Enhancing Inspections at a Power Station in a Petrochemical Plant, Guangdong

 

Petrochemical plants are among the most challenging industrial environments, with their intricate layouts and high-risk zones. At a power station in Guangdong, the Unitree B1 quadruped robot was deployed to streamline inspections across generating units #5/#6, #7/#8, and #9/#10, proving its worth as a vital tool for improving efficiency, safety, and cost management.

The Challenge

Petrochemical plants require constant vigilance to ensure smooth operations and prevent incidents. Inspections at power stations within these facilities pose several challenges:

• Complex Monitoring Needs: Equipment like gauges, pipes, and generators must be regularly inspected to identify issues such as liquid leaks or temperature fluctuations.
• High-Risk Zones: The presence of hazardous materials and volatile gases makes manual inspections dangerous for personnel.
• Cost Pressures: Frequent inspections using traditional methods are labor-intensive and costly.

The Solution: The Unitree B1 Quadruped Robot

The Unitree B1 robot was equipped with a range of advanced technologies to meet the unique requirements of the power station:

• 3D LiDAR System: Enables precise mapping and autonomous navigation across the power station’s ground floor.
• Dual-Light PTZ Camera: Captures and analyzes real-time readings from visible light gauges for equipment performance monitoring.
• Acoustic Imager: Detects gas leaks and monitors liquid drips to ensure safety and prevent environmental hazards.
• Infrared Thermal Imaging: Identifies temperature fluctuations in equipment, facilitating early detection of potential failures.
• Wireless Communication Module: Allows real-time data transmission and monitoring from the control room.
• Autonomous Charging Station: Ensures uninterrupted operations by allowing the robot to recharge autonomously.

Real-World Benefits

The deployment of the Unitree B1 robot delivered several tangible benefits for the power station:

• Improved Safety: The robot reduced the need for personnel to enter hazardous zones, minimizing exposure to high-risk areas and volatile gases.
• Enhanced Efficiency: By autonomously performing multiple tasks such as temperature detection, gas leak identification, and gauge readings, the robot streamlined the inspection process.
• Cost Reduction: The closed-loop system for data collection, anomaly detection, and analysis minimized operational costs by reducing the reliance on manual inspections.
• Comprehensive Monitoring: The robot provided multi-layered monitoring of critical areas, such as the GIS room, ensuring full coverage and reducing the likelihood of overlooked issues.

A Closed-Loop System for Inspection Excellence

One of the standout features of the Unitree B1 deployment at this power station was its ability to create a closed-loop system for inspections. This system allowed the robot to:

1. Collect Data: Gather real-time information on equipment performance using its sensors and imaging tools.
2. Detect Anomalies: Identify issues such as gas leaks, temperature fluctuations, or liquid drips.
3. Analyze Findings: Transmit data to the control room for analysis and informed decision-making.
4. Act Proactively: Alert operators to potential issues, enabling timely interventions and reducing downtime.

This closed-loop approach not only enhanced the reliability of inspections but also optimized the management and maintenance costs of robotic inspection solutions.

Beyond Petrochemical Plants

The success of the Unitree B1 robot in this petrochemical power station demonstrates its adaptability to other industries:

• Oil Refineries: Monitoring tanks, pipelines, and high-risk areas.
• Power Grid Substations: Autonomous inspection of high-voltage equipment and transformers.
• Chemical Plants: Identifying leaks, spills, or temperature anomalies in hazardous environments.
• Manufacturing Facilities: Ensuring operational safety and efficiency in industrial plants.

Conclusion

By deploying the Unitree B1 quadruped robot at the power station in Guangdong’s petrochemical plant, the facility achieved a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective inspection process. This case study highlights the power of advanced robotics in addressing complex challenges in industrial environments.

For more information about how the Unitree B1 robot can transform your inspection processes, visit Robostore.com. As the official US distributor of Unitree Robotics, we’re ready to help you harness the power of autonomous inspections.