Keltbray says its use of drones on construction sites has caused a doubling in inspection efficiency and cut carbon emissions by almost 50% on utilities infrastructure jobs.
The construction-engineering specialist is working with drone supplier heliguy to collect condition data quicker and more safely on power-line projects.
Keltbray says drones have revolutionised the way it conducts condition-based assessments – replacing a once time-consuming, labour-intensive and high-risk process.
Gordon Cranston, project construction manager at Keltbray Energy, said: “Innovation is at the forefront of our business and drones are the future, bringing so many benefits to our operations.
“Through a relatively small investment, drones reduce business risks and costs, enable us to access and develop new market places, and increase overall safety within high-risk environments which naturally drives efficiency during projects.”
The drones are equipped with cameras, which enable Keltbray to collect thermal imagery so that the team is able to spot defects or issues to help prevent fires that can occur as a result of failures in power lines.
Keltbray is using drones deploying the 45MP P1 photogrammetry camera and L1 LiDAR sensor, in conjunction with the DJI Terra drone mapping software package, to create detailed, centimeter-accurate 3D models and point clouds.
The company says it is now able to inspect six electricity towers per day – up from three with traditional methods – and has cut carbon emissions by 45.46% per pylon.
Cranston said: “Drones provide an efficient and effective way of understanding the remaining lifespan of aging assets and determining investment programmes.”
Image credit: Shawn Rain/Unsplash
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