Other Auto Part,Other Car Accessories,Auto Parts Near Me,Auto Part Ningbo Maixun International Trade Co., Ltd , https://www.nbmachinery.com
Can a Drone Be Used as a Formal Inspection Tool?
If you're involved in the inspection industry, you've likely come across API (American Petroleum Institute) and are familiar with some of their standards for various types of inspections. These standards play a crucial role in ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across the oil and gas sector.
The API is a leading standards-setting organization that works with subject matter experts to develop, maintain, and promote consensus-based standards. While based in the United States, these standards are widely adopted globally, especially in the field of industrial inspections. In many countries, API standards are even embedded into legislation, specifying requirements for inspecting containers that hold hazardous materials like petroleum, chemicals, or volatile substances.
One of the most well-known API standards is API 510, which focuses on pressure vessel inspections. These inspections are critical because pressure vessels can pose serious risks if not maintained properly. A failure could lead to catastrophic consequences, including explosions or leaks. That’s why many jurisdictions require certified inspectors from formal inspection bodies to be present during such assessments.
In recent years, technology has begun to reshape how these inspections are conducted. One notable example is the use of drones, particularly the Elios 2, which has been approved as a formal inspection tool under API 510 guidelines.
Steven Verver, founder of RoNik Inspectioneering, wanted to test whether an inspector from Bureau Veritas—a recognized formal inspection body—would accept the Elios 2 as a valid alternative to traditional entry-based inspections. Initially, the inspector was skeptical, believing that cameras couldn’t match the clarity of a human eye with a flashlight. However, after reviewing the high-quality video captured by the Elios 2, he changed his mind.
During the inspection in Antwerp, Belgium, the Elios 2 was flown eight times inside a composite pressure vessel used to store dangerous chemicals. The goal was to check for potential issues, such as weld defects or delamination. The inspector was able to evaluate the data in real time and confirmed that the drone's visual output met all the necessary criteria for a formal API 510 inspection.
Several key features of the Elios 2 made this possible:
- **High-resolution video** allowed the inspector to see details clearly.
- **Oblique lighting** helped simulate the effect of moving a flashlight around an object, providing depth perception.
- **Distance lock** ensured accurate measurements between the camera and the object being inspected.
- **Excellent stabilization** enabled precise, controlled movements along welds and other critical areas.
This test was one of 15 conducted by RoNik, and it demonstrated that drones can significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of inspections while maintaining the required level of detail and accuracy.
Additionally, the use of the Elios 2 eliminated the need for scaffolding, which had previously caused damage to the vessel’s interior. The comparison between manual and drone-based inspections showed that the drone provided comparable results without the associated risks and costs.
While API remains neutral regarding specific tools, this case highlights how advanced technology can meet and even exceed traditional inspection methods. As more companies look for safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions, the integration of drones like the Elios 2 into standard practices is becoming increasingly common.
If you're considering using a drone for your next inspection, it's worth exploring how it can fit your specific needs. Contact Flyability today for a free business case assessment and discover how drones can transform your inspection process.