Hydroelectric Dam Inspection
Challenge
Our client required a solution for inspecting a hydroelectric dam water inlet tower as a preparatory step before commencing inlet plugging operations. The inspection would also provide a clear understanding of the asset’s structural condition, identification of wear and damaged areas and crack propagation to support maintenance planning and long-term asset integrity management.
The inspection was to be carried out in turbid water conditions near the riverbed, which significantly reduced visibility and increased the complexity of capturing accurate data. This required a solution capable of delivering high-quality visual data, detailed analysis and actionable reporting despite the difficult conditions.
Solution
To address the challenge of low-visibility, Ashtead Technology configured a fully integrated inspection solution combining compact ROV systems and advanced imaging technology capable of operating within the demanding operational environment.
A team of Ashtead Technology inspection specialists using the Voyis Discovery Stereo Camera integrated with a compact ROV platform captured a high-resolution data set of the water inlet tower. This was processed in-house and provided the client with a detailed 3D photogrammetric model, supporting dimensional assessment and condition evaluation of the structure.
The advanced imaging configuration also provided reliable structural coverage in the challenging conditions and allowed areas of material degradation, wear and surface damage to be clearly identified. Data quality was verified in real-time, with post processing, analysis and reporting completed by the Ashtead Technology asset integrity inspection team. This approach ensured full structural coverage, reduced operational risk and delivered clear, actionable inspection findings within the project’s tight schedule.
Results and impact
The project successfully delivered a comprehensive condition assessment of the hydroelectric dam water inlet tower, providing the client with high-quality inspection data and a detailed 3D model to support plugging operations.
Despite the challenging conditions, the integrated inspection solution ensured reduced operational risk and delivered clear, actionable findings within the project schedule.
Rapid data processing and reporting allowed the client to make informed maintenance decisions and plan long-term asset integrity management, establishing a valuable baseline for future inspection, comparison and ongoing condition monitoring activities.
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