The Benefits of Using Underwater Drones for Tank Inspections

Utilizing underwater drones for tank inspections significantly enhances security, speed, efficiency, and overall response capabilities. The ability to overcome traditional challenges associated with infrastructure and asset inspections has made drones an essential tool in the industry.

These advanced drones can access hard-to-reach areas, collecting a wide range of precise data quickly and safely. This allows for informed decision-making and proactive issue resolution before problems arise. Additionally, drone inspections improve maintenance planning, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of critical port assets.

 

How Does the Underwater Drone Work?

 

Underwater drone technology has revolutionized tank inspections by enhancing security, efficiency, speed, and overall response capabilities. Their ability to overcome the traditional challenges associated with port infrastructure and asset inspections has made them an indispensable tool in the industry.

These drones can access hard-to-reach areas, capturing a vast range of precise data quickly and safely. This enables informed decision-making and early detection of potential issues before they escalate. Additionally, drone inspections improve maintenance planning, minimize operational downtime, and significantly extend the lifespan of port 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 Raven American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167

Or email at info@amtanks.com