March 6, 2024, Lausanne
Flyability, a pioneer in the confined-space drone industry, just announced a groundbreaking innovation: a new ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) payload for their flagship drone, the Elios 3. Developed in collaboration with Cygnus Instruments, a global leader in ultrasonic testing (UT) technology, this payload aims to support certified UT inspectors in performing critical inspections.
The live A-scan UT payload is specifically designed for spot thickness measurements of steel in challenging environments such as ship hulls, internal storage tanks, and between pipe racks. Traditional methods often involve hazardous scaffolding or risky access procedures, but this payload offers a safer alternative. The Elios 3 can navigate confined spaces or reach tight spots at heights with ease, completing wall thickness gauging or corrosion surveys efficiently and securely.
Equipped with an ultrasonic probe mounted on a smart arm, it features a laser pointer for precise aiming at measurement points. The arm's adaptable design caters to the complexity of industrial settings, and a remotely controlled couplant dispenser ensures optimal ultrasound transmission. Each measurement can be geo-tagged on a digital twin of the asset for simplified post-inspection analysis. Additionally, the Elios 3 can carry a cleaning module to prep surfaces before taking measurements.
Patrick Thévoz, CEO and co-founder of Flyability, shared, "Our customers in oil and gas, maritime, and chemical sectors have long requested the ability to perform UTM alongside visual inspections. After four years of development, we’re thrilled to introduce this reliable, safe, and effective solution. Now, inaccessible areas without scaffolding or lift access can be inspected effortlessly."
Quality and compliance were top priorities during development. Flyability collaborated closely with Cygnus Instruments to integrate ultrasonic technology seamlessly with the Elios 3. The payload’s software is fully integrated with the Elios 3’s Cockpit app, enabling real-time A-scan visualization and manual adjustments to gain and gates. Users can choose from dual-crystal piezo-electric composite transducers that support through-coating echo-echo measurement modes. Drawing on Cygnus’s 40 years of expertise in UT markets, the payload adheres to ISO 16809 standards, ensuring unmatched precision, quality, and reliability.
Lulu Crosthwaite-Eyre, Managing Director of Cygnus Instruments, noted, "For decades, we’ve listened to industry demands for better inspection tools. The push toward drone-based inspections began two decades ago, but credible solutions were scarce—until now. Our partnership with Flyability combines their engineering prowess and rigorous field testing with Cygnus’s legacy in ultrasonic innovation. This collaboration is timely, offering safer NDT inspections across multiple industries."
The UTM payload made its debut at the Flyability User Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. It’s now available for demonstrations and purchase, with initial deliveries expected in Q3 2024. As the third modular payload for the Elios 3, it expands the drone’s versatility for mapping, surveying, and non-destructive testing applications. Learn more about this game-changing technology at [Flyability’s website](www.flyability.com).
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**About Flyability:**
Founded in Switzerland, Flyability designs drones to operate in challenging, confined spaces, prioritizing safety by keeping humans out of harm’s way. Their latest model, the Elios 3, launched in 2023, includes radiation detection and surveying LiDAR payloads. Headquartered in Paudex, Switzerland, with additional offices in China, Singapore, and the U.S., Flyability is reshaping how industries approach dangerous inspections.
**Contact:**
Email: press@flyability.com
Website: www.flyability.com
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**About Cygnus Instruments:**
Established in 1983, Cygnus Instruments specializes in ultrasonic testing equipment for various industries worldwide. Based in the UK with regional offices in Singapore and the UAE, they provide robust, user-friendly solutions like ultrasonic thickness gauges, hatch cover leak detectors, and flooded member detection systems.
**Contact:**
Email: info@cygnus-instruments.com
Website: www.cygnus-instruments.com
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