As we step into the year 2024, the global chemical industry is looking forward to positive developments driven by increased demand, favorable regulations, and a commitment to sustainability, decarbonization, digitalization, and innovation. The upcoming year is expected to bring about transformative changes, emphasizing sustainable practices, energy transition, digital initiatives, and innovative technologies.
However, recent incidents, such as industrial accidents resulting in the loss of 700 lives over the past three years in Gujarat, India alone (Source: New Indian Express), underscore the urgency for improved safety measures. Many of these accidents could have been averted through timely inspections and maintenance of critical assets.
In the dynamic landscape of the chemical industry in India, Operations and Maintenance Managers encounter a multitude of challenges, with one of the most pressing issues being the continued reliance on manual inspections. Despite technological advancements, many facilities persist in conducting manual inspections, posing substantial risks to both personnel and assets.
In this blog, we explore the hazards associated with manual inspections in the Indian chemical industry and discuss how innovative solutions from Volar Alta are revolutionizing the inspection process.
Hazards of Manual Inspections in the Chemical Industry:
Safety Risks: Manual inspections often require personnel to work in hazardous environments, exposing them to potential chemical exposure, fire, and explosion risks. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India, toxic gas exposure incidents in chemical facilities have shown a concerning upward trend.
Inaccuracy and Subjectivity: Human errors during manual inspections can lead to inaccuracies in identifying defects or potential failures. Subjectivity in assessments may result in inconsistent findings, compromising the reliability of inspection data.
Downtime and Production Losses: Traditional inspection methods, such as shutdowns for visual inspections, contribute to significant downtime and production losses. The Chemical Industries Association estimates that unplanned downtime costs the Indian chemical industry millions of dollars annually.
Limited Accessibility: Certain equipment and structures may be challenging to access manually, leading to incomplete inspections or delays in identifying critical issues. This limitation can result in unexpected failures and subsequent production interruptions.
Volar Alta: Transforming Chemical Industry Inspections
In response to the hazards posed by manual inspections, Volar Alta offers cutting-edge drone inspection services tailored for the chemical industry in India:
Confined Space Drone Inspections: Volar Alta's confined space drone inspections provide a safer alternative to sending personnel into hazardous environments. Drones equipped with advanced sensors can navigate confined spaces, collecting comprehensive data without exposing workers to potential dangers.
External Drone Inspections: External inspections using drones enhance efficiency by quickly assessing the condition of structures, pipelines, and equipment. High-resolution imagery and data collected by drones offer a more accurate and timely assessment compared to traditional methods.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement: Volar Alta's Drone-powered Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement services ensure the integrity of critical assets. This non-destructive testing technique allows for precise measurements of material thickness, aiding in the early detection of corrosion and structural weaknesses.
Data Analytics and Workflow Management: The AI-powered data analytics and work flow management tool are not just efficient, but also comprehensive. By embracing these cutting edge innovations, you can get all the data related to your plant equipment on a click!
Benefits of Volar Alta's Services:
Enhanced Safety: By minimizing human exposure to hazardous environments, Volar Alta's drone inspections significantly enhance safety for on-site personnel.
Improved Accuracy: Advanced sensors and data analytics ensure accurate and consistent inspection results, reducing the likelihood of human errors.
Reduced Downtime: Drone inspections enable swift and comprehensive assessments, minimizing downtime and associated production losses.
Increased Accessibility: Drones can access difficult-to-reach areas, providing a more thorough inspection of equipment and structures.
Watch Volar Alta Inspections Live-In-Action:
Conclusion
The hazards of manual inspections in the Indian chemical industry are substantial, impacting safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Embracing innovative solutions like Volar Alta's Drone Inspection services and Ultrasonic Thickness measurement not only addresses these challenges but also propels the industry towards a safer and more productive future. Leading corporations are playing a pivotal role in driving this transformation, ensuring a seamless integration of technology for enhanced inspection processes.
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