Drone-Based Inspection of Concrete Digester Tank in Northampton Using Elios 3
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we recently completed a critical internal inspection of a concrete digester tank at a water treatment facility in Northampton. The client had identified a loss of product within the system and needed a full internal condition assessment, without the delays, risks, and costs associated with traditional inspection methods.
Using the Elios 3 confined space drone, we carried out a full visual and spatial inspection of the tank’s circumferential walls, penetrations, internal valves, base, and roof structure, all within a single mobilisation and with zero requirement for manned entry.
The Challenge: Product Loss and Complex Access Requirements
The digester, fabricated from reinforced concrete, presented several challenges:
Unknown internal condition due to lack of previous access
Height and geometry requiring full scaffolding for manned inspection
Confined space hazards and potential for hazardous gas build-up
Downtime limitations and operational pressures
A traditional inspection would have required:
Full internal scaffolding setup
Multiple rope-access or confined-space entry teams
A standby rescue crew
On-site crane support to move equipment in and out
This would have added days or even weeks of disruption, with substantial cost and elevated safety risk.
The Solution: Elios 3 Confined Space Drone Survey
The Elios 3, designed specifically for confined space environments, was deployed to access and inspect all internal surfaces of the digester tank. With its 4K camera, 360° LED lighting, and onboard LiDAR sensor, we were able to:
Inspect all circumferential concrete walls for cracks, corrosion or water ingress
Survey penetrations, valves, and brackets for signs of wear or leakage
Assess the tank base for sediment build-up, pitting, or erosion
Examine the internal roof structure for structural issues
Create a navigable 3D point cloud for engineering analysis and repair planning
This was all achieved without any human entry into the vessel.
Key Benefits Over Traditional Inspection Methods
| Drone Inspection | Traditional Method |
|---|---|
| Zero manned entry or confined space risk | Requires trained confined space personnel |
| Completed in hours | May require multiple days or weeks |
| Minimal site disruption | Major operational downtime expected |
| High-resolution video and LiDAR point cloud | Limited visual coverage without full access |
| Targeted repair planning | May require multiple access attempts |
| Cost-effective and scalable | Expensive due to labour, scaffolding, cranes |
Deliverables Provided
Upon completion of the survey, DJM Aerial Solutions provided:
Full 4K video footage of all inspected surfaces
Annotated defect imagery
A complete LiDAR point cloud model (LAS format)
Condition summary report for engineering teams
Recommendations for targeted repairs and further asset monitoring
Applications Across the Water Sector
This methodology is ideal for inspections of:
Digesters and process tanks
Anaerobic reactors
Sludge storage tanks
Balancing tanks and settlement structures
Contact and distribution chambers
Stormwater retention and underground assets
Whether fabricated from concrete, steel, or composite, the Elios 3 is capable of navigating confined, cluttered, and GPS-denied environments while delivering unmatched clarity and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Surveys
It’s an assessment of the structural and operational condition of anaerobic digestion tanks used in water and waste treatment.
The facility noticed product loss and required an internal inspection to identify the source without risking confined space entry.
The Elios 3, a confined space drone with 4K camera and onboard LiDAR for detailed structural mapping.
No. The drone replaced all need for scaffolding, rope access, or cranes.
Circumferential walls, base, roof, all penetrations, valves, and internal fixtures.
The entire inspection was completed in a single shift, with minimal downtime.
We supplied 4K video, annotated visuals, and a LiDAR point cloud in LAS format.
Yes. It reduces or eliminates confined space risk, in full compliance with HSE guidelines.
Yes, it’s ideal for digesters, sludge tanks, balancing tanks, and water storage assets.
Reduced risk, lower cost, minimal disruption, faster turnaround, and high-resolution data.
Summary: Safe, Efficient and Insightful Inspection
Our inspection of the Northampton digester tank once again demonstrates how confined space drone technology is setting a new standard in the inspection of critical infrastructure. Not only does it remove personnel from high-risk environments, but it also delivers actionable data within a fraction of the time, allowing our clients to maintain productivity and make informed maintenance decisions.
Book a Confined Space Drone Survey Today
Whether you manage assets in the water industry, energy sector, or heavy industry, DJM Aerial Solutions can provide you with safe, accurate, and efficient internal inspections using advanced UAV platforms such as the Elios 3.
- Nationwide coverage
- Confined space trained and CAA approved
- Deliverables compatible with engineering platforms
Contact us now to discuss your internal inspection requirements.