TEXO leverages the power of Elios drones to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety during oil tank inspections. Discover how this technology transforms traditional methods and delivers real value. Traditional inspections require 4–5 rope access technicians, who can only be deployed once the tanks are emptied and cleaned. This process typically takes 7–10 days, leading to high labor costs and significant production downtime. With Elios 3, just two people can complete the inspection in 2 days per tank, drastically reducing both labor and operational costs. Using traditional methods, inspections can take up to 10 days per tank. With Elios 3, the entire process—inspection and data processing—can be completed in just 2 days. The ability to prioritize critical areas allows for faster identification of issues and quicker maintenance actions. Oil tank inspections involve dangerous work at height with multiple technicians. Elios 3 allows pilots to remain safely on the ground, eliminating the risks associated with confined spaces and working at height. Drones reduce the number of personnel required for inspections, which helps save on crew space. For FPSOs operating under strict personnel limits, this is a major advantage that allows for more efficient use of available resources. Tablet Capsule Counting Machine
The capsule counting machine adopts electromagnet vibration effect, stable and reliable; Scientific design, simple, easy to use, small size, light weight, suitable for pharmaceutical, hospital, food and other industries, for capsules, tablets, particles and other drugs or food counting. This machine is small in size, light in weight, accurate in counting and easy to operate. The contact surface of counting items are made of stainless steel, which is an ideal special equipment for counting bottled, bagged and canned products in various industries.
1. The number of counting particles can be set anywhere from 0 to 9999;
Tablet Capsule Counting Machine,Tablet Counting Machine,Capsule Counting Machine,Pill Counter,Desktop Quantitative Machine JIANGYIN CITY XUAN TENG MACHINERY EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD , https://www.xuantengmixer.comTexo Case Study: Inspection of Oil Tanks on an FPSO
Key Benefits at a Glance
Savings
Speed
Safety
Operational Efficiency
Introduction
Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are essential in offshore oil and gas operations. These massive structures process and store crude oil until it can be offloaded via tanker or pipeline. Their flexibility and reusability make them ideal for long-term projects, especially when the production site changes over time.
FPSOs are equipped with processing systems above deck and storage tanks below, often within the double hull. These vessels carry crews of 50–70 individuals and must undergo regular inspections for safety and regulatory compliance. However, inspecting internal components like oil tanks presents unique challenges, particularly when the vessel is in operation rather than in dry dock.
Customer Needs
TEXO was tasked with inspecting oil tanks on an FPSO, a process that traditionally requires extensive preparation, multiple technicians, and considerable time. In dry dock, scaffolding and teams can be set up easily, but when the vessel is stationary, the logistics become much more complex.
Oil tanks cannot be fully emptied simultaneously due to balance and operational requirements. Only two tanks are typically made available at a time, and preparing them for inspection can take weeks. Rope access teams, while effective, pose safety risks and require significant coordination. Scaffolding introduces additional hazards, such as potential damage to tank coatings and falling objects.
Moreover, the cost of downtime during inspections is often higher than the direct labor expenses. Any defects found late in the process can lead to further delays and increased repair costs. TEXO needed a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution for these inspections.
Solution
TEXO implemented the Elios 3 drone for the inspection, completing the task in just one week after the tanks were emptied and cleaned. A team of only two people was sufficient, with the pilot operating from outside the tank, ensuring maximum safety.
The team conducted four flights to map the interior of the tank and generated a detailed 3D point cloud. This data provided a comprehensive view of the structure, allowing engineers to identify potential issues with precision.
According to Xiang Wong of TEXO, “Elios 3 is a game-changer. It reduces the number of personnel needed and significantly lowers risk. The ability to track flight paths and have video continuity gives us confidence that no area has been missed.â€
Unlike traditional rope access, where inspectors rely solely on visual checks, Elios 3 offers a repeatable and verifiable method. This ensures that every part of the tank is inspected thoroughly, and the data can be reviewed by multiple experts.
One notable challenge was inspecting steam heating coils located on the bottom or sides of the tank. These elements are fragile and difficult to access. Using Elios 3, the team could navigate around the coils without risking damage, creating a point cloud that helped engineers pinpoint exact locations for repairs.
Results
The inspection was completed in just 4 days, far faster than the usual 2-week timeframe. The client was highly satisfied with the results, receiving accurate and detailed point cloud data that was previously unattainable through traditional methods.
The use of Elios 3 not only eliminated risks to personnel but also gave onshore surveyors full confidence in the completeness of the inspection. The data collected enabled more precise planning for future maintenance, reducing downtime and improving overall operational efficiency.
Conclusion
TEXO sees immense value in using Elios drones for oil and gas inspections. While Elios 2 offered improvements over traditional methods, it was Elios 3 that truly transformed their workflow with its location referencing and point cloud capabilities.
As Xiang Wong explains, “Elios 2 is great for routine inspections, but for identifying and resolving issues, Elios 3 is essential.†Looking ahead, TEXO is excited about exploring new applications, such as inspections on semi-submersible vessels, which are notoriously complex to navigate.
With the ability to eliminate the need for human entry into confined spaces, Elios 3 represents a significant advancement in remote inspection technology. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions like these will play a crucial role in enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across the oil and gas sector.
TEXO Group is certified by DNV as a service provider approved for using Remote Inspection Techniques (UAVs) as an alternative for close-up surveys of ship structures and mobile offshore units.
2. The stainless steel of the machine complies with GMP standards;
3. Simple operation, no special training required;
4. Precision particle counting, equipped with special electric eye protection device;
5. Rotary counting design, fast and smooth operation;
6. The rotating particle counting speed can be stepless adjusted according to the manual bottling speed;
7. Vacuum cleaner is installed inside the machine to avoid the influence of dust on the machine;
8. Vibration feeding design can stepless adjust the vibration frequency of the hopper.
July 13, 2025