# Analyzing a 35-Meter Dam Surge Tank Using the Elios 3 in Canada
## Benefits At a Glance
When it comes to inspecting large-scale infrastructure like a 35-meter surge tank, safety is paramount. Utilizing the Elios 3 allowed the team to carry out a comprehensive inspection without needing to physically enter the hazardous environment. This approach not only eliminated the risk of accidents but also ensured that all necessary assessments could be completed efficiently.
Efficiency was another key advantage. A mere 7-minute drone flight provided ample data to plan rope access routes accurately. This drastically reduced the time spent on planning, which previously relied heavily on assumptions or incomplete information. Having precise data upfront streamlined the entire process significantly.
Accuracy was also a standout benefit. The Elios 3 revealed discrepancies between the actual construction and original design plans. This discovery necessitated updating site records and recalculating flow capacities to align with the current reality. Such precision is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and preventing potential failures.
Lastly, effective collaboration played a vital role in this project. Osprey Integrity collaborated closely with rope access specialists to devise the safest methods for conducting maintenance tasks. This teamwork not only enhanced safety measures but also accelerated progress thanks to reliable data collection.
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## Planning Future Upgrades for a Hydropower Plant with Drone Mapping
Hydroelectric power remains a critical component of global energy production. As technology evolves, so too must our approach to maintaining these essential facilities. The Taltson Hydro Plant, located along the Taltson River in Canada's Northwest Territories, exemplifies this need. Currently housing one hydroelectric power station, the facility has been temporarily shut down for six months to undergo comprehensive renovations. These include installing a brand-new turbine, generator, and addressing any required repairs.
A pivotal aspect of this renovation involves assessing the water conveyance system, especially focusing on the penstock surge tank. This structure serves as a buffer during turbine operation and requires thorough evaluation regarding both its flow capacity and physical condition. Accurate data collection becomes indispensable when planning such extensive modifications.
Dimension Consulting joined forces with GTA Hydro, represented by Yannick Methot, to assist in digitizing the hydro plant. Meanwhile, Mark Nevison from Crux Trades contributed his expertise as a rope access specialist, ensuring safe access to hard-to-reach areas. Recognizing the challenges posed by the surge tank’s height—35 meters—they decided to employ drones for detailed inspections.
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## Incorporating Drones into Inspection Workflows
Courtland Penk of Osprey Integrity traveled to the remote Taltson Hydro Plant site, accessible solely via small aircraft. Their mission included performing both visual inspections and collecting LiDAR imagery. The Elios 3 emerged as the perfect tool due to its ability to capture high-quality data even in confined spaces like tunnels and surge tanks. Focusing initially on the orifice of the surge tower, they extended their exploration deeper into the penstock.
Executing the drone flight proved remarkably swift, completing in just seven minutes. Post-flight activities involved analyzing images and scanning the interior of the surge tank, identifying rusted sections requiring attention. These findings proved invaluable for subsequent maintenance planning.
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## Results from the Elios 3 Surge Tank Inspection
The data gathered during the Elios 3 flight yielded exceptional insights. Initial processing using software like CloudCompare and Metashape facilitated sharing the results with external contractors. Subsequent 3D modeling enabled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses aimed at optimizing future surge tank operations.
Moreover, rope access teams leveraged this drone-derived intelligence to optimize their own procedures. They discovered structural vulnerabilities within the tank, prompting adjustments to their anchoring strategies. Additionally, they verified inconsistencies in the T-Joint design compared to initial blueprints, impacting decisions related to maximum allowable pressures post-upgrade.
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## Impact of Drone Inspections
This collaborative effort underscored the synergy achievable when integrating drone technology with traditional rope access methods. By enhancing safety standards and accelerating workflows, projects like those at Taltson Hydro Plant stand poised to achieve greater efficiencies. Anticipated upgrades aim to boost output capacity from 18 MW to 22 MW, underscoring the broader implications of embracing modern solutions in legacy industries.
For further insights into the capabilities of the Elios 3 and innovative payloads, stay tuned for upcoming developments!
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