Get safe and stable access inside a wind turbine blade for inspection and repair without building complex scaffolding.

Internal access in tapered, hollow wind turbine blades

The interior of a wind turbine blade is long, narrow and strongly tapered. Access is often through a small root opening, while the work area can be many meters away near a bond line, shear web or trailing edge. Traditional solutions such as rope access or improvised platforms provide limited working space and are not ideal for longer jobs.

Buitink Technology engineers inflatable work platforms tailored to the internal geometry of the blade. The platform is brought inside in compact form, positioned at the required span location and inflated with compressed air. It expands to form a stable work floor that follows the inner contour of the shell and presses gently against the laminate. This creates a safe and ergonomic work surface for internal inspection, sanding, bonding and laminate repairs.

When an inflatable platform is the right solution

This type of platform is suitable for blade work where:

• Access is limited to the blade root opening or a small internal hatch.
• A stable temporary work floor is needed for inspection or composite repair work.
• The internal geometry is tapered, curved and segmented by shear webs.
• Technicians need more working space than rope access alone can provide.
• Soft, non-damaging contact surfaces are required to protect the laminate.

How the inflatable platform works inside a blade

The packed platform is carried through the blade root or access hatch in sections. Inside the blade, the sections are laid out and connected if the design is modular. A regulated air line is connected and the platform is inflated.

As pressure rises, the platform expands to the surrounding blade shell and braces itself between webs or walls. The top surface becomes a non-slip working floor at the correct height, while soft edges prevent damage to the laminate.

Technical specifications

Blade platforms are engineered per project. Specifications depend on blade type, internal geometry, access limitations, required working height and working load.

• CE-certified and compliant with international safety standards.
• Project-specific load capacity and platform geometry matched to the blade interior.
• Soft contact surfaces to avoid point loads and protect laminate and adhesive joints.
• Material options available for solvent resistance and easy cleaning during composite work.
• Compact transport and handling through the blade root opening.

Typical applications

Safety and use in practice

The inflatable platform provides a stable work floor but does not replace site-specific safety procedures. Correct use requires a risk assessment and compliance with local working-at-height and confined space procedures. Operators should be trained and work with appropriate fall protection as required by the site method statement.

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