Remote digital visual inspection and the creation of a digital twin in support of inspection strategies

Visual inspection of tanks, pressure vessels, towers, stacks, piping and other infrastructure can be a lengthy and costly exercise. Along with this are the dangers and risks associated with putting humans into confined spaces and operating at elevated heights. High-resolution cameras attached to drones have become a safe and reliable alternative to inspecting objects at height, while mounting cameras with suitable lighting onto magnetic crawlers [remotely operated vehicles (ROV)] has avoided the need for people to enter confined spaces. During a typical remote inspection, a competent inspector can view live HD video images to assess the condition of the equipment whilst guiding the pilot or ROV operator to points of interest. With advancements in modelling software, multiple photographs taken during the inspection can be stitched together to create a 3D model or digital twin. With resolution down to approximately 1 mm, the opportunity exists to carry out a remote desktop inspection and use object-recognition software to scan thousands of photographs for corrosion or any other defects in a matter of minutes if not seconds. Key words Inspection, digital twin, remote digital visual inspection (RDVI), vessels, drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROV)