Innovative Safety Enhancement for Confined Space Inspections
Flyability, a leading provider of drone-based confined space inspection solutions, has unveiled a cutting-edge flammable gas sensor tailored for its flagship drone, the Elios 3. Developed in collaboration with NevadaNano, a prominent company specializing in advanced gas detection technologies, this new sensor is designed to provide real-time warnings of combustible gases, significantly boosting safety measures during inspections.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The newly integrated flammable gas sensor is capable of detecting over 14 common combustible gases with a high resolution of 0.1% lower explosive limit (LEL). This sensor not only identifies the type of gas present but also measures its concentration within confined spaces, offering comprehensive insights into the atmospheric conditions. While the sensor enhances safety, it does not confer ATEX certification to the drone. Instead, it serves as a critical safety marker, enabling pilots to recognize dangerous gas levels and take appropriate action. The real-time data provided by the sensor empowers pilots to make informed decisions, whether that means halting an inspection or continuing operations safely.
Enhancing Safety Standards in High-Risk Industries
The introduction of this flammable gas sensor elevates the Elios 3’s safety standards by enabling precise hazard detection. This advancement provides pilots with peace of mind and the necessary information to assess danger levels in confined spaces. Such capability is crucial in industries like oil and gas, sewage management, power generation, and mining, where the presence of flammable gases poses significant risks. By integrating this sensor, Flyability enhances the Elios 3’s payload offerings, making it an indispensable tool for ensuring safety during inspections.
Expert Insights and Strategic Partnerships
Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability, emphasized the importance of the new sensor: “The addition of this sensor allows Elios 3 pilots to operate more safely in hazardous environments where combustible atmospheres are not easily detectable from outside. Real-time gas detection provides crucial awareness, enhancing the safety of missions in complex settings.”
Karl Roberts, European Sales Director at NevadaNano, highlighted the collaboration: “Partnering with Flyability to incorporate our advanced gas detection technology into the Elios 3 drone is exciting. The MPS sensor’s ability to accurately detect a wide range of combustible gases, along with its resistance to saturation and poisoning, significantly enhances safety in dangerous environments. Combining our sensor technology with Flyability’s innovative drones sets new safety benchmarks for high-risk industries, ensuring workers have access to reliable real-time data in some of the most perilous confined spaces.”
Availability and Upcoming Demonstrations
The flammable gas sensor for the Elios 3 is scheduled to be available to users by the end of 2024. To showcase the new sensor’s capabilities, Flyability is hosting a webinar on November 12th at 16:00 CET. The event will feature live demonstrations of the sensor and presentations from Flyability’s product team, highlighting how the sensor enhances situational awareness and safety standards in demanding environments.
About Flyability
Flyability, headquartered in Paudex, Lausanne, Switzerland, specializes in designing drones that eliminate the need for humans to perform dangerous tasks. Their advanced drones and software solutions facilitate safer, faster, and more cost-effective inspections across various sectors, including oil & gas, maritime, chemical, cement, mining, water & wastewater, and nuclear industries. In 2023, Flyability launched the Elios 3, its latest drone model, which supports multiple payloads such as ultrasonic (UT) measurement, radiation detection, surveying, and now the new flammable gas sensor. Flyability maintains a global presence with offices in China, Singapore, and the USA.
