Eddyfi Technologies supplies Shell with robotic solution for safer autogas tank inspection
15/12/2022
Following Shell Bulgaria’s formal announcement, Eddyfi Technologies has confirmed 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 in which it operates. It is actively pursuing that this remote non-destructive testing (NDT) method be legally recognised as an alternative to Bulgaria’s official inspection, which necessitates confined space entry (CSE). In doing so, fuel retailers will be able to choose whether to continue to send people inside the tank or use a robot instead.
Confined space entry inspections of autogas tanks present 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, commented: “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 just 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 are done checking, you not only know exactly where the measurements were taken, 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 those exact 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. This is the best way to achieve this goal: through robotic remote inspection.”
Kevin Airey, Fuel Systems Development Engineer at Shell UK, added: “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. The inspection robots deliver repeatable, actionable, meaningful and preventative data results.
