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Robot expands to fit ducts
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26/04/2007
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A pneumatically powered, remotely operated vehicle of novel design is now being used to survey, clean and spray coat the insides of air conditioning and ventilation ducts.
The ‘Wizard’ has been developed by Breval Environmental in Glasgow, working with Bell College in Hamilton as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
The vehicle has eight wheels, with tandem pairs mounted on scissor life type expanding extensions. In use, these can be pushed outwards so the vehicle is in contact with both upper and lower surfaces of the duct – whatever its shape.
Sales director Chris Stomenov says that this arrangement ensures that the atomiser spray unit used to spray on coatings is always in the centre of the duct.
The two pairs of wheels on the underside are all driven, so the vehicle has four-wheel drive. Stomenov added that it can “observe, clean and coat – such as for asbestos encapsulation or leak protection”.
The machine has just completed the first phase of testing. The vehicle is equipped with lights and a camera. As well as undertaking work in office buildings and hospitals, Stomenov also believes it has potential for working inside oil and gas installations.
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Author
Tom Shelley
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