FAQs – Industrial Chimney Inspections
Our industrial rope access experts get asked a range of questions regarding the Industrial Chimney Inspection & NDT Testing services that we provide for a range of industries. We’ve put together a small guide of FAQs that deliver insight on how what, how, and why we perform industrial chimney inspections. Whether it’s to remain compliant with regulations, prevent emergency repairs, or address structural issues, you can trust in the rope access professionals of Industrial Access, Inc for the most accurate, and most reliable, industrial chimney inspections.
What we inspect on a smokestack or industrial chimney:
Offering Class I, II, and III inspections, our crew provides thorough, top-to-bottom inspections on a range of components on industrial chimney structures. No ladder, no problem! Our innovative rope access methods allow us to quickly mobilize and reach areas that could not easily be inspected with heavy equipment or scaffolding. We inspect the following:
- Structural Supports & Platforms
- Flue Liners
- Surface Strength
- FRP Structures
- Lightning Protection Systems
- Aviation Lights
- Breaching Ducts
- Ladders
- Guy Wires
- Safety Cages
- Bots & Joints
- and much more!
What methods of inspection do you perform during your visit?
Every industrial chimney and smokestack is different than the last. The location, the height, the layout of the facility, and the construction & architecture can all pose unique access challenges and our crew has the capabilities, training, and experience to deliver a custom engineered solution to meet these needs. We provide binocular inspections, ladder climbing inspections, visual/telephotographic inspections, non-destructive testing methods, and Class I, Class II, and Class III Inspections via rope access for the most accurate results and reporting.
Class I Inspections: Mainly visual, this type of inspection can be performed while the chimney or stack is online and operating. Our rope access techs will first inspect the structure using binoculars from a ground level view, and then performs a close-up visual inspection from access ladders & platforms.
Class II Inspections: Performed with the industrial chimney offline and out of service, our crew installs the required rigging to the top of the stack, then descend down the entire elevation of the structure, on both outside and inside, to note & document the structure’s current condition and any abnormalities, damage, or potential hazards.
Class III Inspections: When an industrial chimney has been damaged due to environmental influences like severe storms earthquakes, overheating, etc. this type of inspection should be completed immediately to ensure that the structure does not pose any safety hazards.
Are regular inspections really that important?
Regular industrial chimney inspections are critical, not only to ensure efficient operation but because it is the single-handed best way to avoid costly repairs and service expenses in the future. A thorough industrial chimney inspection along with relevant NDT services can protect your assets and reduce the probability of emergency repairs and outages. An inspection can also ensure that all emission regulations are being met.
What Non Destructive Testing methods are used during an inspection?
The crew at Industrial Access, Inc utilizes NDT methods to determine the structural integrity of industrial chimneys and smokestacks without effecting the usefulness of the surface. Here are a few types of NDT methods we use during our industrial chimney inspections:
- Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
- Schmidt Hammer Testing
- Infared Thermography
- Laser Surveys
- Hot Camera Inspections
- Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
Contact Industrial Access today to discuss industrial chimney inspections that will fit in with your company and facility’s needs. 877-277-7173 | (770) 370-7055 – info@industrialaccess.com