Inspectahire is a UK-based provider of specialist remote visual inspection technology.  Established in 1981, Inspectahire is headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland and operates worldwide delivering its services to a wide range of industries.

The company has an advanced range of technology at its disposal to carry out all manner of inspections.  Its principal activities include the provision of inspection services, equipment rental and project engineering.

The main benefits of using remotely operated technology to carry out inspections are clear; it is quicker, safer and more cost efficient.  Some of the technology has been developed to allow it to be used in harsh and hazardous environments, further enhancing its capabilities.  In a world where cost efficiency and reducing the risks to which personnel are exposed are key drivers, the case for remotely operated inspection technology becomes even stronger.

In the security sector where nothing is left to chance, particularly in advance of major events or visits, remote visual inspection technology has an important role to play as it can access places which humans cannot.

Drain inspections
It is not just what is above ground that is needs inspected for security purposes.  In preparation for the royal wedding in 2011, police teams inspected the drain systems along the procession route.  Robotic tractor crawlers can be deployed to inspect entire drain systems, tunnels and sewers for signs of anything unusual.

These crawlers are rugged four or six-wheeled devices which are fitted with zoom, pan and tilt cameras that are controlled remotely by an operator.  The cameras can relay live images back to the ground and cover a large distance in a short space of time, thus saving time.  Some crawlers are also explosion-proof, meaning they can be used in harsh and hazardous environments.

If access to the inspection site is more restricted, such as through a drain cover, video probes can be used to inspect the site.  These devices are narrow in diameter – some just 3.9mm in diameter – providing high resolution, real-time video outputs.  The footage can be recorded and also captured as still images to allow further investigation or comparison.

Underwater surveys
Threats to security do not just exist on land, but can be hidden underwater, so inspections of harbours, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water may be necessary.  Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are an effective inspection tool which can undertake surveys quickly and safely, and provide real-time video footage in the process.  In addition to surveys they can be used for recoveries, cable burials and search and rescue operations.

The majority of ROVs fly, but some can be fitted with a four-wheel skid which incorporates a suction device that allows them to be driven on any hard surface, in any orientation and with precise control.  Smaller ROVs which offer greater manoeuvrability in tighter spaces and shallower waters are also available.

Heat-seeking technology
Sometimes it is not always possible for the human eye to pick up anomalies, particularly when they have to survey a large area, but technology can help.  Thermal imaging cameras have long been used to detect heat loss from buildings and improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.  However, their ability to measure any object that emits thermal energy means they can be used for security operations and provide the power to see threats invisible to the naked eye.

The cameras can be used to protect facilities, identify people hiding, detect anomalies and assist with crowd monitoring.  Thermal energy penetrates atmospheric obscurants better and father than visible light, providing a means to see through haze, smoke, dust and even fog. Due to the camera’s heat-seeking ability, they are ideal for night time surveillance operations.

Crowd monitoring
Inspectahire also has a range of access systems available for above ground inspections.  Cameras can be mounted onto telescopic masts for the internal inspection of a shaft or tower to length of 40m.  For crowd monitoring or general surveillance, cameras can be mounted to autonomous flying systems such as blimps and balloons. The images are relayed by WiFi to the operator on the ground. Such systems can allow large crowds or areas to monitored quickly and easily with minimal intrusion, and then allow resources to be targeted effectively.

In addition to offering equipment rental and end-to-end inspection services, Inspectahire operates its own project engineering service which is staffed by highly-skilled inspection technicians who have a comprehensive knowledge of non-destructive technologies. This in-house facility, coupled with the extensive stock of equipment, allows the company to custom design systems to solve specific inspection tasks in the safest and quickest possible way. 

Inspectahire offers equipment rental, contracting and project engineering services that provide flexible solutions.

For more information
Tel: +44 (0)1224 789692
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www.inspectahire.com