Inspection of oil storage tanks using drone technology and UT specialist

Customer profile

A large oil storage terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, with multiple storage tanks for crude oil and other products, is responsible for the safe storage of oil products. Due to the nature of the stored substances and the scale of the installations, safety and demonstrable reliability of the assets are essential. The terminal must carry out periodic inspections to comply with laws and regulations. Smart inspection methods contribute to more efficient maintenance and minimal downtime.

Challenge

The customer needed to perform wall thickness measurements on two large storage tanks, including hard-to-reach areas at height. Traditional methods are labour-intensive, risky and time-consuming.

Solution by Smart AIS

Smart AIS deployed an intelligent combination of drone inspection and a certified UT specialist:

• Drone inspection: Using the Voliro drone equipped with a UT probe, we flew in a controlled manner against the tank wall surface. This drone is specifically designed for inspections in confined or hazardous spaces and enables accurate measurements, even in hard-to-reach areas.

• UT specialist on board: Our certified UT inspector supervised the process, validated the UT probe measurement data in real time and prepared a report that meets legal and regulatory requirements.

This approach made it possible to carry out the required inspections quickly and safely, without the need for scaffolding or rope access.

Result and impact

Thanks to the use of drone inspection with a UT probe and direct validation by the UT specialist, the project was completed within a few days. The customer quickly received a complete, reliable report that fulfilled inspection obligations. This resulted in:

• Time savings compared to traditional inspection methods

• Cost reduction through more efficient execution

• Minimal risks for personnel thanks to drone deployment

• Immediately usable data for accountability to regulators

The advantage of working with Smart AIS

The strength of Smart AIS lies in the combination of technology and expertise. Our multidisciplinary approach enabled us to execute this project efficiently, safely, with our own staff and in full compliance with requirements. The collaboration between the drone operator and UT inspector resulted in a clear report for the customer. Smart AIS makes inspection simpler, safer, faster and more cost-effective – without compromising on quality or compliance.