Mississauga, Ontario-based Unirope has implemented Scope Computer Vision Technologies utility stringing technology for inspection of pilot and pulling lines.
In the utility sector, wire stringing includes all activities associated with the installation of the primary conductors onto the transmission line structures.
Central to operations is stringing the pilot line to install the conductor. A lightweight fibre rope is flown from tower-to-tower by helicopter, threading the line through rollers.
Unirope provides and inspects these pilot lines. Better known as stringing lines, pilot lines can be anywhere in the range of 1,500 metres to 9,200 metres long.
Scope’s technology is an AI-powered solution that augments the human in the loop, providing real-time insights and enhancing the inspectors’ ability to detect potential issues quickly and accurately. This advancement ensures safer operations by identifying potential hazards on the line before they become critical.
“Our partnership with Scope has allowed us to enhance our inspection processes significantly for our utility, electric utility contractor, and manufacturer customer base. The integration of their technology into our operations has not only improved safety but also increased the efficiency of our inspections,” said Unirope President Justin Brown.
“It’s incredible that Scope has inspected over 60 million feet of rope to date. We are proud to lead the way in adopting innovative solutions that set new benchmarks in the industry.”
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There are four major elements to the system: primary and repair scans; the inspection unit; and a tablet.
Rope is spooled in through the Scope device while sensors detect damage and output a projected break strength per segment, and an online inspection report is generated.
The machine identifies areas of concern and a technician, trained in the inspection and repair of fibre ropes, can decide on remediation. The system is able to scan wire at 8 km per hour.
“This is much faster than the human eye can perceive during an inspection. At minimum, it is 400 per cent faster, but it’s the accuracy that is most impressive. When a human is looking at a rope, they are not getting a 360-degree view,” Brown said. “At best, they can only see the side they are looking at or approximately 33 per cent. A single person inspecting a line can very easily miss damaged sections. Also, that person cannot reliably predict with any certainty the overall condition of the rope.”
The successful implementation of Scope’s utility stringing inspection technology at Unirope underscores the importance of embracing advanced technologies to improve safety and efficiency in critical operations.
“Our technology leverages AI to enhance human capabilities, providing a more thorough and reliable inspection process. This collaboration is a testament to Scope’s commitment to innovation and safety, most notably in the utility sector,” said Scope President Mike Poroo.
The machine is trained to specific products and covers an estimated 85 per cent of all stringing lines in service in Canada and the United States.
