Aerial Drone Inspections
United Utility’s skilled field survey & inspection crews using cutting edge technology provide expert data that can be relied upon to streamline the design process and optimize construction time. Our use of drones, infrared thermography, ground penetrating radar, LIDAR and GIS system mapping, along with traditional survey techniques reduces revisions and changes in the field and provides more accurate field data for substantial cost savings.
Our experience ranges from transmission, distribution and substation inspections, solar panel inspections, solar farm site mapping, wind turbines (On and off-shore) and LiDAR applications for accurate measurements and permitting requirements.
Drone Inspections
United Utility utilizes unmanned aerial systems including Drones to accomplish thermography and visual inspections at a safe distance from structures while capturing a view not visible to ground crews. Inpections are completed more quickly and safely, with less labor time, less de-energizing of lines and with higher quality detail to provide more thorough data cost-effectively.
- Full T&D overhead systems inspection
- Aerial Photogrammetry/Thermography
- Aerial LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging)
- Comprehensive visual inspections and reporting
- Geolocated surveys for any GIS system
- Vegetation encroachment analysis
- Solar facility thermal inspections
- Substation static-mounted LiDAR
- Wind turbine inspections
- 2D/3D modeling
Ground Penetrating Radar Inspection
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) provides a safe, non-destructive and cost-efficient means of collecting underground utility data. With an understanding of the construction process and using certified technicians, United Utility intelligently GPR-scans underground sites, marks strategic grid locations and avoids costly soft digs. GPR can locate the position and depth of metallic and non-metallic objects, up to 35 feet deep and with accuracy within 1-2 inches.
- Rapid data collection
- More efficient project planning
- Scan now, use later
- Detailed reporting & documentation
LIDAR Inspection
United Utility uses Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) survey technology to rapidly analyze transmission and distribution lines, substations and other critical electrical infrastructure. LIDAR sends eye-safe laser light pulses that create millions of survey data points in high-resolution digital elevation models and 3D representations. As an example, LIDAR can be deployed as a tool in planning construction of new transmission and distribution lines as well as analysis of existing lines and substations.
With accuracy within 2-5 centimeters, and fast collection of 75 miles/day, LIDAR provides time- and cost-effective survey data that can be stored for future use and can save up to 50% over traditional survey methods.
Infrared Thermography
Electrical equipment gets hot prior to failure, and identifying trouble spots early prevents failures and reduces the cost of maintenance and repairs. United Utility provides reports on potential or emergent problems quickly and accurately using an infrared thermographer or drone, without using bucket trucks and full crews.
- Rapid and wide-spread data collection
- Identify issues with small, out-of-reach components
- More efficient project planning
- Detailed reporting & documentation
Projects
