Drone NDT Inspection Services
Avestec provides drone NDT inspection services for oil storage tanks, pressure vessels, and industrial assets, eliminating confined-space entry while delivering richer data than conventional methods.
Inspection Without Compromise
Conventional oil tank inspections require extensive scaffolding, rope access teams, and prolonged vessel downtime, exposing workers to confined-space hazards and operators to significant schedule risk.
Skyron 2 enters through an existing manway, navigates using LiDAR-SLAM, and executes systematic contact-based NDT measurements across every accessible surface. Operators manage the entire mission from outside the confined space, dramatically reducing risk while delivering richer data than traditional methods.
- DNV certification for thickness measurements (DNV-CP-0620 & DNV-CP-0623)
- ABS certified recognition for Hull Gauging & Remote Inspections
- Lloyd's Register Approved Service Supplier
NDT Methods Deployed
Each inspection mission is scoped to client requirements and asset condition. Skyron 2's modular payload architecture supports multiple NDT techniques in a single deployment.
Visual Testing (VT)
High-resolution visual inspection using gimbal-stabilised cameras. Skyron 2 streams live 4K video to operators outside the vessel, documenting corrosion, pitting, weld defects, and structural anomalies with GPS-tagged imagery.
Contact-Based NDT Measurements
Precision wall-thickness and coating-thickness readings delivered via modular payload arms. Skyron 2 precisely positions UT probes and DFT gauges against tank surfaces to capture accurate measurements, without scaffolding, rope access, or human entry.
3D Mapping & Data Tagging
LiDAR-SLAM scanning produces millimetre-accurate 3D point clouds of tank interiors. Every UT, DFT, and VT data point is spatially tagged within the live map, creating a fully traceable, georeferenced inspection record.
Intelligent Reporting
Raw inspection data is processed in AveSoft, Avestec's purpose-built analysis platform. Corrosion maps, thickness heatmaps, and VT imagery are reviewed within a unified interface and delivered as structured PDF reports.
From Mobilisation to Report
A structured, repeatable four-phase process designed to maximise data quality while minimising asset downtime.
Mobilization & Site Preparation
Our field engineers transport the Skyron 2 system to the offshore platform or onshore terminal in a single ruggedised case. Equipment is unpacked and calibrated dockside, no cranes, scaffolding, or specialised rigging required. Pre-inspection planning uses P&IDs and tank drawings to define inspection zones and flight paths.
Confined-Space Drone Deployment
Skyron 2 enters the tank through a standard manway opening. Once inside, the onboard LiDAR-SLAM navigation system constructs a real-time 3D map of the vessel, enabling stable positional hold without GPS or compass. Operators remain outside the confined space throughout the inspection.
Systematic NDT Data Acquisition
Following the pre-planned inspection route, Skyron 2 systematically contacts tank surfaces with the appropriate payload, UT probes, DFT gauges, or VT cameras. Each measurement is time-stamped and spatially tagged within the 3D LiDAR map, ensuring full traceability of every data point collected.
Reporting & Data Delivery
Raw inspection data is processed in AveSoft, Avestec's purpose-built analysis platform. Engineers review corrosion maps, thickness heatmaps, and VT imagery within a unified interface. Structured PDF inspection reports, aligned with API 653 and client specifications, are delivered within 24 hours of mission completion.
Built for the Realities of Offshore Operations
Zero Confined-Space Entry
Operators remain outside the tank at all times, eliminating the risk of atmospheric hazards, oxygen deficiency, and engulfment.
Up to 80% Faster Turnaround
Drone-based inspections replace multi-day scaffold builds with same-day mobilisation, dramatically reducing asset downtime.
100% Surface Coverage
Systematic flight paths and 3D mapping ensure no zone is missed, delivering more comprehensive data than rope-access spot checks.
Minimal Logistics Footprint
The entire Skyron 2 system ships in a single case and operates on platform power or on-board batteries, no heavy equipment required.
Payload
DFT Inspection Module
Automated dry film thickness gauging for coating integrity surveys
Navigation
LiDAR-SLAM Positioning
Millimetre-accurate positional hold inside GPS-denied tank interiors
Services FAQs
What NDT methods does Avestec use for drone inspections?
Avestec deploys Visual Testing (VT), contact-based UT and DFT measurements, and 3D LiDAR-SLAM mapping in a single mission, all processed and reported through AveSoft.
Do inspectors need to enter the tank or vessel?
No. Skyron 2 enters through an existing manway and operates entirely under remote control, inspectors and operators remain outside the confined space for the full inspection.
How fast is a drone-based tank inspection compared to traditional methods?
Drone-based inspections can be up to 80% faster than conventional scaffolding or rope-access inspections, with structured PDF reports delivered within 24 hours of mission completion.
What certifications does Avestec hold?
Avestec inspections are performed under DNV certification for thickness measurements (DNV-CP-0620 & DNV-CP-0623), ABS certified recognition for Hull Gauging & Remote Inspections, and as a Lloyd's Register Approved Service Supplier.
Ready to Eliminate Confined-Space Entry from Your Next Inspection?
Speak with an Avestec field engineer to scope your inspection requirements and receive a tailored deployment proposal.