The Elios drone helped TDBR Inspections transform the way they handle tank inspections at the 3R-2 rig off the coast of Brazil. Speed In just two weeks, the Elios 2 and Elios 3 managed to inspect 63 tanks with only two team members. Previously, this would have taken months and required a larger team. Safety With drones, there was no need to send personnel inside the tanks or perform work at heights. Since no human entry was required, there was no need for special permits, streamlining the entire process. Accuracy The results from these inspections were shared with the Class Society, which sets standards for maritime and drilling equipment. All findings from the Elios 2 and Elios 3 met the required class standards. Efficiency By conducting inspections with drones, the number of people on board (PoB) the rig stayed within limits and allowed for better optimization of staff presence. This meant having more engineers and workers on-site rather than inspection teams.   Working offshore presents unique challenges. Equipment failure or delayed deliveries can lead to costly downtime or even safety risks. Balancing inspection and maintenance needs with operational efficiency is crucial when every square foot counts. For the 3R-2, a TLWP-type oil rig off the coast of Brazil, major inspections pose a logistical challenge. The maximum number of people on board (PoB) is approximately 60 individuals, which includes engineers, operators, and general staff. Transporting staff via helicopter requires careful planning to ensure smooth operations without straining resources. Inspecting tall tanks manually is extremely challenging However, inspecting assets like tanks on board can be quite difficult. The 3R-2 has numerous large tanks, and manual inspections require several team members using ropes, taking multiple days per tank. As the rig is ten years old and adheres to stringent regulations, thorough inspections are essential. The goal was to find a way to obtain accurate results without deploying large inspection teams for extended periods, optimizing PoB while improving inspection efficiency. TDBR Inspections, a drone service provider in Brazil, has extensive experience conducting complex inspections with the Elios drone. They were approached by Raul Martini, a naval engineering specialist from 3R Petroleum , who owns the 3R-2. The aim was to use the Elios drone for tank inspections and assess whether this approach could save time at the rig. The objective was to collect visual data regarding the condition of the large tanks. TerraDrone needed to compile an archive of relevant images for visual inspections, defect checks, and fault identification. Specific areas of interest could then be highlighted with special paint. The project was extensive, involving over 70 tanks at the site. TDBR Inspections planned to visit the 3R-2 four times to gather comprehensive data. The main advantage of using the Elios drone was the potential for time and cost savings, along with simplified logistics. Entering a tank of this size for an inspection typically requires a special permit, but drones do not need such authorization. Additionally, the results were intended to be submitted to the Class Society to verify their accuracy. If successful, this project could lead to a long-term partnership between TerraDrone and 3R Petroleum for routine inspections on the 3R-2 using the Elios drone. A team from TDBR Inspections traveled to the 3R-2 and began planning their flight strategy as part of Phase 1. They conducted reconnaissance flights with an Elios 2 to scout the tanks and plan asset entry. Inside a ballast tank visualized with the Elios 3  Following initial external inspection flights during Phase 1, the TDBR Inspections team returned a month later to start Phase 2. During that month, they purchased an Elios 3 and brought both drones to the 3R-2. Over the course of 14 days, TDBR Inspections' pilots completed 88 separate flights around and inside 63 tanks. This totaled over 10 hours of flight time and utilized both the Elios 2 and Elios 3. After all flights were finished, the collected data was processed in Inspector 4. Visual inspections from both drones updated existing records and searched for anomalies, while the Elios 3's LiDAR data created 3D models of the tanks. These models provided clear insights into the tanks' conditions and allowed for detailed asset knowledge without requiring anyone to enter confined spaces. This project was massive—inspecting 63 tanks in just two weeks meant over 10 assets were checked daily. Traditional methods pale in comparison; for instance, on an FSPO, tank inspections require up to 4 or 5 rope access technicians and can take up to a week. With an Elios 3, two people could complete the same task in just two days per tank. Looking ahead, TDBR Inspections anticipates repeating similar inspections at the 3R-2 and other comparable sites. Their operational efficiency significantly reduced time and costs for 3R-2’s management, optimizing staff movements and addressing the PoB challenge. Not only did the Elios keep people safe and out of confined spaces, but it also gathered data meeting the Class Society's regulatory standards, solving a real industry-wide issue. Learn more about the Elios 3 and its various applications. Wood Fiber Pickleball Paddle,Top Pickleball Paddles,Gearbox Pickleball Paddles,Pickleball Central Paddles Nantong Zhongyi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.apl-pickleball.comInspecting 63 Tanks With 2 Drones In Just Two Weeks
Key Benefits At A Glance
Customer Needs: Complex Inspections On An Offshore Rig
Solution: Drone Inspections For Time-Saving Results
The Elios 2 (top) and Elios 3 (bottom) outside the narrow entry point of a tankResults: Inspecting 63 Tanks In 88 Flights
Conclusion: A Strategic Move Toward Faster Rig Inspections