Power Station Survey by ROV

An unusual survey in an inland power station has been completed by Fugro-UDI Ltd, Aberdeen, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The survey was at Dinorwig, the largest pumped storage power station in Europe. It is close to Snowdon in North Wales, some 12km from the coast. Up to 1800MW from six turbo-generators is generated at Dinorwig using hydro-electric power. Water from an upper reservoir falls 443 metres through a concrete-lined vertical shaft to join a manifold system feeding six tunnels leading to the pump turbines. These generate electricity which is fed into the National Grid at times of peak demand. At off-peak times the turbines operate in reverse to pump water back up into the upper reservoir.

Fugro-UDI's advanced work-class ROV systems have earned a reputation for reliability and quality in a wide range of tasks, from pipeline surveys to construction intervention.

Dinorwig Power Station called in Fugro-UDI to conduct a survey of the inside of the 443-metre vertical pipe, using a Scorpio 60 advanced work class ROV. Measuring 1.9m long by 1.4m wide the vehicle easily fitted the 9.5-metre diameter pipe and was deployed by winch and crane from the top of the shaft. In its progress through the shaft the Scorpio 60 had a number of tasks. Video observations were recorded in the surface control cabin; wall thickness tests were made; and the results of a release of dye to check for cracks were monitored.

Scorpio 60

The Scorpio 60 is usually at work in the North Sea as part of the Fugro-UDI fleet of work class and observation ROVs. They support exploration drilling, installation of subsea equipment, pipelaying, subsea inspection and maintenance and other key offshore tasks. The successful deployment at Dinorwig illustrates the versatility of these vehicles.

Fugro-UDI is part of the Fugro group of companies which provides a range of survey services worldwide.