Every industry around the world has its own set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety of people, the environment, and the equipment being used. These standards are set by a variety of organizations, including governments, national agencies, international classification societies, and multinational bodies. Inspections require accurate and reliable data to be effective—but obtaining that data isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, such as with large assets like ships or storage tanks, it can be difficult and even dangerous to gather information for an inspection. As a result, alternative methods of access are becoming more common, and drones have emerged as a powerful tool in this space. Drones can reach high places, confined areas, or even underground, collecting critical data that was previously inaccessible. This is where UT drones come into play. A UT drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to take ultrasonic thickness measurements. This technology is used to gather ultrasonic thickness (UT) data from hard-to-reach locations such as chimney stacks, ballast tanks, or flue ducts. A UT drone can be part of drone-enabled non-destructive testing, where UAVs help streamline the inspection process. Drones provide safer and more efficient access to assets, making inspections faster and improving overall asset management. These measurements are taken using ultrasonic testing equipment—such as a UT probe or gauge—that is placed against the surface. Ultrasonic waves are then sent through the material, and how they reflect back is measured to determine the thickness of the material. Traditional drones are not well-suited for this task, as they are not built to withstand contact with surfaces or hover in place for long periods. That’s why UT drones are highly specialized, designed to operate in environments that standard drones cannot handle. UT drones fly up to a measurement point and position their probe or gauge against the surface. The pilot can then apply a couplant solution to ensure optimal sound transmission from the probe to the material. After taking the measurement, the drone can detach and move to another location. Some models allow pilots to adjust gain and gates during the process based on the material being tested. The number of measurements a UT drone can make depends on its flight time, the amount of couplant it carries, and the skill of the operator. For example, the Elios 3 UT drone can take up to 40 UT measurements per flight. As part of drone-enabled non-destructive testing, UT drones offer numerous benefits, including improved safety, efficiency, and access to areas that were once impossible to inspect. These advantages ultimately reduce the costs associated with traditional UT inspections. Using a UT drone reduces human exposure to hazardous environments. Some measurement points are located at great heights or in tight, confined spaces, requiring special permits and safety procedures. Finding qualified personnel who are also trained in rope access can be challenging, increasing the demand for skilled inspectors. UT drones can enter spaces as small as 50x50 cm (20x20 inches), eliminating risks such as exposure to toxic gases, suffocation, or drowning. They can also access high places like inside chimney stacks or ship hulls without the need for scaffolding or rope access. In some cases, such as flue duct inspections, regulations require exits at both ends for human entry, which may involve removing parts of the duct. A UT drone can complete the same task without human entry, reducing downtime and costs. UT drone inspections can often be completed in under an hour. Drones can be deployed quickly upon arrival, and pilots can guide them beyond the line of sight using high-definition cameras. Some models even include live LiDAR scans to create 3D maps of the surroundings. Drones can move rapidly between measurement points, even if they’re far apart. This is much faster than manual methods, such as moving around scaffolding or adjusting rope access systems. Drones are also quicker than mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), as they can fly inside and outside of assets without height or area restrictions. The recording process is also more efficient with a UT drone. Unlike traditional methods where technicians shouted values down to someone on the ground, drones can tag each measurement with precise location data. This makes it easier to identify areas with corrosion or degradation and send maintenance teams directly to those spots. When combined with 3D scanning, like in the case of the Elios 3, a digital record of the asset is automatically created, enabling easy updates over time. By streamlining the inspection process, UT drones improve asset management, helping extend the lifespan of equipment through better monitoring and maintenance. UT drones can reach locations that traditional methods can't. Whether it's inside a stack, within machinery, or in confined spaces, these drones open new possibilities for non-destructive testing. Some models can even operate in areas without GPS, making it possible to inspect underground or enclosed environments easily. This enhanced access allows for more frequent inspections. When a UT drone can take measurements in minutes, rather than waiting days for scaffolding to be erected, it becomes easier to conduct regular checks. More frequent inspections lead to earlier problem detection and a more accurate understanding of an asset’s condition. UT drones support better asset management by providing critical data without the need for extended downtime or increased costs. ⦠How a UT drone saved 15,000 work hours in a ship hull The Elios 3 UT was used for a periodic survey of cargo oil tanks in a medium-sized ship. Each tank required a close visual inspection and UT measurements. Traditionally, this would require scaffolding and a team of 16+ people to access all areas. With the Elios 3, all measurements were gathered efficiently using the UT drone. An example point cloud with the Elios 3 UT payload with spot measurements located in the point cloud Discover this UT drone for ship surveys. ⦠A UT stack inspection with a drone A stack at a power generation site was due for an inspection. The outer insulation made it difficult to access, and the remote location in Northern Canada added weather challenges. The Elios 3 UT drone provided an ideal solution, flying inside the stack without needing to remove insulation or use scaffolding. Read the full UT stack inspection case study. ⦠Flue Duct and Silo UT measurements At a cement plant in Germany, an inspection team wanted to test the viability of using a UT drone. They found that the Elios 3 UT could inspect standard assets like flue ducts and silos without the need for scaffolding or disrupting operations, offering easy access to areas that were typically hard to reach. The Elios 3 and UT payload reached inside the flue duct despite dust and the bends in the duct's shape Discover the Elios 3 UT for cement plant inspections. 15L Slush Freezer,Slush Machine,Carbonated Slush Machine,Slush Machine Frozen Drink JIANGMEN PRO-TAYLOR REFRIGERATION CO., LTD. , https://www.protaylor.comModern Industry and the UT Drone
Caption: All industries set strict safety protocols. Some sectors, such as shipping, rely on ultrasonic testing equipment to certify the condition of assets.What is a UT Drone?
Caption: The Elios 3, pictured here, is an example of a UT drone.How Does a UT Drone Work?
Caption: A UT drone carries a special payload with an ultrasonic thickness measurement probe.How Many Measurements Can a UT Drone Take?
Benefits of a UT Drone
SAFETY
Caption: A UT drone can inspect confined spaces like this tank instead of sending people.EFFICIENCY
Caption: Here are ultrasonic thickness measurements that have been geotagged by a UT drone during flight.ACCESS
Caption: A UT drone can fly into complex environments and gather critical data that was not available before.UT Drone Case Studies
Thanks to the Elios 3's camera, it is possible to complete UT inspections beyond the visual line of sight. The Cockpit app can also be used to manually adjust the gain and gates, as shown on the left side of the screen here.