What Is Confined Space Drone Inspection?
Confined space drone inspection is the use of specialised indoor drones to visually inspect the internal surfaces of enclosed or partially enclosed spaces — storage tanks, pressure vessels, boilers, tunnels, silos, and similar assets — without requiring human entry. In Singapore, where MOM Workplace Safety and Health regulations impose strict requirements for confined space work, drone inspection eliminates the most dangerous part of the process: putting people inside hazardous environments.
We use the Flyability Elios 3, a collision-tolerant drone enclosed in a protective carbon fibre cage. Unlike outdoor drones that rely on GPS positioning, the Elios 3 uses visual-inertial navigation and LiDAR to fly stably inside enclosed spaces where GPS signals are unavailable. Its cage allows it to contact walls, ceilings, and internal structures without damage — making it uniquely suited to the tight, cluttered interiors of industrial assets.
Singapore's petrochemical industry on Jurong Island, shipyards in Tuas, and industrial facilities across the country operate thousands of confined spaces that require periodic internal inspection. Traditional inspection requires gas freeing, ventilation, entry permits, standby rescue teams, and scaffolding — a process that can take days and costs tens of thousands of dollars. Drone inspection achieves comparable visual data in 2-4 hours with zero entry risk.
The Flyability Elios 3 — Purpose-Built for Confined Spaces
The Flyability Elios 3 is the industry standard for indoor confined space inspection worldwide. Here is why it is the right tool for Singapore's industrial inspection needs.
Collision-Tolerant Cage
A lightweight carbon fibre cage protects the drone and allows it to bounce off walls, pipes, and internal structures. This is critical inside tanks and vessels where space is tight and contact with surfaces is unavoidable.
4K Visual Camera
Records high-resolution 4K video and captures still images of internal surfaces. Powerful LED lighting illuminates dark interiors — essential inside unlit tanks, vessels, and tunnels.
Thermal Imaging
Integrated thermal sensor detects temperature differentials on internal surfaces, identifying refractory lining failures, insulation damage, and thermal anomalies invisible to visual cameras.
LiDAR 3D Mapping
Onboard LiDAR scanner creates a 3D point cloud of the confined space interior. This produces accurate dimensional measurements and identifies geometric deformations such as dents, bulges, and shell distortion.
GPS-Free Navigation
Visual-inertial odometry allows stable flight inside enclosed spaces where GPS is unavailable. The pilot maintains precise control using the live camera feed and LiDAR distance readings.
Dust and Moisture Resistant
The Elios 3 operates reliably in dusty, humid, and residually contaminated environments. It handles the conditions found inside recently emptied tanks and partially cleaned vessels.
Types of Confined Spaces We Inspect
Our confined space drone inspection service covers all common industrial assets found across Singapore's petrochemical, marine, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
- Storage Tanks — crude oil, refined product, chemical, and water storage tanks. Internal shell inspection for corrosion, pitting, coating damage, and floor plate deterioration. Common on Jurong Island and Tuas industrial estates.
- Pressure Vessels and Columns — distillation columns, reactors, separators, and heat exchangers. Inspection of internal trays, baffles, nozzles, and welds for corrosion, cracking, and erosion.
- Boilers and Furnaces — water tube and fire tube boilers, process heaters, and incinerators. Refractory lining inspection, tube condition assessment, and structural integrity checks.
- Tunnels and Culverts — drainage tunnels, cable tunnels, and utility culverts across Singapore's infrastructure network. Structural crack mapping, water ingress detection, and condition assessment.
- Silos and Hoppers — cement, grain, and bulk material storage silos. Internal wall condition, residue buildup assessment, and structural inspection without entry or cleaning.
- Ship Cargo Holds and Ballast Tanks — internal inspection of ship structures in dry dock at Tuas and Jurong shipyards. Coating condition, structural integrity, and corrosion mapping.
MOM WSH Compliance — Why Drone Inspection Is the Safer Choice
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulates confined space work under the Workplace Safety and Health (Confined Spaces) Regulations. These regulations exist because confined space entry is one of the most dangerous activities in any industry — risks include oxygen deficiency, toxic gas exposure, engulfment, and entrapment.
The WSH framework requires employers to eliminate hazards where practicable before resorting to risk controls. Drone inspection achieves hazard elimination by removing the need for human entry entirely. The drone enters the confined space while the operator remains safely outside, viewing the live camera feed on a monitor.
By using drone inspection, you eliminate the need for:
- Gas testing and ventilation — no atmospheric monitoring or forced ventilation required for the drone
- Entry permits and standby rescue teams — no WSH confined space entry permit process
- Internal scaffolding — the drone accesses all internal surfaces without temporary access systems
- Personal protective equipment for entrants — no SCBA, harnesses, or lifelines needed
- Medical fitness assessments — no need to certify workers as medically fit for confined space entry
This compliance advantage is particularly significant on Jurong Island, where petrochemical operators face stringent WSH enforcement and where any confined space incident triggers major regulatory consequences.
Confined Space Drone Inspection Pricing in Singapore
Pricing depends on the asset type, internal complexity, access conditions, and reporting requirements. All prices include mobilisation, data capture, analysis, and report delivery.
| Asset Type | Typical Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Storage Tank | Under 500 m3 | $3,000 — $5,000 |
| Large Storage Tank | 500-10,000 m3 | $5,000 — $8,000 |
| Pressure Vessel / Column | Varies | $4,000 — $8,000 |
| Boiler / Furnace | Varies | $5,000 — $10,000 |
| Tunnel / Culvert | Per 100m section | $3,000 — $6,000 |
| Ship Cargo Hold / Ballast Tank | Per hold/tank | $5,000 — $15,000 |
Cost savings vs traditional entry: A traditional confined space inspection including gas freeing, scaffolding, entry team, and standby rescue typically costs $15,000 to $50,000 and requires 3-5 days of plant shutdown. Drone inspection delivers comparable visual data at 40-60% lower cost with minimal shutdown time.
Our Confined Space Inspection Process
Asset Assessment and Planning
We review asset drawings, previous inspection records, and access points. We confirm the confined space has been isolated, drained, and — where necessary — gas-freed below LEL. A job safety analysis is prepared covering all identified hazards.
Equipment Setup and Testing
The Flyability Elios 3 is assembled, tested, and calibrated on site. Camera and lighting settings are optimised for the specific environment. A test flight confirms stable operation and video feed quality before entering the asset.
Internal Data Capture
The drone enters through an access manway or hatch and systematically surveys all internal surfaces. The pilot controls the drone from outside, viewing the live 4K feed on a monitor. Visual, thermal, and LiDAR data are captured simultaneously.
Analysis and Reporting
Captured data is processed into a comprehensive inspection report including annotated imagery, 3D point cloud models, defect inventory with severity classification, and recommended actions. Reports are delivered within 7-10 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Free Confined Space Inspection Quote
Tell us what asset you need inspected — tank type, size, location, and access details. We reply with a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.