RFI: drone-based and advanced leak detection technologies for coal power station flue gas ducting

• This RFI seeks information on commercially available drone-based, fluorescent tracer powder with UV light inspection, thermography, and related leakage detection technologies for flue gas ducting systems in coal-fired power stations.
• Background: Duct leakage increases fan power draw and reduces plant efficiency. Current visual inspection methods are often ineffective. This project focuses on advanced detection techniques to reduce auxiliary power consumption.

• Closing date for submission: 20 July 2026 at 10:00 South African Standard Time.

• Enquiries: Letsibogo Mahlatji.
• Email: [email protected].
• Tender Office address: Tenders are uploaded via Eskom Tender bulletin site on the Eskom E-tendering page.

• Submit electronically via Eskom's E-tendering page (Eskom Tender bulletin site).
• Deadline: 20 July 2026 at 10:00 South African Standard Time.
• You are responsible for ensuring your submission is uploaded before the deadline.
• Upload all documents in PDF and Excel format.
• Maximum upload size per document is 500 MB; total submission is restricted to 4 GB.
• Do not upload Zip or compressed files.
• Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
• If you resubmit, only the latest version will be accepted; all previous submissions become null and void.
• Ensure the submission status is indicated as 'complete'.
• A Supplier Help Manual guide and video are available on the Eskom E-Tendering page.

• Submit via Eskom E-tendering site by the stipulated closing date and time.
• Ensure your EOI/RFI is submitted before the deadline.
• Upload via Eskom Tender bulletin site on the Eskom E-tendering page.
• Upload size per document: 500 MB; total submission restricted to 4 GB.
• If you resubmit, only the latest version is accepted; all previous submissions become null and void.

Open to any entity or consortium capable of providing the requested information on the specified technologies. While not explicitly stated, experience in coal-fired power station environments or similar heavy industrial applications is implicitly required to answer the detailed technical questions. There is no stated pre-qualification, but responses must demonstrate real-world deployment evidence.

• Eskom seeks information on commercially available leakage detection technologies for flue gas ducting in coal-fired power stations.
• Technologies of interest include: drone-based systems, infrared thermography, fluorescent tracer powder with UV light inspection, and related detection methods.
• The solution must operate in harsh industrial environments with high noise, dust, and complex layouts.
• Equipment must be durable and reliable under these conditions.
• You must provide detailed responses to 32 specific questions covering: supplier and product details, deployment experience, technology evidence, equipment specifications, drone capabilities, inspection processes, limitations, case studies, costs, training, and support.

• You must describe your inspection methodology for each technology, including tracer application, UV detection, data capture, analysis, and reporting.
• For drone systems, detail: navigation in narrow gaps, operation without GNSS, obstacle avoidance, physical protection (cages, guards), propeller shielding, payload flexibility, and user-interchangeable payloads.
• Specify the types of duct leaks detected, sensitivity, limitations in power station environments, training requirements, and local or international support availability.

• This is a stand-alone information-gathering and market-testing RFI to inform Eskom's strategy development.
• Eskom may request indicative prices.
• The project focuses on the viability of combining fluorescent tracer powder, infrared thermography, and drone-assisted inspections.

• B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) is referenced, but no specific compliance level or certificate is required for this RFI.

• B-BBEE stands for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment.

• The research aims to identify methods to reduce auxiliary power usage, lowering operational costs and supporting emissions reduction efforts.

• This document is uncontrolled when downloaded; you are responsible for ensuring you use the authorized version.
• No part may be reproduced without Eskom's written consent.

• Provide any additional information relevant to Eskom's evaluation of the specified technologies.