Japan’s Terra UT drone delivers safer, faster, and more accurate non-destructive testing for FPSO crude oil storage tanks
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
Japanese drone and uncrewed mobility company Terradrone recently announced the renewal of its joint research and development agreement with MODEC, another local developer of offshore platforms for the oil and gas industry, focused on oil tank inspection. The non-destructive internal inspection of crude oil storage tanks on Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading systems (FPSOs) is conducted using Terra’s own UT drones, improving measurement accuracy, enhancing safety, and reducing inspection time. The renewed partnership aims to further advance the practical application and operational deployment of this technology.
FPSOs need periodic structural inspections, but limited dedicated crew members and the many needs aboard offshore oil facilities means that drones can provide a significant time-saving advantage, as extended testing in Brazil has shown. By innovating drone inspection techniques, MODEC and Terra Drone will continue to develop strategies to improve occupational safety, reduce manpower, and increase efficiency in FPSOs and other offshore platform operations
The Terra UT drone is an industrial drone developed by Terra Drone for the non-destructive measurement of steel wall thickness inside storage tanks. By analyzing the reflected waves from its onboard ultrasonic sensors, the drone can quantitatively assess corrosion and thinning of the steel material. Before measurement, the inner walls of crude oil storage tanks, often covered with sand and oil residues (such as wax), are cleaned using a built-in wire brush to ensure a smooth surface. A specialized inspection gel is then applied to facilitate the transmission of ultrasonic waves, after which the sensor is pressed against the tank wall for measurement. By repeating this process at multiple points, the drone enables comprehensive assessment of the tank’s internal surface condition. A tethered power supply ensures uninterrupted flight, removing the need for batteries.
Quoting their press release, “Through this agreement, Terra Drone and MODEC aim to promote the widespread adoption of the drone-based inspection technologies developed under this agreement across the industry, while continuing to enhance the Terra UT drone and improve its operational efficiency. Going forward, both companies remain committed to lever aging drone technology to contribute to improve workplace safety, address labor shortages, and streamline inspection operations.”
More information is available from Terra Drone’s press release here.
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