Cut Inspection Costs by 60% and Reduce Time by 94% in Mining Infrastructure Maintenance

Flybotix
August 1, 2024

Challenges & Objectives

Client: Baramin, a leading company in the mining sector specializing in the exploitation, distribution, and commercialization of barite in Mexico.

Baramin faced significant challenges in maintaining and inspecting its infrastructure, particularly at its mineral distribution sites. The harsh weather conditions in the area had led to the deterioration of the roofs safeguarding critical materials. Furthermore, the mill plant had not undergone inspections for an extended period due to the need for special permits and the complexities involved in training maintenance workers to operate at heights.

 

Key Challenges:

  • Deterioration of Infrastructure: Weather-induced damage to structures, particularly roofs, required urgent inspection to prevent further degradation.
  • Access Difficulties: Traditional inspection methods were hindered by the need for permits and the risks associated with working at heights.
  • Lack of Recent Inspections: The mill plant had not been inspected for a long time, raising concerns about the condition of the equipment and structural integrity.

Objectives:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the structures supporting the roof and safeguard the materials.
  • Review the general conditions of the site, including the mill, silo equipment, and internal roof structures.
  • Access difficult-to-reach areas to identify potential flaws and prevent future issues.

Overcome Challenges

The introduction of the ASIO Drone by Flybotix transformed Baramin’s inspection process. The drone’s advanced features addressed the challenges in a highly efficient and effective manner.

Key Features & Benefits:

  • High-Definition Video: The ASIO Drone provided clear, high-definition video that was crucial in identifying structural flaws, corrosion, and other issues such as accumulated spider webs in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Efficiency in Inspection: The drone significantly reduced the inspection time. What traditionally took 3 to 5 days could now be completed in just 1 hour, using only 3 batteries. The drone’s ability to closely approach structures ensured detailed and accurate imaging.
  • Ease of Access: The ASIO Drone enabled the inspection of previously inaccessible areas, allowing Baramin to identify and address potential problems quickly.

Solutions & Results

The deployment of the ASIO Drone resulted in remarkable improvements in Baramin’s inspection processes.

Quantified Results:

  • Time Efficiency: The drone reduced the inspection time from 18 hours (traditional methods) to just 1 hour, marking an 94.4% decrease in time spent.
  • Cost Savings: The cost of inspections was reduced by 60%, saving Baramin between $2,000 to $2,800 per inspection, thanks to the elimination of the need for scaffolding and permits.
  • Enhanced Safety: The use of the ASIO Drone eliminated the need for workers to perform dangerous tasks at heights, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer working environment.

Qualitative Improvements:

  • Non-Exposure to Risky Situations: Workers were no longer required to operate in high-risk environments, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Improved Accuracy: The high-resolution images provided by the drone allowed for precise identification of structural issues, enabling timely maintenance and repairs.

Conclusion

Integration of Inspection Drones in Industrial Operations

The Flybotix ASIO Drone has revolutionized the way Baramin conducts its inspections, delivering exceptional efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging the drone’s advanced features, Baramin has overcome significant challenges and achieved outstanding results. The ASIO Drone stands out for its extended flight time, ease of use, and quick return on investment, making it an invaluable tool for any organization looking to optimize their inspection processes and enhance operational safety.

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