The UK Space Agency has recently awarded ISI and the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) a flagship project to convert the Mars Rover PanCam instrument to detect corrosion in high-temperature environments.

By mounting a stereo camera system within a periscope and using MSSLs GOTHCHA stereo matching software, it is possible to make accurate high-resolution 3D measurements within a high-temperature furnace chamber. Corrosion in these environments is a significant issue, potentially leading to costly shutdowns. It typically manifests as either cracking or thinning of the chamber walls.

Key features:

• Can make measurements up to 2000 degrees C
• Range accuracy of ~ 1mm
• Dense spatial coverage
• State-of-the-art stereo processing

This technology is designed to detect these effects early and hence improve efficiency, lower costs, and, most importantly, reduce emissions within the metal processing industry. The instrument has been manufactured and has generated significant interest across the industry. It has been agreed that the device will undertake trials at the Centre for Process Engineering, one of the new TSB catapult centres.