Technology/IT ¦ IDM
May 2020 ¦ international-dairy.com · 27
Climbing robot during examination in a fluidised bed dryer
(Photo: Invert Robotics)
documented in a report. If a repair is necessary, it can be carried
out immediately by Invert Robotics' partner companies,
provided that the repair is scheduled accordingly. These specialists
are certified industrial climbers (IRATA) and welding
experts and do not need to erect scaffolding for their work.
Due to this method, the critical assets only need to be taken
out of production for a minimum amount of time. This makes
it an extremely cost-effective exercise for the customer. The
average inspection time of a dryer with an 8m diameter is
just one day, whilst a storage tank can be inspected within a
time frame of 2 to 3 hours.
Reporting
Invert Robotics is aware of tight time constraints in the production
process and bases its inspections on planned preventive
maintenance, scheduled in accordance with their
customers. On request, Invert Robotics can also inspect entire
silo farms (up to 25 tanks per week), states Mr. Amin, a
trained biologist and Industry Commercial Specialist.
After each inspection, the client receives an immediate
preliminary report, and this is backed up with a final report
within 72 hours of the inspection having taken place. This
report provides the basis, should any further inspection or
maintenance be needed. Regularly performed inspections
usually lead to a longer service life of the critical assets and
serve to avoid any unplanned production stoppage. Wellknown
companies in the industry, such as Milei or Sachsenmilch,
already use the service of Invert Robotics.
Special features
In the case of particularly narrow containers that the robot
cannot pass through, Invert Robotics guides a camera suspended
from cables into the area to be tested. This camera
can be moved 360° by remote control to gain the required
The robot adheres itself onto the inner wall of the container via
vacuum and travels over its entire surface (Photo: Invert Robotics)
view. The robots’ manoeuvrability means it can inspect from
several angles; it can even complete its inspection hanging
upside down.
Depending on the surface condition of a container, Invert
Robotics can also use robots that are magnetically attached.
Ultrasonic testing, which is used, for example, to determine
wall thickness, completes Invert Robotics' range of services.
Cooperation with inspection authorities
Invert Robotics regularly supports inspection authorities like
TÜV with its technology in the testing of pressure vessels
and reactors. Invert Robotics technicians and TÜV inspectors
work closely together and the acceptance test is carried out
as usual by the inspector of the Technical Inspection Agency.
No chemistry
"One of the main advantages offered by our method, in addition
to the time saved for the client and plant health and
safety, is that we can operate without chemicals," explains
Mr. Amin. "Especially in drying plants, air filters often show
discoloration for some time after the conventional inspection,
which is caused by the fluorescent dyes used."
Idea and progress
Invert Robotics' climbing robots were invented in New Zealand.
James Robertson developed the patented combined
sliding and suction cup technology seven years ago at the
University of Canterbury when he received a request from
the New Zealand dairy industry to reduce the time required
for container inspections and to eliminate the use of dyes. In
the meantime, the company founded by Robertson is active
worldwide. In due course, IDM will report on current ongoing
developments, about which Delan Amin is currently only
hinting at…
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