Drones are taking inspections to new heights! They’re way more accurate than manual inspections at pinpointing exactly where problems are. That’s why oil and gas companies, energy companies, and even mining companies are all using drones for their inspections.
The Superiority of Drones for Inspections
- 1. Inspecting tanks externally with drones reduces risks
Forget ladders and scaffolding! Drones can zoom right in for inspections, no need for inspectors to risk working at heights. Plus, these little machines are surprisingly powerful. They can cover a lot of ground quickly, saving everyone time and money.
- 2. They can go beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) line
Drones are like tiny superheroes of inspection! They can see everything inside the tank, even those hard-to-reach spots. Their high-definition cameras take sharp pictures and videos, and you can move them around to get a 360-degree view. No more blind spots!
- 3. Drones provide more than just images
Drones don’t just take great pictures, they can also become super sleuths! Inspectors can use them to get a closer look at anything that needs attention inside the tank. And beyond just seeing things, some drones have special sensors. These can be like a sixth sense, helping inspectors find problems like leaks, temperature issues, or even gas escaping, all without ever having to enter the tank.
Using Drones for Panel and Tank Inspections According to NFPA Standards
Fire safety is serious business, and NFPA has been the gold standard for decades. Their code NFPA 25 is like a global rulebook for fire protection systems, all focused on keeping people safe.
Drones are great for inspections, but there are rules to follow. NFPA sets high standards to make sure inspections are done right, but remember to check your local regulations too! There might be additional requirements depending on where you are.
There are rules for flying drones for public safety, and NFPA 2400 lays them all out. This standard is like a rulebook for safe drone operations, making sure everyone stays safe when they’re being used for things like firefighting or search and rescue. Here are some of the important things this rulebook covers:
- Digital Media Evidence: When drones catch something on camera (pictures or videos) or record sounds that could be evidence, that’s called digital media evidence. This evidence needs to be stored in a special format (binary code) for safekeeping or sharing.
- The person flying the drone during an inspection (called the Remote Pilot in Command or RPIC) needs to be qualified! They must be properly trained and certified to follow all the safety rules set by the local authorities (AHJ). This ensures everyone stays safe during the inspection.
- Drones gotta fly by the rules! Every drone has its own limits, set by the manufacturer, that you need to follow to keep it safe and flying right.
- Keeping your drone in tip-top shape is key! Just like any other machine, drones need regular maintenance to fly safely. This includes taking care of the batteries (how to store them, charge them, and get rid of them safely), and knowing what to do in case of an emergency.
NFPA 915 gives the thumbs up to using drones and other remote tools for inspections! This standard says that inspections done with drones or underwater robots (ROVs) can be even better than traditional methods. Here’s what this standard covers:
- Ditch the ladders and scaffolding! Drones (and other flying robots) can zoom in and inspect any hard-to-reach spot, especially inside tanks. They’re also way faster than traditional methods, saving you time and money.
- Focus on the benefit: Reports need the latest info! Only use real-time data to ensure your reports are up-to-date and accurate.
- The local authorities (AHJ) need to give the green light! Every message and action during the inspection must be approved by them to ensure everything is done safely and by the rules.
NFPA knows drones are a game-changer! They see how useful they can be for inspections, maintenance, safety, and even saving lives. That’s why they launched a special program to teach people everything they need to know about flying drones safely and effectively for public safety reasons.
Get the Tank Inspection Services You Need from Panel Tanks by American Tanks!
Worried about your water tank inspection? Relax, Panel Tanks by American Tanks has you covered! We’re the leading water tank service provider in the US, and we stay on top of the latest tech to make inspections easier and safer for everyone.
