The innovative technology for remote surveying aligns with the company’s safe work environment policy
From: Friday, October 14, 2022
Quebec, Canada, October 14, 2022 — Following Shell Bulgaria’s formal announcement, Eddyfi Technologies is pleased to confirm its collaboration with the industry leader to identify a safer alternative to manned inspection of autogas tanks: purpose-built inspection robots. Shell has implemented robotic vessel inspection in many of the countries where it operates. It is actively pursuing this remote non-destructive testing (NDT) be legally recognized as an alternative to Bulgaria’s official inspection which necessitates confined space entry, or CSE. In doing so, fuel retailers will be able to choose whether to continue sending people inside the tank or a robot instead.
Confined space entry inspections of autogas tanks presents many risks to human operators including gassing which has very serious consequences. As part of Shell’s industry lifesaving rules developed by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, CSE is only allowed in unique circumstances after special permission has been obtained. With Eddyfi Technologies inspection robots, human entry into tanks is no longer required and the risk is removed.
Digital NDT data collection brings correlating benefits of robotically deployed inspection solutions. Liam Hanna, Business Development Manager at Eddyfi Technologies, comments, “Our goal is not just to copy the work of the person inside the tank, but to make inspection at the same or even better level, while actually increasing safety... the data obtained by the robot is at least as good, if not better, than if it was collected by a human. At the same time, you get a really high-quality inspection record. So when you're done checking, you not only know exactly where the measurements were taken, but you also have a record of it so you can find the risky spots again. You also have quality photos and video footage to support the data collected. So at the next inspection of the same tank after one, two or five years, you can re-examine exactly those places. You can take more photos, more measurements and track how things have changed over time to assess the condition of the asset and how long it can remain in service... it is our desire to make this inspection as safe as possible. And this is the best way to achieve this goal - through robotic remote inspection.”
Kevin Airey, Fuel Systems Development Engineer at Shell UK, adds, “Shell's highest priority is to ensure safety at work. So by avoiding putting humans in the tanks and using robots instead, we can ensure that.”
Eddyfi Technologies is proud to collaborate with Shell on this important mission not only to keep the technicians performing the inspection safe, but also the communities all around the world where these assets requiring routine examinations exist. Our inspection robots deliver repeatable, actionable, meaningful, and preventative data results to keep all stakeholders Beyond Current.
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Guerin
Director of Marketing
Eddyfi Technologies
Tel: 418-780-1565 x238
[email protected]
Eddyfi Technologies offers a diversified portfolio of NDT instruments, sensors, software, and robotic solutions for the inspection of critical components and assets in key industries such as aerospace, oil & gas, defense, and power generation. Eddyfi Technologies serves customers in more than 110 countries. Headquartered in the advanced NDT hub of Québec (Canada), Eddyfi Technologies employs more than 620 people, and leverages 13 centers of excellence and sales offices worldwide, all staffed by NDT experts. Learn more at www.eddyfitechnologies.com.