Buitink Technology developed an inflatable unit as part of a maintenance module for offshore rotor blades.

Existing systems (constructed from aluminium) are too large and heavy to be used offshore, especially when large rotor blades are involved.

With the inflatable maintenance module for rotor blades, the weather-window for repair work (e.g. vacuum injection with epoxy) can be increased and quality guaranteed because work can be carried out under conditioned conditions (no rain, wind and a constant temperature).

Benefits inflatable unit

Buitink Technology's inflatable unit has significant advantages:

• Very lightweight;
• Very compact when folded;
• Very easy to set up: only the air system needs to be switched on and the room erects itself, within 10 minutes the module is filled with air);
• No hard parts: no damage to surrounding objects when in contact with the module (e.g. a wind turbine mast or the fragile composite blade).

Besides being used as a workspace for maintenance work on rotor blades, there are of course many other conceivable applications for this concept (whether in a different form or not).
Consider, for example, blasting work on bridges (where blasting dust must not be released into the environment and must be collected and disposed of).

Applications work through unit

Besides rotor blade maintenance and blasting work on bridges, there may be other uses for the inflatable work-through unit, for example:

1. Asbestos and lead removal
   During renovation work in old buildings or industrial facilities where asbestos or lead needs to be removed, the unit provides a controlled environment in which harmful substances can be disposed of safely without polluting the surrounding area.
2. Painting and coating work
   For projects where paint or coating work needs to be carried out outdoors, such as on ships or platforms, the inflatable unit can create a wind- and rain-proof work area, speeding up the drying process and improving quality.
3. Tunnel and underground maintenance
   For maintenance or repairs in underground tunnels or metro stations, the unit can create a compact work space without the need for expensive and heavy structures.
4. Safe Workspace in Infection Prevention
   In environments where strict hygiene is required, such as when maintaining ventilation systems in hospitals, the unit can serve as a controlled workspace to limit the spread of dust or other contaminants.
5. Field laboratory for environmental research
   For scientists working in remote areas, the inflatable unit can serve as a compact and protected research area for testing water, air, or soil samples regardless of weather conditions.
6. Maintenance of Artworks or Sculptures in Public Space
   The unit can also be used for restorations in open spaces, such as monumental statues or works of art, where weather protection is important without the use of heavy equipment.

This versatility offers many possibilities, especially when a protected and controlled workspace is required without demanding heavy equipment.

3D Engineering work unit

The work unit is worked out in 3D by the engineers of Buitink Technology, in close cooperation with structural engineers for force calculation and safety. This ensures a reliable and optimally functioning system for offshore applications.

Inflated unit in the workshop

In the workshop of Buitink Technology in Duiven, the inflatable unit is fully set up and tested. This guarantees functionality and airtightness before transport to offshore locations.

Construction and transport

The unit is constructed from (hinged) inflatable panels. When folded, the unit is very compact and lightweight.