Drone Furnace Inspection with Elios 3: Post-Commissioning Survey in Leeds
Leading the Way in Confined Space Drone Inspection for Industrial Furnaces
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we were recently appointed to carry out a post-commissioning internal inspection of an industrial furnace system in Leeds, using our cutting-edge Elios 3 drone platform. The inspection included internal flights within the primary combustion chamber and feed hopper, capturing high-resolution video and LiDAR data to verify the asset’s internal condition.
This survey highlights the significant advantages of confined space drone inspection over traditional manned access methods—eliminating safety risks, reducing downtime, and delivering detailed visual and spatial data without costly access systems or confined space entry procedures.
Why Drone Furnace Inspections Are Now the Industry Standard
High-temperature industrial boilers and furnaces are typically large, enclosed, and high-risk environments. Once commissioned, or following shutdowns, inspections are critical to verify:
Structural integrity of refractory linings
Clean installation and alignment of internal components
Absence of heat damage, cracking, or corrosion
Early signs of weld failure or support frame distortion
Traditionally, these inspections have relied on:
Manual entry via confined space access
Scaffold erection or rope access systems
Significant plant downtime and work-at-height risks
By contrast, confined space drone inspections using the Elios 3 offer a safer, faster, and more accurate alternative—without compromising data quality.
Using the Elios 3 for Boiler and Furnace Internal Surveys
The Elios 3 drone is designed specifically for complex, GPS-denied environments. Its caged design, high-resolution imaging, and onboard LiDAR scanner make it the ideal tool for confined industrial inspections.
Key Features of the Elios 3:
4K camera system for detailed visual capture
360° LED illumination for pitch-dark environments
LiDAR sensor to generate accurate 3D spatial models
FPV control with real-time video feedback
Collision-tolerant cage to operate in tight boiler spaces
This technology enables our team to inspect entire furnace chambers, feed hoppers, and adjoining gas scrubbing or stack systems—without sending personnel inside.
Project Overview: Post-Commissioning Furnace Survey, Leeds
Objective
Carry out a full internal condition survey of a newly installed waste-to-energy furnace and feed hopper.
Location
Industrial site, Leeds, UK.
Inspection Targets
Furnace refractory lining
Feed hopper weld seams
Burner entry points and wall joins
Geometrical verification for commissioning documentation
Challenges
No safe access for manned entry
Internal layout not suitable for rope systems
Critical path in commissioning timeline
Solution Delivered
Full internal inspection with Elios 3 drone
4K footage and LiDAR point cloud
Annotated defect imagery
Data delivered within 48 hours
Advantages of Confined Space Drone Furnace Inspections
More industrial operators are now adopting drone-based inspections for assets such as boilers, furnaces, and silos. Here’s why:
No confined space entry required
Reduced reliance on scaffolding and work-at-height systems
Significantly faster turnaround time
Minimal disruption to plant operations
High-quality data for asset management and verification
Enhanced safety for inspection personnel
Our drone inspections support both reactive and planned maintenance, as well as pre- and post-shutdown surveys, helping clients extend asset lifespans and reduce risk exposure.
Ideal Applications for Drone-Based Boiler & Furnace Inspection
DJM Aerial Solutions regularly inspects the following structures using the Elios 3:
Primary and secondary boiler chambers
Energy-from-waste (EfW) furnace systems
Feed hoppers and ash conveyors
Waste gas scrubbers
Vertical and horizontal waste stacks
Product silos and process vessels
Whether for commissioning validation or routine assessment, our drone technology delivers data-rich results that support better asset decisions.
Why Choose DJM Aerial Solutions?
With over a decade of experience in specialist UAV inspection and a reputation as one of the UK’s leading Elios 3 operators, DJM Aerial Solutions is trusted by clients across the energy, manufacturing, and waste sectors.
What We Offer:
CAA-authorised confined space drone operations
Fully insured and highly trained inspection teams
Industry-leading inspection technology
Rapid mobilisation across the UK and Europe
Fully annotated reports, imagery, and 3D models
We combine engineering knowledge with UAV capability to deliver inspection solutions that are safe, efficient, and comprehensive.
Book Your Drone Furnace Inspection Today
Looking to validate a new furnace installation or inspect a high-risk boiler without sending people inside?
Contact DJM Aerial Solutions today to schedule a confined space drone inspection using the Elios 3. Our team is ready to support your inspection requirements—safely and without compromise.