Confined space drone inspection have always been challenging, dangerous, and time-consuming. These environments—such as tanks, silos, tunnels, pipelines, and utility vaults—are often dark, hard to access, and filled with potential risks like toxic gases, poor ventilation, or structural instability.
Thanks to modern drone technology, inspections can now be performed faster, safer, and more cost-effectively than ever before.
What Is a Confined Space?
A confined space is any area that:
- Is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
- Has limited entry or exit points.
- Presents physical or atmospheric hazards.
Examples include:
- Water tanks and reservoirs.
- Sewage pipelines.
- Ship hulls and ballast tanks.
- Chemical storage silos.
- Utility shafts and underground tunnels.
How ROVs are Used in Confined Space Drone Inspection
Industrial drones and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are now widely used for visual and thermal inspections in confined spaces. These units are equipped with:
- High-resolution and thermal cameras.
- Powerful LED lighting.
- Obstacle avoidance sensors.
- Stabilisation systems for narrow or vertical movement.
The drone operator remains safely outside the hazard zone while the drone captures real-time footage or 3D maps of the interior.
Key Benefits of Using Drones
- Improved Worker Safety: Drones eliminate the need for human entry into confined or dangerous environments. No scaffolding, confined space permits, or breathing apparatus is required.
- Faster Inspections: Deploying a drone takes minutes instead of hours. Drones can inspect hard-to-reach areas with minimal setup and no downtime.
- Cost Efficiency: Avoiding shutdowns, rope access, and manual labour reduces inspection costs. You also avoid potential fines or accidents from unsafe entry.
- High-Quality Data Collection: Drones can capture – 4K video and still images, live-streamed inspection footage, heat signatures, structural defects or corrosion.
- Minimal Disruption to Operations: No need to drain tanks, stop production, or dismantle structures during inspection.
Use Cases by Industry
| Industry | Common Confined Spaces | Drone Application |
|---|---|---|
| Water & Wastewater | Tanks, pipelines, underground chambers | Leak detection, corrosion mapping |
| Oil & Gas | Pressure vessels, separators | Internal condition reports |
| Maritime | Ship holds, ballast tanks | Remote visual inspections |
| Mining | Shafts, conveyors, hoppers | Structural integrity checks |
| Manufacturing | Silos, furnaces, ducts | Safety checks, maintenance planning |
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation
Drones support compliance with:
- Confined space entry regulations (e.g., AS/NZS 2865).
- Inspection standards for pressure vessels or fire systems.
- Reporting for asset management and insurance purposes.
All data can be archived and reviewed for audits or maintenance history.
How Tank Liners Melbourne by Raven Tanks Australia Delivers Drone Inspections
We offer confined space drone inspections using certified, explosion-safe ROVs and drone units. Our services include:
- Internal visual inspection with zero human entry.
- HD photo/video capture and reporting.
- Tank, tunnel, and pipe inspections.
- Emergency deployment available.
Ready to reduce risk and inspection costs? Contact us at 1800 770 899 to learn how drone technology can support your facility.
