TECH TALK

May 2006

Unmanned Vehicle Speeds Dam Inspections

Edited by Robert H. Williams

Remotely operated vehicles produced by JW Fishers of Taunton, Mass., are now being used in several Canadian provinces to inspect hydroelectric dams. When human divers are used, operations must be either shut down completely or significantly slowed.

A ROV employed in Caracas, Venezuela, company officials relate, inspected a 305 meter wide dam to a depth of 50 meters and found a leak.

Besides offering greater inspection efficiency, ROVs are significantly cutting dam inspection costs.

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