Inspection of chimneys and cooling water towers.

"Nor is greater care required upon any works; for this reason, all parts of the work need be done exactly according to the rules of the art, which all the workmen know, but few observe", wrote Sextus Julius Frontinus, commissioner of Rome, in the year 97. Times have changed but the problem still exists.

Background Concrete foundations or the outside of a boiler house can usually be inspected without too much difficulty. But what in case of a chimney, large boiler or huge civil or plastic structures?

Service For quick, cost-friendly and reliable inspections of high concrete and steel constructions KEMA developed the rope access method for the inspection of inaccessible surfaces and structures. In use as a common technique in mountain engineering and speleology, access is given with two separate anchored lines. One line serves as a work line and the other line serves as safety guard. Besides mountain engineering, this technique has also been proven in the off-shore industry.

maximum flexibility, accessibility and quality are guaranteed. In combination with a minimum of safety measures and plant shutdown time. Conventional techniques like ladders, scaffolds, hoists and platforms are superfluous. During the job, reliable inspections are performed incorporating man portable non-destructive testing equipment. Test results can be processed in due time after the inspection with respect to coatings, wall thickness, corrosion and erosion. Benefits Large savings in costs and time compared to conventional access techniques Extreme save, quick and with mini mal impact on plant operations Reliable testing and inspection results of inaccessible locations and structures High qualified specialists to perform the complete job Quick insight in the test results and advises for further actions

Inspections with rope access are innovative, safe, efficient and effective, compiling to the highest safety standards. For the object to be inspected,

Case For E.ON Benelux Generation and Exxon in Rotterdam KEMA performed inspections at chimneys of 170 and 120 meters high. KEMA was ordered to determine the condition of the concrete brickwork of the chimneys and the steel flue gas ducts. The by KEMA inspected materials comprised fire resistant brickwork for the inner liner, concrete from the windshield, refactory from the flue gas ducts and applied coatings. The available time for the inspection was three days. In consultancy with involved safety engineers and a on-site demonstration KEMA was allowed to apply the Industrial Rope Access according the guidelines and principles of IRATA. KEMA was able to collect all required data and performing all tests and inspections to give advice concerning the condition of the chimneys and the maintenance scope.

TOS.7083 R&H.05

For more information: KEMA P.O. Box 9035 6800 ET Arnhem The Netherlands T +31 26 3 56 35 00 F +31 26 4 42 87 13 contact.tos@kema.com www.kema.com