces are not designed for continuous occupation by workers. However, the water supply network has many confined spaces that need to be checked periodically to ensure proper functioning.
The IDRON project proposes the use of drones to perform these types of inspections, with the objectives of minimizing occupational risks associated with the inspection process in confined spaces, increasing the efficiency of the inspection process, and enhancing the competitiveness and differentiation of the consortium’s companies. However, current drone technology significantly limits the ability to conduct inspections in these types of spaces. In order to achieve a useful and functional tool that can truly drastically change the way these types of inspections are performed, the development of certain technologies is necessary. All of these developments will be integrated into new inspection procedures that will be validated with tests in areas of the EMASESA supply network.
For all these reasons, the technical objectives of the IDRON project are:
1.- Development of an autonomous system for navigation in a complex confined environment such as underground pumping stations, large manholes, galleries in facilities, digesters, covered clarifiers, etc.
2.- Development of mission and safety systems for drone inspections in confined spaces.
3.- Development of new infrastructure inspection and maintenance procedures through the use of these technologies.
4.- Validation of developments in real environments (for example, underground pumping stations, or galleries in facilities, digesters).
PARTNERS
- ELIMCO
- EMASESA
- University of Seville (USE)
- FADA-CATEC
FINANCING
The project is part of the 2017 Collaboration Challenges call of the State Program for Research, Development and Innovation oriented to the Challenges of Society, within the framework of the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation, 2013-2016.
Project funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the State Research Agency.
