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# Analyzing a 35-Meter Dam Surge Tank with the Elios 3 in Canada
## Benefits at a Glance
### Safety
One of the standout advantages of using the Elios 3 was the ability to inspect and plan maintenance for a 35-meter-high surge tank without putting anyone in harm's way. The team was able to conduct their assessments from the safety of the ground, eliminating the need for risky climbs and ensuring everyone stayed out of harm’s reach.
### Efficiency
In just 7 minutes of drone flight, the Elios 3 captured all the data required to map out the area. This efficiency drastically cut down the time spent planning based on assumptions or incomplete information, allowing the team to proceed with confidence and precision.
### Accuracy
The detailed data collected from the Elios 3 revealed discrepancies between the actual construction of the surge tank and the original design plans. This discovery necessitated an update to the site records and recalculations of flow dynamics to align with the real-world conditions observed.
### Collaboration
The successful inspection was a testament to the power of teamwork. Osprey Integrity collaborated closely with rope access specialists to determine the safest approach for conducting maintenance. This partnership ensured that both parties—rope specialists and drone operators—worked in harmony, leveraging each other’s expertise for optimal outcomes.
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Hydroelectric power is an industry under constant scrutiny due to its critical role in energy production. Infrastructure is built using the best available technologies of the era, but as advancements continue, periodic updates become essential. This includes not only routine maintenance but also upgrading facilities to maximize their potential output.
Taltson Hydro Plant, located on the Taltson River—a 290-meter-long waterway in the Northwest Territories of Canada—is currently undergoing a six-month refurbishment. The facility consists of one hydroelectric power station, which will undergo extensive renovations, including the installation of a new turbine, a new generator, and repairs as needed.
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## Planning Future Upgrades Using Drone Mapping
As part of these extensive refurbishments, the Taltson Hydro Plant aims to enhance its turbine and generator capabilities to boost the plant’s maximum capacity. Central to this effort is a thorough examination of the entire water conveyance system, with special attention paid to the penstock surge tank. This component serves as a crucial buffer during turbine operations and must be evaluated for both its flow capacity and structural integrity.
Accurate data collection plays a pivotal role in this process. A multidisciplinary team was assembled to gather comprehensive data throughout the plant. Mark Horton from Dimension Consulting joined forces with Yannick Methot of GTA Hydro, the owner’s engineer, to evaluate and strategize the plant’s upgrades. Mark Nevison of Crux Trades, a rope access specialist, was also part of the team, providing expertise for high-altitude inspections.
Nevison proposed reaching out to Osprey Integrity, a drone services provider, for assistance with data collection, particularly focusing on the surge tank, which stands at an impressive 35 meters tall. Utilizing drones offered a safe method to assess the tank’s condition and plan necessary maintenance tasks.
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## Incorporating Drones into Inspection Workflows
Courtland Penk, president of Osprey Integrity, traveled to the remote Taltson Hydro Plant, accessible only by small plane. The inspection required both visual assessments and LiDAR imaging, making the Elios 3 the perfect choice for the job. Its capability to collect data safely at heights and within confined spaces like penstocks and tunnels made it indispensable.
With the flight meticulously planned and the appropriate tools selected, Courtland and his team embarked on the drone mission. The flight lasted just 7 minutes, yet it yielded all the necessary data from the 35-meter surge tank. Following this, the drone ventured further into the structure, examining the orifice of the surge tower and performing detailed analyses of the T-joints in the piping and tunnels, capturing both visual imagery and LiDAR data.
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## Results of the Elios 3 Surge Tank Inspection
The data gathered from the Elios 3 flight proved invaluable. Initial processing with CloudCompare and Metashape software allowed Courtland to share the extracted 3D scan with a third-party contractor. This scan was then used to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis on the orifice and tee joint losses, essential for understanding future operational conditions of the surge tank.
Mark Nevison and his team leveraged the drone inspection to plan access routes for the rope engineers. It became evident that certain structures intended for securing ropes had corroded significantly, necessitating alternative solutions. Additionally, there were missing bolts and screws requiring immediate attention.
Furthermore, the inspection uncovered discrepancies in the T-joint construction compared to the originally planned designs. This revelation was crucial for verifying the maximum pressure capacity of the penstock following the new installations.
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## Impact of Drone Inspections
Courtland’s team demonstrated the immense value of integrating drone inspections into traditional maintenance workflows. By working collaboratively with rope access specialists, they facilitated safer and more efficient operations.
Osprey Integrity not only provided more data than anticipated but also streamlined the refurbishment process. As the Taltson Hydro Plant resumes operations with its newly installed equipment, it is poised to deliver enhanced power output, increasing from 18 MW to 22 MW.
Learn more about the Elios 3 and explore its advanced surveying payloads.
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This project underscores the transformative potential of modern technology in enhancing safety, accuracy, and collaboration within the hydroelectric sector.