Underwater inspections with innovative technological equipment not only revolutionize operational efficiency but also lead the way toward sustainable practices in the field of underwater evaluations. Discover the advantages, limitations, and challenges of the different types of inspections in this article.
Hydroelectric plants, critical for energy generation and energy transition goals, constantly face the challenge of evaluating the lifespan and structural conditions of their assets—key factors for efficient and sustainable operations.
For years, traditional underwater inspections have been the standard, but a new era has emerged, transforming the industry and seeking solutions to evaluate underwater assets more safely and effectively.
Traditional Inspections: Limitations and Challenges
Traditional inspections of submerged structures have been fundamental in assessing the integrity of critical infrastructure, but they come with several limitations.
These traditional inspection methods often require fully draining dams and/or structures. This practice has a negative ecological impact, prolonged downtime, and significant operational risks.
Additionally, inspection costs tend to be high due to the extensive manpower and support equipment (safety, machinery, etc.) required for these operations.
These factors make traditional inspections costly and risky, both operationally and occupationally. For these reasons, various studies now recommend traditional methods only when ROV inspections reveal critical issues requiring dry work.
The Sustainable Future: High-Tech Underwater Inspections
In this context, underwater inspections with cutting-edge technology emerge as an innovative response to conventional challenges.
ASI Group Latam, a leader in this field, has demonstrated how underwater inspections with ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) are transforming these crucial evaluations, significantly reducing associated risks and delivering considerably better results than traditional methods.
Benefits of Underwater Inspections with ROV Technology
Minimizing Downtime
- Structural lifespan evaluation without draining, reducing project duration.
- Executing complex tasks in challenging environments with tools designed specifically for such purposes.
- Drastic reduction of downtime, improving operational efficiency.
Lower Associated Risks
- Elimination of draining requirements, reducing structural risks during these processes.
- Use of high-tech tools to perform complex operations without exposing human lives to risk.
- Ensuring a safe and effective inspection process.
An Eco-Friendly Alternative During Water Scarcity
- Preserving essential water resources by avoiding draining for inspections.
- A sustainable option supporting the continuous operation of hydroelectric plants.
Comprehensive Information for Long-Term Decisions
- Comprehensive reports on the condition of structures and underwater environments, using ROVs, UAVs, and other tools to provide reliable, high-quality data for informed decision-making.
- Transparency and elimination of biases from previous reviews.
- Improved accuracy of data collected from areas of interest.
Significant Cost Reductions in Maintenance and Inspection
- Shorter operation times and fewer resources significantly reduce associated costs.
- Reduced plant downtime directly translates into lower losses for hydroelectric plant owners/operators.
- More complete and precise information reduces costs through efficiencies in maintenance decisions following inspection work.
ASI Group Latam’s Commitment to Sustainability
ASI Group Latam demonstrates that choosing and performing underwater inspections with high technology not only addresses structural challenges but also enhances efficiency, safety, and profitability for our clients.
Cutting-edge underwater inspection technology is not only revolutionizing how we assess structures but also paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in the industry. Are you looking for more sustainable inspections with ASI Group Latam? Contact us.
