Inspecting 63 Tanks With 2 Drones In 2 Weeks
The Elios drone helped TDBR Inspections transform the way tank inspections are done at the 3R-2 rig off the coast of Brazil
Key Benefits At A Glance
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Speed Using the Elios 2 and Elios 3, TDBR was able to inspect 63 tanks in just 14 days with only two staff members. Traditionally, this would have taken months and required three or more people on site. |
Safety By using drones, there was no need to send personnel into confined spaces or work at height. This eliminated the need for special permits and significantly reduced risk. |
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Accuracy The inspection results were shared with the Class Society, which sets maritime and drilling standards. All findings from the Elios 2 and Elios 3 met the required class standards, ensuring compliance and reliability. |
Efficiency With drone inspections, the number of people on board (PoB) remained optimized. Engineers and workers could stay on-site without needing large inspection teams, improving overall efficiency. |
Working offshore brings a unique set of challenges. Equipment failure or delayed materials can lead to long delays, downtime, or even safety risks. Space is limited, so balancing inspections, maintenance, and operations is crucial for smooth operations.
Customer Needs: Challenging Inspections For An Offshore Rig
The 3R-2 is a TLWP-type oil rig located off the coast of Brazil. It has strict limits on the number of people on board (PoB), typically around 60. These include engineers, operators, and support staff. Helicopter transport is used, making it essential to optimize PoB and reduce unnecessary trips.
The tanks being inspected are very high, making them difficult to inspect manually
Inspection of large onboard tanks is especially challenging. It often requires multiple staff members using ropes and can take several days per tank. The 3R-2 is over 10 years old and must meet high regulatory standards. Inspections must be thorough, as the results are used to update records. The challenge is to get accurate data without bringing large inspection teams on board for extended periods.
Solution: Drone Inspections Save Time And Improve Safety
TDBR Inspections, a drone service provider based in Brazil, has extensive experience using the Elios drone for complex inspections. They were contacted by Raul Martini, a naval engineer from 3R Petroleum, who owns the 3R-2. Their goal was to use the Elios drone to inspect the tanks and see if they could speed up the process.
The Elios 2 (upper) and Elios 3 (lower) outside the narrow entry for a tank
The main objective was to collect visual data on the condition of the tanks. TDBR aimed to build an archive of images that could be used for defect detection and fault identification. Areas of concern could then be marked with paint for further action. The project involved over 70 tanks, and TDBR planned to conduct four visits to gather data.
The biggest advantage of using the Elios drone was time and cost savings, along with simplified logistics. Entering a tank for inspection typically requires special permits, but a drone does not. Additionally, the results needed to be submitted to the Class Society for verification. If successful, this could lead to a long-term partnership between TDBR and 3R Petroleum for regular inspections.
Results: Inspecting 63 Tanks In 88 Flights
TDBR’s team traveled to the 3R-2 and started planning their flights as part of Phase 1. They conducted reconnaissance flights with the Elios 2 to scout the tanks and plan the inspections.
The inside of a ballast tank visualized with the Elios 3
A month later, the team returned for Phase 2, bringing both the Elios 2 and Elios 3. Over 14 days, they completed 88 flights across 63 tanks. The total flight time exceeded 10 hours, showcasing the efficiency of the system.
After the flights, the data was processed in Inspector 4. Visual inspections from both drones were used to update records and identify anomalies. The Elios 3's LiDAR data was used to create 3D models of the tanks' interiors, providing detailed insights without any human entry into confined spaces.
Conclusion: A Long-Term Strategy For Faster Rig Inspections
The scale of this project was impressive—inspecting 63 tanks in just two weeks meant over 10 assets per day. This is far more efficient than traditional methods, where tank inspections on an FSPO can take up to a week with multiple rope access technicians. Using the Elios 3, the same task was completed in two days with just two people.
TDBR expects to repeat similar inspections at 3R-2 and other sites. The operational efficiency brought significant time and cost savings to the managers at 3R-2, while also optimizing staff movement. Not only did the Elios keep people safe and out of confined spaces, but it also collected data that met regulatory requirements and addressed a real industry challenge.
Discover more about the Elios 3 and its applications in industrial inspections.
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