Evaluation of Innovative Vessel Inspection Techniques. Phase II. AdvancedTechnology

摘要

This report provides the results of the effort to evaluate marine inspectionequipment and techniques for use by Coast Guard marine inspectors. Previous reports identified many potentially useful techniques that could enhance inspections both by providing better information and by speeding up inspections. Some of the equipment required, primarily lighting equipment, was previously investigated and reported on. More advanced techniques, including some under development and not commercially available, are the subject of this report. The technology categories covered include: remotely controlled lights, video systems, climbing inspectors, fiber optic video scopes, robotic manipulators, robotic climbers and walkers, acoustic and microwave imaging, thermography, and polarized light techniques. Candidate equipment were identified, where available, based on manufacturers literature in each category. These were ranked based on criteria selected by the contractor as important in the inspection process. The Coast Guard chose equipment based on this ranking and arranged for field demonstration of the equipment Equipment was demonstrated on board a ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and at shore sites. The observations of the government and contractor personnel witnessing the demonstrations are summarized in this report. Some of the remote video systems and use of climbing inspectors were found to be promising techniques for use in marine inspection, and with some refinements could provide safer and more efficient inspections.