Client: Industrial Facility North East
Location: Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Service: Thermal and Visual Inspection of Cryogenic Storage Asset
Thermal and Visual Drone Assessment of Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank
Project Overview
DJM Aerial Solutions was commissioned to conduct a detailed thermal and visual drone inspection of a liquid nitrogen storage tank, an insulated cryogenic asset originally built in the 1960s. Given the age of the tank, the client required an assessment to ensure continued structural integrity and insulation performance, preventing potential safety issues and maintaining operational efficiency.
The inspection combined advanced drone technology with high-resolution thermal imaging to detect hotspots, insulation inconsistencies, and structural anomalies without interrupting asset operations.
Challenges of Inspecting Cryogenic Storage Tanks
Inspecting insulated cryogenic tanks presents several challenges when using traditional methods:
- Insulation Integrity: Aging insulation materials can degrade or shift internally, leading to temperature inconsistencies.
- Operational Continuity: Traditional inspections can require shutdowns or manual scaffolding setups, causing significant operational disruptions.
- Safety Concerns: Personnel risks due to confined spaces and potential exposure to hazardous temperatures and materials.
DJM Aerial Solutions’ Drone Inspection Approach
DJM Aerial Solutions deployed the Matrice 300 RTK drone equipped with the Zenmuse XT2 radiometric thermal sensor for precise temperature detection and high-resolution visual imaging.
Key capabilities leveraged during this inspection:
- Radiometric Thermal Imaging: Enabled precise detection of minor temperature anomalies indicative of insulation issues.
- High-Resolution Visual Capture: Provided clear visual data to assess the structural integrity and external condition of the storage tank.
- Efficient Coverage: Quick, safe, and comprehensive inspection conducted without operational interruption.
Inspection Process and Results
Objectives:
- Assess thermal performance and identify insulation inconsistencies.
- Confirm structural integrity and safety compliance.
- Capture detailed thermal and visual inspection data.
Methodology:
The drone systematically inspected the external surfaces of the cryogenic tank, focusing particularly on critical areas such as seams, welds, and upper tank sections.
Findings:
- Minor Hotspots Identified: Detected a few hotspots around the upper equator region of the tank.
- Probable Insulation Shift: Analysis indicated that hotspots were likely due to minor internal shifts in the insulation rather than significant structural issues.
- Structural Integrity Confirmed: No critical structural defects or external damage was observed.
Benefits of Drone-Based Cryogenic Tank Inspections
The drone-based thermal and visual assessment offered significant advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: Eliminated the need for manual inspections in hazardous conditions.
- Operational Efficiency: Inspection conducted rapidly without asset downtime.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Immediate identification of minor issues, facilitating timely preventive maintenance.
- Comprehensive Documentation: High-quality visual and thermal data available for future maintenance and monitoring.
Applications for Cryogenic Tank Drone Inspections
Drone inspections are highly effective for:
- Routine inspections of cryogenic tanks
- Preventive maintenance assessments
- Structural integrity and insulation performance evaluations
- Condition monitoring and baseline data capture
Client Satisfaction and Next Steps
The client was pleased with the inspection outcomes, appreciating the clarity and accuracy of the findings, which provided assurance of the tank’s ongoing operational safety and performance. DJM Aerial Solutions will continue supporting the client in routine monitoring and inspection services.
Why Choose DJM Aerial Solutions?
With extensive expertise in drone inspections and advanced thermal imaging technology, DJM Aerial Solutions provides reliable, efficient, and safe inspection services for critical industrial assets across the UK.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Contact Us Today: Schedule your next drone-based cryogenic tank inspection.
- Request a Quote: Discover how our drone inspection services ensure your asset’s integrity and operational efficiency.
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