A Storage Bin Inspection With The Elios 3 At A Mine

How can drones make storage bin inspections safer and more efficient? MIS Aero recently demonstrated the advantages of using the Elios 3 drone to a leading mining client in Oman, showcasing how this technology can transform traditional inspection methods.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Speed Using the Elios 3 reduced the inspection time from 15 days to just 4. This dramatic improvement allowed for quicker decision-making and faster maintenance planning.	Safety The Elios 3 eliminated the need for workers to enter confined spaces, reducing exposure to high dust levels and risks associated with working at height.
Data Quality The team provided detailed 3D models of the storage bins, including key points of interest. This data made it easier to identify issues and plan repairs efficiently.	Access The Elios 3 could access all areas of the storage bins from multiple entry points, offering full visibility without limitations. Pilots had confidence in its maneuverability.

Safe mining operations go beyond just the tunnels and quarries — they also involve inspecting and maintaining critical equipment like storage bins and crushers. These components are essential for both safety and operational efficiency. However, inspecting storage bins can be particularly difficult due to their height and the accumulation of dust, which limits visibility and access. A mining company in Oman was looking for a safer and more efficient way to inspect their storage bins.

What Is a Standard Storage Bin Inspection?

A mining company in Oman needed to perform internal visual inspections of their storage bins to detect any damage or defects in the polyethylene lining. Traditionally, this involved inspectors using rope access to enter the tanks, which posed significant risks related to height, dust, and confined spaces. The process used to take 10 to 15 days, and the mine operator wanted a better solution that would improve safety and reduce downtime.

The storage bins, standing at a height of 40 meters, present significant challenges for inspections without additional access equipment.

Drone Inspections with the Elios 3

MIS Aero, a specialized service provider, was tasked with finding a safer and more efficient alternative. As the sole owner of the Elios 3 in Oman, they have been able to offer high-quality, safe, and fast inspections. With a focus on risk mitigation, MIS Aero planned to use the Elios 3 to inspect the interior of the storage bins, eliminating the need for rope access and significantly speeding up the data collection process.

The Elios 3 flying back down to the inspectors.

Planning Flights for Confined Spaces

The Elios 3 is designed specifically for confined space inspections. Its ability to collect LiDAR and visual data simultaneously makes it ideal for navigating dusty environments like storage bins. MIS Aero created custom flight plans to capture visual data around seven 40-meter-high storage bins. By using multiple entry points and range extenders, they ensured complete coverage without requiring personnel to enter the bins. They also worked closely with the mining team to identify potential obstacles, ensuring the drone's safety during flights.

The Elios 3 pilot and an inspector look for points of interest in the flight.

After the flights, the data was processed using Inspector 4 to create a detailed report. The client was impressed with the accuracy and clarity of the results, especially the geolocation of points of interest within the 3D point cloud. This feature helped engineers and maintenance teams visualize and plan their work more effectively, improving communication and reducing errors.

Setting a New Standard for Storage Bin Inspections

By adopting innovative technology and partnering with MIS Aero, the mine operator achieved a much safer and faster inspection process. The elimination of rope access not only improved safety but also reduced downtime and increased overall site efficiency.

The storage bin LiDAR scan includes points of interest (POI) created by inspectors during flight, and the client can compare the location of a POI in the laser scan with the photo taken by the Elios 3.

The success of this project has opened new opportunities for MIS Aero, proving the value of drone-based inspections to a new client. It marks the first such project in Oman and represents a step forward in bringing advanced technology to the region.

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