Inspecting 63 tanks with 2 drones in 2 weeks
The Elios drone helped TDBR Inspections transform tank inspections at the 3R-2 rig off the coast of Brazil Speed With just two staff members, the Elios 2 and Elios 3 completed inspections of 63 tanks in 14 days. Traditionally, this would have taken months and required three or more people. The time saved was massive. Safety By using drones, there was no need to send personnel inside the tanks or work at height. This eliminated the need for special permits, making the entire process safer and more efficient. Accuracy Efficiency Using drones allowed the team to optimize the number of people on board the rig, ensuring engineers and workers were prioritized over inspection teams. This improved overall site efficiency. Working offshore comes with unique challenges. Equipment failure or delayed materials can lead to costly delays, downtime, or even safety risks. Space is limited, so there's a constant need to balance inspections, maintenance, and operational efficiency. That’s where smart solutions like drone technology come into play. The 3R-2, a TLWP-type oil rig off the coast of Brazil, faced major inspection challenges. With a maximum of 60 people allowed on board (PoB), it was crucial to optimize staffing. Engineers, operators, and general staff had to be carefully managed, with helicopter transport adding to the complexity. The goal was to reduce the number of inspectors on-site without compromising the quality of the inspection process. The tanks being inspected are very high, making them difficult to inspect manually Inspection of large onboard tanks was particularly challenging. It typically involved multiple staff using ropes and could take several days per tank. The 3R-2 is 10 years old and must meet strict regulatory standards. Any inspection results are used to update records, so accuracy is key. The challenge was clear: how to get reliable data without bringing in large inspection teams for extended periods? TDBR Inspections, a Brazilian drone service provider, has extensive experience with complex inspections using the Elios drone. They were approached by Raul Martini, a naval engineer from 3R Petroleum , who owns the 3R-2. Their goal was to use the Elios drone to inspect tanks and see if they could speed up the process. The main objective was to collect visual data about the condition of the tanks. TerraDrone aimed to build an archive of images for future inspections, identify defects, and mark areas that needed attention. The project involved over 70 tanks, and TDBR planned four visits to gather data. Using the Elios drone offered significant time and cost savings, along with simplified logistics. Entering a tank for inspection required special permits, but a drone didn’t. The results would also be submitted to the Class Society to verify their accuracy. If successful, this could lead to a long-term partnership between TerraDrone and 3R Petroleum for regular inspections on the 3R-2. A team from TDBR Inspections traveled to the 3R-2 to begin planning their flights as part of Phase 1. They conducted reconnaissance flights with the Elios 2 to scout the tanks and plan their approach. The inside of a ballast tank visualized with the Elios 3 After initial external flights, the team returned a month later with an Elios 3. Over 14 days, pilots flew 88 separate missions across 63 tanks, accumulating over 10 hours of flight time. Both the Elios 2 and Elios 3 were used effectively. Once the flights were complete, the data was processed in Inspector 4. Visual inspections from both drones updated existing records and identified anomalies, while the Elios 3’s LiDAR data created detailed 3D models of the tank interiors. These models provided clear insights into tank conditions, eliminating the need for human entry into confined spaces. The scale of this project was impressive—63 tanks inspected in just two weeks, averaging over 10 tanks per day. Compared to traditional methods, which might require 4–5 rope access technicians and take a week per tank, the Elios drone delivered a far more efficient solution. Moving forward, TDBR Inspections plans to conduct similar inspections at 3R-2 and other sites. The efficiency gained not only saved time and costs but also optimized staff movement, helping manage the PoB limit. More importantly, the Elios drone ensured safety by keeping personnel out of dangerous environments, while still meeting all regulatory requirements set by the Class Society. This project showcased how drone technology can solve real-world industry challenges. Discover more about the Elios 3 and its applications today. Electric Heating Continuous Frying Machine Electric Heating Continuous Frying Machine,Automachine Chips Fryer,Chicken Nuggets Making Machine,Potato Chips Frying Machine Zhucheng Lijie Food Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.lijiegroup.comInspecting 63 Tanks with 2 Drones in 2 Weeks
Key Benefits
The inspection results were shared with the Class Society, which sets standards for maritime and drilling equipment. All findings from the Elios 2 and Elios 3 met the required class standards.
Customer Needs: Challenging Inspections for an Offshore Rig
Solution: Using Drone Inspections to Save Time
The Elios 2 (upper) and Elios 3 (lower) outside the narrow entry for a tankResults: Inspecting 63 Tanks in 88 Flights
Conclusion: A Long-Term Strategy for Faster Rig Inspections