Performing Absorber Column and Confined Space Inspections with the Mentor Zoom 

When it comes to inspecting absorber columns, safety, speed, and precision are non-negotiable. Traditionally, these inspections required human entry into confined spaces using rope access—a method that’s not only hazardous but also resource-intensive. One client, seeking a better way, partnered with Waygate Technologies to explore a safer, more efficient inspection method using the Mentor Zoom remote visual inspection (RVI) system.

Client Expectations: A Safer, Smarter Inspection Standard

The client’s goal was clear: eliminate the need for confined space entry while improving inspection quality and reducing operational costs. Their existing process involved lowering inspectors into a 12-meter absorber column using rope access—a method fraught with safety risks, administrative overhead, and downtime.

They turned to Waygate Technologies for a Proof of Concept on one asset, hoping to establish a new standard for absorber column inspections that would:

• Enhance safety by removing the need for human entry
• Improve data accuracy with high-definition imaging
• Reduce inspection time and costs by streamlining the process

The Inspector’s Advantage: Mentor Zoom in Action

The Mentor Zoom camera system was designed with inspectors in mind. It combines portability, precision, and power to deliver a comprehensive inspection experience—without ever stepping into the column. 

Key Features That Support Inspectors

• 30x Optical Zoom: Enables close-up views of welds, nozzles, and trays from a safe distance.
• Full HD Imaging: Captures crystal-clear visuals for accurate defect detection.
• Pan-Tilt Functionality: Allows inspectors to remotely navigate and view all critical areas.
• Backpack Portability: Inspectors can easily carry the system to the top of the column via ladder.
• External Battery Pack: Eliminates the need for power outlets at height, simplifying setup.

With the camera lowered into the column via its cable, inspectors could remotely assess every internal structure—no rope access, no confined space entry, and no compromise on data quality. 

The Outcome: Safer, Faster, and More Reliable Inspections

The inspection was completed in under an hour, including setup. The Mentor Zoom system allowed inspectors to:

• Stay outside hazardous areas, significantly reducing risk
• Collect high-quality data that met the client’s standards for preventative maintenance
• Avoid the need for permits and specialized rope access teams, cutting costs and downtime

The client confirmed that the Mentor Zoom provided a viable and superior alternative to traditional inspection methods. It not only met their expectations—it set a new benchmark for how absorber column inspections should be done. 

Conclusion: Redefining the Inspector’s Role

The Mentor Zoom doesn’t just make inspections safer—it makes inspectors more effective. By removing physical barriers and enhancing visual access, it empowers teams to perform thorough, accurate inspections with less risk and greater efficiency.

If you're looking to modernize your inspection process, reduce confined space entry, and improve data quality, the Mentor Zoom from Waygate Technologies is the tool that makes it possible.