When it comes to drone tank inspections, traditional methods are often costly, time-consuming, and hazardous. But with the latest advancements in confined space drone technology, DJM Aerial Solutions offers a highly efficient alternative — delivering detailed, actionable data while keeping your personnel safe and minimising operational downtime.
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we specialise in high-precision drone tank inspections for industrial, petrochemical, utility, and processing facilities across the UK. Our UAV platforms, including collision-tolerant confined space drones and LiDAR-enabled systems, allow us to safely inspect both internal and external tank structures without scaffolding, manned entry, or lengthy shutdowns.
In this post, we’ll explore what drone tank inspection involves, its key benefits, and how DJM Aerial Solutions is helping industrial sites across the UK rethink how they inspect their storage assets.
What Is a Drone Tank Inspection?
A drone tank inspection uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with high-definition cameras, stabilisation systems, and sometimes thermal sensors or LED lighting to assess the condition of a storage tank, either internally, externally, or both.
These tanks are commonly used to store oil, gas, water, chemicals, or food products. Depending on the type of tank, inspections might be required regularly to comply with safety regulations or simply as part of preventative maintenance schedules.
Traditionally, these inspections require human entry into confined spaces, use of scaffolding or rope access, and full drainage of the tank. Drone inspections, on the other hand, allow operators to gather the same (or better) data in a fraction of the time, without putting personnel at risk.
The Benefits of Drone Tank Inspection
Whether you manage one tank or an entire tank farm, using drones for inspection brings clear advantages:
- Improved Safety
Removing the need for human entry into tanks dramatically reduces risk. Our drones can operate in confined spaces, at height, or in hazardous environments, ensuring inspections are conducted without endangering your team.
- Minimal Downtime
Many inspections can be conducted with limited or no full system shutdown, significantly reducing operational disruptions.
- High-Quality Data
Our drones deliver crystal-clear 4K imagery, detailed weld inspections, coating assessments, and real-time thermal imaging for early detection of developing faults. LiDAR capability allows for fully georeferenced 3D point clouds, enabling accurate defect mapping, volumetric measurements, and long-term condition monitoring.
- Cost Efficiency
Reduced labour, scaffolding, rescue teams, and isolation preparation translate directly into operational cost efficiencies.
- Fast Turnaround
Inspection reports, fully annotated imagery, 3D models, and maintenance recommendations are typically delivered within 24–48 hours.
Internal vs. External Drone Tank Inspections
At DJM Aerial Solutions, we offer both internal and external drone tank inspections depending on your needs.
- Internal Inspections: Ideal for enclosed or sealed tanks. Our drones are equipped with stabilised cameras and onboard lighting, allowing us to safely inspect welded seams, coatings, structural features and furniture from within, without manned entry.
- External Inspections: Perfect for roof inspections, shell surveys, and the general condition of external components like platforms, stairways, or supports. We can detect visible corrosion, coating issues, or signs of impact damage.
Typical Industries We Serve
We provide drone tank inspection services for a wide range of sectors across the UK, including:
- Oil & Gas Storage Terminals
- Petrochemical and Chemical Processing Facilities
- Power Generation & Energy-from-Waste Plants
- Water Treatment & Utilities
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing & Storage
- Agriculture & Fertiliser Storage
- Pharmaceutical Bulk Storage
Why Choose DJM Aerial Solutions?
With over 10 years of UAV inspection experience, DJM Aerial Solutions is a trusted name in the drone inspection and survey industry. We are fully CAA certified, insured, and qualified to operate in complex industrial environments. Our team understands the safety protocols and operational demands of high-risk sites, and we tailor every inspection to suit your exact requirements.
Ready to Upgrade Your Tank Inspections?
If you manage bulk storage infrastructure and are looking for a safer, smarter way to carry out inspections, our drone tank inspection services could be the solution. We operate across the UK and are ready to support both routine maintenance and urgent assessments.