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Case Study

Inspectors Use Elios 3 for the First Time in a Storage Tank

Inspectors at a Texas refinery used the Elios 3 drone to inspect a 60ft storage tank for the first time, leveraging its new features and LiDAR system for precise data collection.

Benefits

Speed

The Elios 3 completed multiple flights around the 60ft tank, identifying defects quickly, which would typically take much longer with traditional inspection methods.

Safety

The Elios 3 allowed inspectors to avoid the risks of human entry into confined spaces, using real-time LiDAR and 4K camera feeds to identify structural defects safely.

Savings

The drone eliminated the need for costly scaffolding, reducing labor and material expenses while providing detailed inspection data without physical limitations.

Introduction

Inspectors at a Texas refinery use the Flyability Elios 3 to inspect a storage tank for the first time. The inspectors wanted to test the capabilities of the Elios 3 by utilizing its new features and LiDAR system not only to navigate the drone but also to identify inspection points of interest.

Drone Technical Support Specialist, Ivan Miestchovich and sUAS Product Line Manager, Cody Menchaca led the team providing pilot support and data acquisition for post and real-time inspection.

Data acquired from the tank inspection was used as a demonstration for sharing within the inspector 4.0 reporting software.

“I liked the real-time localization feature on the point cloud map. Also, I think this drone could potentially reduce the cost and time required for scaffolding. I was impressed with the drone’s wind resistance technology and like the safety of using the drone instead of a human for visual inspection purposes,” said onsite inspectors.

Customer Needs

During the storage tank inspection, inspectors were curious if they’d be able to run ventilation fans while the Elios 3 was inside. Several fans were turned on and running at 50% speed, which had no impact on the high-performance inspection drone.

Solution

Typically internal inspection of assets costs a great deal of money due to the scaffolding needed to obtain access for out-of-reach areas.

Scaffolding can be very costly due to labor, transportation, parts & duration of use. Many facilities may use PTZ cameras to pre-plan maintenance but these cameras have physical limitations.

By using an Elios 3 you obtain a great deal of insights for internal inspections without the physical limitations or the need for human entry.

Through the point cloud map and 4k camera, inspectors have the ability to verify their indications, localize points of interest and share high-quality data amongst their team.

Results

Ivan Mieschovich flew the Elios 3 in a circular pattern around the 60ft tank, using the real-time LiDAR point cloud map to ensure no areas were missed.

At the same time, an on-site inspector viewed the 4k camera for signs of defects. On the 4th flight mission, a defect was discovered amongst the rafters. Ivan used the distance lock to maintain position as the inspector noticed that there appeared to be a gusset that was broken and a rafter that had been dislodged near a manway of the storage tank.

This discovery was a potential safety risk and could have resulted in a potential loss of product.

Elios 3 Proof of Concept

Are you interested in using an Elios 3 for your next confined space project? Contact one of our drone program specialists in your area to schedule a proof of concept or receive training at one of our local training facilities.