Petroleum Storage Tank Drone Inspection in Dublin, Ireland
Advanced Confined Space Drone Inspection of Critical Roof Structures Using the Elios 3
DJM Aerial Solutions recently completed a specialist confined space drone inspection of a petroleum storage tank in Dublin, Ireland, utilising the Flyability Elios 3 confined space drone to undertake a detailed condition assessment of the tank’s complex internal roof structure.
The inspection focused on a large above-ground petroleum storage tank where the client required detailed visual data from the underside of the roof. Due to the tank’s intricate lattice-reinforced roof construction, obtaining high-quality inspection data was considered critical for ongoing asset integrity management and future maintenance planning.
Using advanced drone inspection technology, our team was able to safely access and inspect areas that would traditionally require confined space entry, rope access technicians, elevated work platforms, or extensive scaffolding systems.
As demand for safer and more efficient inspection methods continues to grow throughout Ireland, drone-based confined space inspections are rapidly becoming the preferred solution for storage tank operators, petrochemical facilities, bulk fuel terminals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and industrial asset owners throughout Dublin and beyond.
Why Internal Roof Structures Require Detailed Inspection
Many petroleum and fuel storage tanks throughout Ireland feature complex internal roof support systems designed to provide structural stability across large spans.
These structures commonly include:
- Lattice steel framework
- Radial support beams
- Circumferential ring beams
- Roof trusses
- Connection plates
- Gusset assemblies
- Welded joints
- Corrosion protection systems
Over time these components can be subjected to:
- Atmospheric corrosion
- Condensation related degradation
- Coating breakdown
- Structural movement
- Fatigue cracking
- Localised corrosion around welds and connections
Failure to identify defects at an early stage can lead to significant maintenance costs, unplanned outages and potential safety concerns.
For this reason, detailed internal inspections form a critical part of many tank integrity management programmes throughout Ireland’s petroleum and chemical storage sectors.
The Challenge of Traditional Tank Inspections
Historically, inspecting the underside of large storage tank roofs has required personnel to enter confined spaces under highly controlled conditions.
This often involves:
- Confined space entry teams
- Rescue teams
- Gas monitoring equipment
- Permit-to-work systems
- Access platforms
- Scaffolding installation
- Extended outage durations
For tanks featuring complex lattice roof structures, access can become particularly difficult.
Inspectors are often unable to achieve suitable viewing angles from ground level, meaning additional access equipment may be required to properly assess elevated structural components.
These traditional approaches can significantly increase project costs while exposing personnel to unnecessary risks.
Elios 3 Drone Inspection Technology
For this inspection in Dublin, DJM Aerial Solutions deployed the Flyability Elios 3 confined space drone.
Designed specifically for operation within enclosed industrial environments, the Elios 3 combines collision-tolerant flight technology with advanced imaging and LiDAR capabilities.
Key features include:
- High-resolution 4K camera system
- Powerful LED illumination
- LiDAR-based navigation
- Real-time pilot positioning
- Collision-resistant protective cage
- GPS-denied flight capability
- Precise close visual inspection functionality
The Elios 3 allowed our pilots to safely navigate through the intricate roof framework whilst maintaining close proximity to critical structural components.
This enabled detailed visual assessment of:
- Weld integrity
- Structural connections
- Corrosion development
- Coating condition
- Roof support members
- Areas of localised degradation
Detailed Inspection of the Lattice Roof Structure
The primary focus of the inspection was the tank’s extensive lattice-reinforced roof construction.
The geometry of the roof created numerous intersecting structural members, making traditional visual inspection particularly challenging.
Using the Elios 3, our team systematically surveyed:
- Primary roof trusses
- Secondary support members
- Connection nodes
- Welded joints
- Cross bracing systems
- Roof shell interfaces
- Structural penetrations
The drone was able to access multiple viewing angles throughout the roof space, providing significantly improved visual coverage compared with conventional inspection techniques.
High-definition imagery was captured throughout the survey, enabling engineers to review individual structural components in detail following completion of the inspection.
Benefits of Drone Tank Inspection in Ireland
Increasing numbers of industrial operators throughout Ireland are adopting drone inspection technology for storage tank inspections due to the significant operational advantages.
Enhanced Safety
The most significant benefit is the reduction or elimination of confined space entry requirements.
Personnel remain outside the tank whilst the drone performs the inspection internally.
Reduced Outage Duration
Drone inspections can often be completed significantly faster than traditional inspection methods.
This helps reduce downtime and allows assets to return to service more quickly.
Improved Data Quality
The Elios 3 provides close-up high-resolution imagery from locations that would otherwise be inaccessible.
This enables more informed engineering decisions and targeted maintenance planning.
