The inspection of silos, tanks and vats is an imperative in many industrial sectors: food, chemicals, energy, environment, building and civil engineering... These storage structures impose specific constraints: they are often confined, dark, dusty, sometimes at height or in a controlled atmosphere. And yet, regular preventive maintenance is essential to prevent the risks of corrosion, contamination or structural failure.
Traditionally, these inspections have required considerable human and logistical resources, with high costs and safety implications. Today, however, inspection drone technology is radically changing this situation. In particular, the Stereo2a professional drone developed by Multinnovhas established itself as an agile, safe and high-performance solution for inspecting this type of demanding environment.
How to inspect tanks, silos and vats?
Silos, tanks and vats are enclosed volumes of various shapes (cylindrical, rectangular, conical) and sometimes imposing dimensions. They are used to store liquids, granulates, powders or gases. Regular maintenance involves visual inspections, sometimes supplemented by non-destructive testing(NDT) such as ultrasound, thickness testing or photographic surveys.
These structures pose a number of challenges:
- Difficult access: hatches are often narrow, poorly positioned or high up.
- Confined environment: confined spaces, little or no ventilation.
- Extreme conditions: dust, humidity, chemical or organic residues.
- Lack of lighting: almost total darkness inside.
- Risks for operators: falls, asphyxiation, exposure to harmful products.
Human inspection then requires heavy equipment: scaffolding, gondolas, respiratory protection equipment, gas detectors, anti-fall devices, etc. The result is long downtimes and high intervention costs.
Humans VS drones in these dangerous situations
Until recently, human intervention was the only option for internal visual inspection. Rope access technicians or technicians trained to work in confined environments would descend into the tanks, camera in hand, to document the condition of the surfaces. Today, however, this method has a number of limitations:
- High costs: several operators mobilized, compulsory safety procedures, business interruptions.
- Accident risk: even well-trained operators are still exposed to accidents, malaise and human error.
- Mobilization time: lengthy preparation, restrictive equipment, slow inspection.
- Uneven image quality: depending on on-board equipment, lighting conditions and operator stability.
The emergence of indoor inspection drones is profoundly changing this approach. Faster to set up, requiring no PPE, and piloted remotely from outside, drones enable access to difficult or dangerous areas without human exposure.
They offer :
- Drastically reduced inspection times;
- Reduced logistics costs;
- Increased safety;
- Consistent, usable image quality.
The Stereo2 drone, THE solution
The Stereo2designed and manufactured by Multinnovis a professional inspection drone specifically designed for confined spaces. Compact, intelligent and ultra-safe, it has been designed to operate in the most complex environments: tanks, silos, cisterns, technical ducts, tunnels, etc.
A design adapted to the constraints of the terrain
The Stereo2 is distinguished by its carbon protective cage, which allows it to bounce off walls without damage. This ultra-light structure protects it from shocks, while enabling it to navigate smoothly in confined spaces.
Thanks to its optical sensors and stereoscopic camera, it can stabilize itself in the air without GPS, which is essential indoors. It maintains perfect flight behaviour, even in tanks with no signal or complex geometry.
High-definition images for precise inspections
The Stereo2 features a 4K camera with real-time video feedback. This enables the operator to immediately visualize inspected areas, identify anomalies, and save images for further processing. The drone's powerful LED lighting ensures optimum visibility, even in total darkness or dusty conditions.
Maximum operator safety
No operator needs to enter the structure. The Stereo2 is controlled from the outside, avoiding any exposure to the risks associated with entry into confined spaces. It can be deployed in less than 5 minutes, by a single technician, without heavy installation.
Logistical and economic efficiency
With Stereo2, inspections are faster, cheaper and better documented. No need to dismantle structural elements or interrupt production for long periods. The drone passes through a standard access hatch, flies over the entire surface, and provides a clear, precise and immediately usable diagnosis.
A product made in France, designed for industry
Developed by Multinnova French company specializing in robotic inspection technologies, the Stereo2 benefits from a responsive after-sales service, dedicated technical support, and a sovereign manufacturing chain. It is part of a commitment to local innovation and technological independence, at the service of industrial performance.
Inspecting tanks, silos or cisterns is a necessity to guarantee the safety, regulatory compliance and longevity of industrial installations. But such work must not be carried out at the expense of operator safety or the company's economic performance.
Thanks to the Stereo2 inspection drone, Multinnov offers a reliable, fast and human-risk-free solution. Designed for confined environments, it cuts costs, speeds up interventions and improves the quality of diagnostics, all in aresponsible, made-in-France approach toinnovation.
Need to know more? Contact Multinnov today to arrange a personalized demonstration of Stereo2 in your facility.
