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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 its standards for various types of inspections. The API is a leading organization that develops and maintains consensus-based standards for the oil and gas sector. While based in the U.S., these standards are widely adopted globally, especially for critical equipment like pressure vessels, tanks, and pipelines.
In many countries, API standards are embedded into legal frameworks, specifying the requirements for inspecting containers that hold hazardous materials such as petroleum or volatile substances. These standards ensure safety, reliability, and compliance across industries.
One of the most well-known API standards is **API 510**, which outlines the procedures for inspecting pressure vessels—equipment that, if compromised, could lead to catastrophic failures. Due to the high risk associated with pressure vessels, many countries require inspections to be conducted by certified professionals from formal inspection bodies, ensuring that all procedures align with the strict API guidelines.
A recent case study highlights how technology is transforming traditional inspection methods. RoNik Inspectioneering, a Dutch inspection services company, tested the **Elios 2** drone during an API 510 inspection in Antwerp, Belgium. The goal was to determine whether a certified inspector from Bureau Veritas would accept the drone as a valid alternative to manual entry.
Initially, the inspector was skeptical about using a drone instead of a human inspector. He believed that cameras couldn’t provide the same level of detail as direct visual inspection. However, after reviewing the Elios 2’s live video feed, he changed his mind.
The Elios 2 proved to be a game-changer due to several key features:
- **High-resolution video** allowed the inspector to see every detail clearly.
- **Oblique lighting** mimicked the way an inspector would move a flashlight around an object, providing depth perception.
- **Distance lock** enabled precise measurement of the camera-to-object distance.
- **Excellent stabilization** allowed for detailed, methodical inspections of welds and other critical areas.
These capabilities made the Elios 2 a reliable tool for conducting a formal API 510 inspection without requiring personnel to enter the vessel. This not only improved safety but also reduced costs and minimized damage to the internal structure of the vessel.
The test was one of 15 conducted by RoNik, and the results were promising. The data collected by the Elios 2 matched that of manual inspections, proving its effectiveness. Additionally, the use of the drone eliminated the need for scaffolding, which can be both expensive and damaging.
While API remains neutral and does not endorse specific tools, this case demonstrates how advanced drones like the Elios 2 can meet and even exceed traditional inspection standards when used correctly.
If you’re considering integrating drones into your inspection process, it's worth exploring how they can enhance efficiency, safety, and accuracy. Contact Flyability today for a free business case assessment and discover how drones can transform your next inspection.