Improving Safety, Efficiency, and Operational Insight with Advanced UAV Technology
The Energy from Waste (EfW) and Biomass sectors rely on complex high-temperature systems that demand regular inspection for safe, compliant, and efficient operation. At DJM Aerial Solutions, we provide end-to-end drone inspection services using both external UAVs and the Elios 3 confined space drone to deliver accurate, high-quality data across critical plant infrastructure.
From thermal surveys of air-cooled condensers (ACC) to internal visual inspections of gas passes within boilers, our drone systems enable faster decision-making, reduced downtime, and improved operational performance for plant owners and O&M contractors.
External Drone Inspections for EfW and Biomass Facilities
External infrastructure at EfW and biomass plants often includes assets that are difficult and hazardous to access manually. These include:
Waste gas flue stacks
Roof-mounted ducting systems
Cladding and insulation
Access platforms, supports, and seals
Air-cooled condensers (ACC)
Pipe racks and elevated process equipment
Using our fleet of Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 300 RTK, and thermal-capable UAVs, we carry out high-resolution visual and thermal drone surveys with minimal disruption to site operations.
Key Benefits:
No scaffolding or rope access required
Fast mobilisation and short inspection windows
High-definition visual data and thermal overlays
Pinpoint thermal anomalies, insulation failures, or leak detection
Fully georeferenced outputs for accurate defect reporting
Thermal Drone Surveys of Air-Cooled Condensers (ACC)
ACC units are a critical component in biomass and EfW power plants. Leaks, blockages, or performance inefficiencies can lead to reduced plant output and unplanned downtime.
We use thermal drone technology to identify:
Tube leaks or fin blockages
Heat distribution anomalies
Fan or motor irregularities
Hot spots due to fouling or airflow issues
Thermal imaging from the air allows for safe, rapid, and non-invasive inspections while units remain operational. Results are delivered as annotated thermal images and visual datasets for fast engineering review.
Internal Inspections Using the Elios 3: Boiler Gas Pass 1, 2, and 3
For internal inspections, especially within confined and hazardous areas, we deploy the Elios 3—an industry-leading confined space drone capable of navigating inside pressure vessels and boiler systems.
At EfW and biomass plants, this is essential for inspecting the internal condition of the first, second, and third gas passes within large waste heat boilers.
Typical Internal Targets:
Refractory lining degradation
Ash and slag accumulation
Weld and joint condition
Heat damage, distortion, or corrosion
Fouling on tube bundles or screen walls
The Elios 3 captures:
4K video and high-resolution stills
Real-time FPV footage for live condition assessment
3D LiDAR-based point clouds for internal geometry verification
These inspections are often carried out post-outage or during commissioning to ensure the system is safe, clean, and ready for operation.
Combined Inspection Strategy: Visual, Thermal, and Spatial Data in One Workflow
Our approach combines external UAV data and internal confined space inspection into a single unified service, offering full coverage of operational and structural components across the plant.
This integrated inspection strategy is particularly valuable during:
Commissioning and handover verification
Annual or pre-outage inspections
Reactive fault finding following alarms
Preventative maintenance planning
Why the EfW and Biomass Industries Trust DJM Aerial Solutions
With extensive experience in high-risk inspection environments and specialist drone technology, DJM Aerial Solutions provides a fully compliant, fast-response service across the UK.
Our Capabilities:
External UAVs with zoom and thermal imaging
Internal Elios 3 drone with visual and LiDAR data
CAA-approved, insured, and confined space trained operators
Fast turnaround of annotated reports and deliverables
Minimal disruption to operations with no working at height or confined entry
Whether you’re managing a single boiler or a full waste-to-energy facility, our drone inspection services reduce risk, increase data accuracy, and support smarter asset management.
Book Your EfW or Biomass Drone Inspection
If you’re looking to reduce downtime, improve visibility, and enhance plant safety, our drone-based inspections offer a smarter solution. From stack emissions systems to internal boiler integrity, DJM Aerial Solutions delivers reliable, repeatable inspection results for the UK’s most complex industrial environments.
Contact us today to discuss your site requirements or request a tailored inspection plan.