Drone-Based Out-of-Service Inspection at Inter Terminals
Discover how Inter Terminals used Drone Eksperten to carry out an out-of-service drone inspection of a storage tank.
Key Takeaways from the Case:
Efficient Inspection: Over 300 measurements completed in less than one working day.
Cost-Effective: Eliminated the requirement for costly scaffolding and man-lift access.
Safety: Enhanced safety by reducing the need for working at height.
As part of a planned out-of-service inspection at Inter Terminals, Drone Eksperten was commissioned to carry out ultrasonic thickness measurements (UT) using drone technology. The measurements formed a key part of the technical basis for assessing the tank’s condition and remaining service life.
By combining advanced drone inspection with accurate measurement data, the task was completed quickly, safely, and without the need for traditional and costly access solutions.
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The Challenge: Time-Consuming and Expensive Traditional Methods
Internal thickness measurements in storage tanks are typically associated with significant practical challenges. Gaining access to the shell and roof using conventional methods often requires:
extensive internal scaffolding installation
the use of man-lifts, which may involve destructive interventions such as removing insulation or cutting access openings
increased downtime and higher costs
complex safety measures for inspection personnel
Inter Terminals sought a solution that could reduce both time consumption and operational complexity without compromising measurement quality.
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The Solution: Efficient UT Inspection with the Elios 3 Drone
Drone Eksperten deployed our Elios 3 drone equipped with a UT payload to perform ultrasonic thickness measurements directly inside the tank.
The drone was able to enter through an existing manway, eliminating the need for scaffolding or other access-intensive installations. Thanks to the platform’s stability and specialized measurement equipment, precise readings were obtained from both:
the tank shell
the tank roof
A total of 12 measurement lines (300+ points) were completed, and the entire operation was carried out in less than one working day.
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The Result: Faster Execution, Lower Costs, and High-Quality Data
The drone-based approach provided Inter Terminals with a significantly more efficient inspection process, including:
a substantial reduction in inspection time
avoidance of expensive scaffolding and man-lift solutions
minimal intervention in the tank’s structure
enhanced safety by reducing the need for working at height
Inter Terminals expressed great satisfaction with both the efficiency of the operation and the quality of the delivered data.
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