How robotics eliminates the risks associated with storage tank inspections

In the past, this meant that operations had to be halted for days on end, complex scaffolding had to be erected, and technicians had to be sent into hazardous environments, simply to check for corrosion or the integrity of welds.

Our latest video demonstrates a fundamental shift in this approach: a move towards a ‘no-entry’ strategy, made possible by drones and crawlers.

We show you how our specialised drone fleet and magnetic crawlers navigate the inner and outer surfaces of storage tanks with surgical precision. Our drones capture ultra-high-definition footage of the roof structures and upper shells, whilst our robotic crawlers climb the tank walls to carry out non-destructive testing (NDT), such as ultrasonic thickness measurements.

Because these robotscan operate in confined spaces and on vertical surfaces, we can now assess the condition of an entire tank without a human inspector having to enter the tank for long periods or scaffolding needing to be erected.

As well as improving safety and efficiency for inspectors, the real strength of this robotic approach lies in the data.

Every scan and every image is incorporated into a traceable digital report, enabling asset managers to compare ‘digital twins’ of their tanks over time. This results in faster turnaround times, significantly lower costs and a safer workplace.