Drone Tank Survey: Safe, Efficient Inspection for Bulk Storage Assets
How Internal Drone Surveys Are Modernising Tank Inspection Across Industry
Bulk storage tanks are critical assets across industries like energy, petrochemical, water treatment, and manufacturing. Whether storing fuel, bitumen, sludge, or other high-value materials, these tanks must be regularly inspected for structural integrity, corrosion, deformation, and overall compliance.
Traditional inspections typically require full tank emptying, manual confined space entry, and expensive scaffolding. But there’s now a better way.
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we specialise in drone tank surveys using cutting-edge internal drone technology to safely access, record, and report on tank conditions, with zero risk to personnel.
Why Bulk Storage Tank Surveys Matter
Storage tanks are subject to corrosion, lining degradation, weld fatigue, and structural movement — particularly those exposed to thermal cycles, chemical exposure, or long-term usage. Left unchecked, small issues can escalate into costly failures, environmental risks, or downtime.
Regular inspection is essential for:
Regulatory compliance (e.g., EEMUA 159, API 653)
Preventative maintenance
Planning repairs or relining
Verifying structural integrity
Ensuring operational safety
Challenges of Traditional Tank Inspection
Legacy inspection methods involve:
Tank drainage and full isolation
Internal scaffolding builds
Manned confined space entry
Permit-controlled access and standby rescue
Extended shutdowns, lost productivity, and high costs
These methods can take days to plan, permit, and execute, with increased risk to personnel and business continuity.
Drone Storage Tank Survey: A Safer Alternative
Using the Elios 3 internal drone platform, we provide complete drone storage tank surveys from the tank floor to roof, with high-resolution visuals, LiDAR-based spatial awareness, and zero physical entry.
Our confined space drone operations are ideal for:
Vertical storage tanks
Bitumen and oil tanks
Sludge and chemical tanks
Pressurised vessels
Steel silos and underground tanks
Benefits of Drone Tank Surveys
No Confined Space Entry
Internal drone surveys eliminate the need for manned access, scaffolding, or rope work — drastically reducing risk.
Minimal Downtime
Tank inspections can often be completed in a single shift, avoiding multi-day outages and access prep.
High-Resolution Data
Our drones capture stabilised 4K video, high-resolution stills, and surface detail for accurate defect identification.
LiDAR Integration
With LiDAR-equipped drones, we generate spatial point clouds for dimension checks, structural mapping, and CAD integration.
Cost Efficiency
No scaffolding, reduced manpower, and shorter shutdowns mean substantial cost savings.
Enhanced Reporting
Clients receive a full visual condition report, annotated media, and optional 3D models or LiDAR output.
What Can Be Detected in a Drone Tank Survey?
Pitting and surface corrosion
Weld cracks or fatigue
Coating or lining failure
Deformation or structural compromise
Sediment build-up
Blocked access or manway damage
Unknown obstructions or damage
How Our Internal Drone Surveys Work
Site assessment and planning
We confirm isolation status, entry point access, and atmospheric safety.Elios 3 flight
Our confined space drone enters the tank via a manway or access hatch, with full visual control from outside.Real-time defect tagging
Operators and clients can watch live as defects or points of interest are tagged in the video timeline.Data processing and delivery
We provide a full report within 24–72 hours, including media, findings, and recommendations.
Ideal for Shutdown or Pre-Planning
Drone tank surveys are a valuable tool during:
Scheduled shutdowns
Commissioning or post-commissioning
Emergency investigations
Pre-purchase asset assessments
Periodic condition checks
Who We Work With
Our clients span multiple sectors, including:
Energy from waste operators
Petrochemical and bitumen handling facilities
Water and wastewater utilities
Power generation
Manufacturing and food processing
Engineering consultancies and tank maintenance providers
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Surveys
A drone tank survey uses an internal UAV to inspect the interior of bulk storage tanks, capturing visual and spatial data without human entry or scaffolding.
We inspect vertical storage tanks, bitumen tanks, sludge tanks, silos, and pressure vessels—both above and below ground.
Faster inspections, reduced cost, no confined space risk, and high-resolution data—all without scaffolding or extended shutdowns.
The Elios 3 is collision-tolerant, FPV-controlled, and fitted with LiDAR for spatial awareness. It’s designed to operate in GPS-denied, dark environments.
You’ll receive a condition report with 4K video, high-res images, defect tagging, and optional LiDAR point cloud or 3D model.
Yes. Our drone enters through a manway or hatch, while the operator remains outside the tank, eliminating all confined space risks.
They require scaffolding, manned entry, significant time, and carry health and safety risks, especially in hazardous or contaminated tanks.
Most surveys are completed in a single shift, with reporting typically delivered within 24–72 hours depending on complexity.
We are based in the North East and operate across the UK, with fast mobilisation for both planned and emergency inspections.
Why Choose DJM Aerial Solutions?
Elios 3 platform with LiDAR & 4K imagery
Full CAA approval and confined space trained team
Nationwide UK coverage with fast mobilisation
Decade of experience in hazardous asset inspection
Clear, structured reporting for engineers and asset managers
Ready to Book a Drone Survey?
If you’re responsible for inspecting or managing critical infrastructure, don’t wait for costly failures or disruptions. Our drone surveys provide the information you need to act decisively and plan proactively.
Contact DJM Aerial Solutions today to discuss your project or request a quote.