Why Use Drones for Tank Inspection?
Storage tank inspection has traditionally required human entry into confined spaces — a procedure that ranks among the most dangerous activities in the oil and gas industry. Workers face risks from toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, falls from internal structures, and entrapment. In Singapore, where Jurong Island hosts one of the world's largest petroleum refining complexes, tank inspection is a constant operational requirement.
Drone technology eliminates the need for human entry during visual inspection phases. Our collision-tolerant confined space drones enter tanks through standard manholes and capture high-resolution imagery of internal walls, floors, roofs, and fittings. The pilot operates from outside the tank, viewing a live feed while the drone navigates the enclosed space systematically.
For petrochemical facilities on Jurong Island, tank farms in Tuas, water treatment plants across Singapore, and food-grade storage facilities, drone inspection reduces inspection time from days to hours while completely removing confined space entry risks for inspection personnel.
Tank Types We Inspect
Crude Oil Storage Tanks
Floating roof and fixed roof tanks inspected for corrosion, coating failure, floor plate condition, and structural integrity of internal components.
Chemical Storage Tanks
Stainless steel and lined carbon steel tanks assessed for lining damage, weld condition, nozzle integrity, and evidence of chemical attack.
Water Treatment Tanks
Clarifiers, settling tanks, and reservoir compartments inspected for coating deterioration, structural cracking, and inlet/outlet condition.
LNG and Gas Holders
Cryogenic storage tanks and gas holders assessed for insulation damage, membrane condition, and structural integrity of internal supports.
Tank Inspection Pricing
| Tank Size | Internal Inspection | Internal + External |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 m3 | $2,500 — $4,000 | $3,500 — $5,500 |
| 500 — 5,000 m3 | $4,000 — $7,000 | $5,500 — $9,000 |
| Over 5,000 m3 | $7,000 — $12,000 | $9,000 — $15,000 |
Pricing includes drone mobilisation, CAAS coordination, confined space safety setup, video and photo capture, and a detailed inspection report with defect mapping.
Safety and Compliance Benefits
- Zero Confined Space Entry — no human enters the tank during the drone inspection phase, eliminating gas exposure, fall, and entrapment risks entirely.
- MOM Compliance — supports compliance with Singapore Ministry of Manpower Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations by reducing or eliminating the need for human entry.
- Reduced Downtime — drone inspection can be completed in hours rather than the days required for scaffold erection and manned inspection inside tanks.
- Comprehensive Documentation — every surface is captured on high-resolution video and photography, creating a permanent digital record for maintenance planning and regulatory submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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