Evaluation of the Performance Capability using Drones for Remote Visual Inspection of High Hazard Plant and Assets

Close visual inspection (CVI) forms a cornerstone of integrity assurance. Advances in access technologies, such as drones, have led to their increased use for remote visual inspection (RVI). However, comparative studies of RVI and CVI, in terms of defect detection, are currently limited. In collaboration with industrial partners, trials were completed to evaluate the capability of drone inspections for a range of materials. The aim was to develop an evidence base for the defects and degradation that can be reliably found using current drone and camera technology. The results were evaluated in respect of the overall capability of RVI in comparison with CVI. Results showed that in respect to finding defects, the best participant score could be comparable to CVI, however, there were exceptions, and no participant was consistently the best. In respect to identifying defects, RVI scored consistently lower than CVI. In respect to sizing defects, RVI accuracy was very variable, with some features significantly undersized. RVI’s sensitivity to different variables were also assessed.