Lower Access Costs
By reducing the requirement for scaffolding, rope access and specialist access equipment, overall inspection costs can often be substantially reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions for Confined Space Drone Inspection
A confined space drone inspection is a remote inspection method that uses specialist collision-tolerant drones, such as the Flyability Elios 3, to inspect enclosed or difficult-to-access environments without requiring personnel to enter the space. The drone captures high-resolution visual data, video footage and LiDAR information whilst remaining under the control of a qualified pilot positioned outside the asset.
Drone technology significantly improves safety by reducing or eliminating the need for manned confined space entry. Petroleum storage tanks often contain elevated structures, complex roof assemblies and difficult-to-access areas that traditionally require scaffolding, rope access or specialist inspection teams. The Elios 3 can safely access these areas whilst providing detailed inspection data and reducing outage durations.
Yes. The Elios 3 is specifically designed to inspect complex internal structures such as lattice roof frameworks, support trusses, roof beams, rafters, connection nodes and welded joints. Its protective cage allows it to operate safely in close proximity to steelwork whilst capturing detailed imagery of structural components that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Drone inspections remove personnel from hazardous environments wherever possible. Instead of entering confined spaces, climbing scaffolding or working at height, inspectors can remain in a safe location whilst the drone carries out the inspection. This reduces exposure to risks associated with confined spaces, falls from height, restricted access and rescue requirements.
Yes. Drone inspections are highly effective for a wide range of fuel storage tanks, including crude oil tanks, petroleum storage tanks, diesel tanks, aviation fuel tanks and bulk liquid storage assets. The Elios 3 can provide detailed condition assessments of internal structures, roof systems, shell plates, nozzles and floor areas whilst minimising operational disruption.
A drone inspection can identify a variety of visible defects and anomalies, including:
- General corrosion
- Localised corrosion
- Coating degradation
- Surface cracking
- Structural deformation
- Weld deterioration
- Missing or damaged components
- Water ingress indicators
- Product staining
- Corrosion around penetrations and nozzles
Any findings can then be reviewed by asset integrity engineers to determine maintenance or repair requirements.
In many cases, yes. Traditional tank inspections may require extensive access preparation, scaffolding installation and confined space arrangements before inspection work can begin. Drone inspections can often be mobilised and completed much more quickly, helping to reduce overall outage durations and return assets to service sooner.
Yes. The Elios 3 incorporates onboard LiDAR technology that can generate detailed three-dimensional representations of internal tank environments. These models can be used to visualise assets, locate areas of concern, support engineering reviews and provide additional context alongside inspection imagery and reports.
Confined space drone inspections are widely used across numerous sectors throughout Ireland, including:
- Petroleum and fuel storage
- Chemical manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical production
- Energy from Waste facilities
- Water treatment works
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Renewable energy facilities
- Power generation sites
- Ports and marine infrastructure
- Food and beverage processing
These industries often operate complex assets where remote inspection technologies provide significant safety and operational benefits.
Inspection frequency depends upon several factors, including asset age, service conditions, product type, regulatory requirements and the site’s integrity management programme. Many operators undertake inspections during planned shutdowns or in accordance with recognised standards such as API 653, EEMUA guidance and site-specific inspection schedules. Regular inspections help identify developing defects before they become significant maintenance or operational issues.
Confined Space Drone Inspection Services Across Ireland
DJM Aerial Solutions provides specialist confined space drone inspection services throughout Ireland, including:
- Dublin
- Cork
- Limerick
- Galway
- Waterford
- Drogheda
- Dundalk
- Athlone
- Shannon
- Belfast
Our confined space inspection capabilities include:
- Petroleum storage tanks
- Fuel storage tanks
- Chemical storage vessels
- Process vessels
- Pressure vessels
- Silos
- Digesters
- Wastewater tanks
- Water treatment assets
- Culverts
- Sewers
- Boilers
- Furnaces
- Flue stacks
- Industrial ducting
Specialist Tank Inspection Services in Dublin
The successful completion of this petroleum tank inspection in Dublin demonstrates the growing value of confined space drone technology within Ireland’s industrial sector.
By combining advanced Elios 3 drone technology with extensive industrial inspection experience, DJM Aerial Solutions delivers safe, efficient and cost-effective inspection solutions for complex storage tank assets throughout Ireland.
Whether supporting routine integrity programmes, shutdown inspections or defect investigations, confined space drones provide asset owners with a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional inspection methods.
For organisations seeking specialist tank inspection services in Dublin or anywhere throughout Ireland, drone inspection technology is rapidly becoming the industry standard for accessing difficult-to-reach internal structures whilst maintaining the highest levels of safety and data quality.