Indirect Visual Testing

Indirect Visual Testing of Materials with Cameras, Video Endoscopes and Unmanned Vehicles

DEKRA performs indirect visual testing of materials with specific cameras, video endoscopes and unmanned vehicles. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, and remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to perform visual inspection tasks in places that are dangerous, difficult or impossible to access by humans.

About Advanced Visual Testing

DEKRA’s non-destructive testing experts offer a range of indirect advanced visual testing methods with cameras such as Pan & Tilt, video endoscopes or unmanned vehicles. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones and also remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to perform visual inspection tasks in places that are dangerous, difficult or impossible to access by humans.
Visual Testing with Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles are remotely controlled flying tools that also can carry a wide range of sensors like cameras. This way, they are able to perform one or more specific inspection tasks. Thanks to the miniaturization and increasing power of computer technology to control and process data at high speeds, unmanned aerial vehicles can take over inspections at places that normally are difficult or dangerous to access such as high industrial areas or buildings. They can also enter tanks, drainage or ventilation pipes, chimneys and other difficult-to-access spaces faster and more efficiently than ever before. The high cost of scaffolding and the danger presented to people working at height, for example, can now be reduced to a minimum.
Visual Testing with ROVs
Remote operated vehicles are typically used in those places where humans cannot access due to a hazardous environment, such as radiation in a nuclear environment. Remote operated vehicles are also able to carry a wide range of sensors such as cameras. This way, they are able to perform one or more specific inspection tasks. Remote operated vehicles can be also used for submerged inspection tasks.
Typical DEKRA unmanned aerial vehicle inspections include:
  • Aerial inspections
  • Oil, gas and power sector
  • Storage tank inspections such as roof construction and walls
  • Boiler inspections
  • Inspections of chimneys
  • Inspections of thermography of solar panels or stations or industrial environment
  • Measurements of buildings (photometry)
  • Channel inspections
  • Environment inspections (air, water)
  • Inspections of windmills
  • Inspections of telecommunication poles
Typical DEKRA ROV inspections include:
  • Inspection in vessels and tanks