Tank inspections using underwater drones can improve security, speed, effectiveness, and overall response capacity. The impact of overcoming the traditional challenges ports face in infrastructure and asset inspection has been so significant that they have become a primary tool for tank inspections.
Drones can collect a wide range of data from difficult-to-reach locations, allowing us to collect accurate data quickly and safely, inform decisions, and address potential issues before they occur. It also enables us to more effectively plan maintenance, virtually eliminate downtime, and extend the lifecycle of the port’s assets.
How does the underwater drone work?
Tank inspections using underwater drones can improve security, speed, effectiveness, and overall response capacity. The impact on overcoming the traditional challenges ports face in infrastructure and asset inspection has been so significant that they have become a primary tool for tank inspections.
Drones can collect a wide range of data from difficult-to-reach locations, allowing us to collect accurate data quickly and safely, inform decisions, and address potential issues before they occur. It also enables us to more effectively plan maintenance, virtually eliminate downtime, and extend the lifecycle of the port’s assets.
Is it cost-effective to produce this type of drone?
Underwater drones have proven to be a cost-effective way to ensure the tank’s durability and cleanliness. By eliminating the need for manual inspection, insurance costs for both inspectors and workers are reduced.
However, one of the major benefits of using underwater drones for asset inspection is that it provides an incentive to conduct preventative inspections rather than only conducting inspections when required by regulations or when absolutely necessary due to the potential cost to business and the financial implications.
CONFINED SPACES
Indoor inspections, such as tank inspections, present numerous challenges. Inside a tank, the atmosphere is dark and hot, and inspectors may be exposed to dangerous gases that are not detectable by smell. Inspections are typically carried out by a team of inspectors who must climb ropes without the use of safety nets. If ropes cannot be used, scaffolding must be built within the space. This is a time-consuming, costly, and risky project.
Underwater drone technology allows inspectors to complete these inspections in a fraction of the time while reducing health risks and financial costs.
UNDERWATER
Drones can also be used to perform underwater visual inspections. Underwater drones enable port authorities and border security personnel to inspect the hulls of passing vessels. These underwater drones or ROVs eliminate the need for a diver to be sent underwater, and vessels are not forced to incur costly delays while drydocking.
The hull markings, rudders, sacrificial anodes, and propellers are all photographed by the ROV camera.
Drone use will only grow as technology advances, with features such as detailed 3D models of interior assets and more advanced automation on the horizon. Drones are a critical time-saving and cost-effective tool for the maritime industry, with applications in the air, confined spaces, and underwater.
When compared to dive teams and work class ROVs, our clients have saved up to 60% on costs. Our micro/mini ROV is an unmanned underwater drone capable of performing visual underwater inspections at depths of up to 150 meters. The micro ROV is controlled by a hand console from a research vessel or quay. A secondary screen displays the results of the operations. Our reporting software provides the client with a comprehensive survey record.
To discuss any of the concepts described here in more detail, our friendly and experienced customer service team can help. We offer tried and tested services around Houston, Texas and Longbeach, California.
Call American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@amtanks.com
