Avestec
Inspection Services

Services

Drone-based NDT inspections for oil storage tanks, pressure vessels, and industrial assets — eliminating confined-space entry while delivering richer data than conventional methods.

Why Drone-Based NDT

Inspection without compromise

Conventional oil tank inspections require extensive scaffolding, rope access teams, and prolonged vessel downtime — exposing workers to confined-space hazards and operators to significant schedule risk.

Skyron 2 enters through an existing manway, navigates using LiDAR-SLAM, and executes systematic contact-based NDT measurements across every accessible surface. Operators manage the entire mission from outside the confined space — dramatically reducing risk while delivering richer data than traditional methods.

  • DNV certification for thickness measurements (DNV-CP-0620 & DNV-CP-0623)
  • ABS certified recognition for Hull Gauging & Remote Inspections
  • Lloyd's Register Approved Service Supplier
Avestec field inspection on offshore oil and gas facility
What We Inspect

NDT methods deployed

Each inspection mission is scoped to client requirements and asset condition. Skyron 2's modular payload architecture supports multiple NDT techniques in a single deployment.

Visual Testing (VT)

High-resolution visual inspection using gimbal-stabilised cameras. Skyron 2 streams live 4K video to operators outside the vessel, documenting corrosion, pitting, weld defects, and structural anomalies with GPS-tagged imagery.

Contact-Based NDT Measurements

Precision wall-thickness and coating-thickness readings delivered via modular payload arms. Skyron 2 precisely positions UT probes and DFT gauges against tank surfaces to capture accurate measurements — without scaffolding, rope access, or human entry.

3D Mapping & Data Tagging

LiDAR-SLAM scanning produces millimetre-accurate 3D point clouds of tank interiors. Every UT, DFT, and VT data point is spatially tagged within the live map, creating a fully traceable, georeferenced inspection record.

Intelligent Reporting

Raw inspection data is processed in AveSoft, Avestec's purpose-built analysis platform. Corrosion maps, thickness heatmaps, and VT imagery are reviewed within a unified interface and delivered as structured PDF reports.

The Process

From mobilisation to report

A structured, repeatable four-phase process designed to maximise data quality while minimising asset downtime.

01

Mobilization & Site Preparation

Our field engineers transport the Skyron 2 system to the offshore platform or onshore terminal in a single ruggedised case. Equipment is unpacked and calibrated dockside — no cranes, scaffolding, or specialised rigging required. Pre-inspection planning uses P&IDs and tank drawings to define inspection zones and flight paths.

Mobilization & Site Preparation
02

Confined-Space Drone Deployment

Skyron 2 enters the tank through a standard manway opening. Once inside, the onboard LiDAR-SLAM navigation system constructs a real-time 3D map of the vessel, enabling stable positional hold without GPS or compass. Operators remain outside the confined space throughout the inspection.

Confined-Space Drone Deployment
03

Systematic NDT Data Acquisition

Following the pre-planned inspection route, Skyron 2 systematically contacts tank surfaces with the appropriate payload — UT probes, DFT gauges, or VT cameras. Each measurement is time-stamped and spatially tagged within the 3D LiDAR map, ensuring full traceability of every data point collected.

Systematic NDT Data Acquisition
04

Reporting & Data Delivery

Raw inspection data is processed in AveSoft, Avestec's purpose-built analysis platform. Engineers review corrosion maps, thickness heatmaps, and VT imagery within a unified interface. Structured PDF inspection reports — aligned with API 653 and client specifications — are delivered within 24 hours of mission completion.

Reporting & Data Delivery
Operational Advantages

Built for the realities of offshore operations

Zero Confined-Space Entry

Operators remain outside the tank at all times, eliminating the risk of atmospheric hazards, oxygen deficiency, and engulfment.

Up to 80% Faster Turnaround

Drone-based inspections replace multi-day scaffold builds with same-day mobilisation, dramatically reducing asset downtime.

100% Surface Coverage

Systematic flight paths and 3D mapping ensure no zone is missed — delivering more comprehensive data than rope-access spot checks.

Minimal Logistics Footprint

The entire Skyron 2 system ships in a single case and operates on platform power or on-board batteries — no heavy equipment required.

DFT payload module attached to Skyron 2

Payload

DFT Inspection Module

Automated dry film thickness gauging for coating integrity surveys

Ouster LiDAR sensor on Skyron 2

Navigation

LiDAR-SLAM Positioning

Millimetre-accurate positional hold inside GPS-denied tank interiors

Ready to eliminate confined-space entry from your next inspection?

Speak with an Avestec field engineer to scope your inspection requirements and receive a tailored deployment proposal.