Internal inspections in the chemical industry are challenging, requiring access to confined spaces, hazardous environments, and hard-to-reach assets. By using drones like the Elios 3, these challenges become opportunities for greater safety, efficiency, and cost savings.
At XD4Solutions, the official representative of Flyability in Brazil, we help companies optimize their inspection processes with cutting-edge indoor drone technology. Discover how drones are changing the game and learn about the 7 key benefits they bring:
1. Significant Cost Savings
The assembly and disassembly of scaffolding and other temporary structures can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per inspection. Drones eliminate this need, enabling inspections to be conducted remotely without prolonged operational interruptions. The time saved through drone use directly translates into reduced expenses and increased potential revenue.
2. Reduced Downtime
The efficiency of drones drastically reduces the time required to complete inspections. For example, inspecting a tank without the Elios 3 might take four days using traditional methods, but with the drone, the task was completed in just six hours. This saved time keeps assets operational longer, optimizing production.
3. Enhanced Safety for Inspectors
Confined spaces and working at heights pose significant risks in the chemical industry. Traditional methods expose inspectors to accidents, whether from falls, exposure to chemicals, or toxic environments. With drones, professionals can collect data remotely, significantly reducing risks and protecting lives.
4. Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas
Drones like the Elios 3 are designed to access confined spaces and areas that are inaccessible to humans. Equipped with a collision-resistant protective frame, they can navigate tight spaces such as ducts, tanks, and heat exchangers, ensuring detailed inspections without compromising asset integrity.
5. Advanced Data Capture: Visual and LiDAR
The Elios 3 provides 4K video, stabilized images, and unique lighting features to capture even the smallest details. Additionally, its LiDAR payload enables the creation of centimeter-accurate 3D models, integrating visual and structural data for in-depth analysis, engineering, and predictive maintenance.
6. More Frequent and Cost-Effective Inspections
The ease and reduced cost of operating drones make it possible to conduct quick, regular inspections—something that would be unfeasible with traditional methods. This improves asset monitoring, enabling preventive interventions and reducing unplanned downtime caused by unexpected failures.
7. Precise Data Localization and Analysis with Inspector Software
The Inspector software, exclusively developed by Flyability, is a powerful tool for data analysis and recording. It allows precise mapping of detected defects, facilitating repairs and integrating inspection results into 3D models. This not only improves efficiency but also promotes collaboration between maintenance and engineering teams.
Success Stories: Flyability in Action
Companies like Yara in France are already reaping the benefits of using the Elios 3. During a planned shutdown, drones eliminated the need for human entry into assets, ensuring safe and high-quality inspections. The plant’s inspection manager praised the drone’s precision and reliability, which matched traditional methods.
Another example is the inspection of a hydrogen reformer lined with fragile ceramic. Thanks to the Elios 3, the team captured detailed visual data without damaging the asset or compromising safety.
Assets Inspected with Drones in the Chemical Industry
Drones are versatile and can inspect various types of equipment, including:
- Pipe supports
- Cables and conduits
- Fermentation tanks
- Pressure vessels
- Storage tanks (including fiberglass tanks)
- Suction ducts
- Heat exchangers
- Silos and storage bins
Traditionally inspected manually, these assets can now be evaluated remotely, quickly, and safely.
Transform Your Inspections with XD4Solutions and Flyability
At XD4Solutions, we are ready to take your operation to the next level. As the exclusive representatives of Flyability in Brazil, we offer cutting-edge technology, specialized technical support, and personalized consulting services.
Discover how the Elios 3 and Inspector can transform your inspections by reducing costs, maximizing efficiency, and protecting your team. Contact us today!
