Ultrasonic thickness measurement
Remaining thickness recorded at each defined point, using an ultrasonic probe applied to the wall by a contact drone.
Non-destructive testing
Ultrasonic thickness measurement
by drone
Ultrasonic thickness measurement by drone applies an ultrasonic probe against a metal wall using a contact drone, in order to measure the remaining wall thickness. It suits tanks, silos, cladding, pipework and steel structures located at height or in hard-to-reach areas.
Why use a drone
Measurement points at height without sending anyone up
Taking thickness readings on a tank or a vessel at height usually calls for scaffolding, a cherry picker or rope access, for a few minutes of actual measurement. The cost and lead time of setting up far exceed those of the measurement itself, and the operator works at height.
The contact drone applies the probe directly against the wall from the ground. Measurement points are defined with you in advance, taken one by one, and tied to their position on the structure so corrosion can be tracked from one campaign to the next.
- No one working at height to take the readings
- No scaffolding or cherry picker for a handful of points
- Measurement points defined in advance and referenced on the structure
- Repeatable campaigns to track thickness loss
Deliverables
Our non-destructive testing services
The campaign is prepared with your inspection department: material, surface condition, points to be taken and monitoring criteria.
Prior identification of measurement points
Definition and location of the points on the structure, based on your drawings and a preliminary visual survey.
Associated high-definition visual inspection
Documentation of the surface condition around each point: corrosion, blistering, coating breakdown.
Complementary infrared thermography
Identification of the areas to check first on a vessel or its insulation, before the measurement points are set.
Campaign report and monitoring
Recorded values tied to their position on the structure, comparable from one campaign to the next to track corrosion.
Use cases
When clients call us in
- Corrosion monitoring on tanks, silos and vessels
- Thickness checks on metal cladding and roofing
- Verification of pipework and structures at height
- Preparing a shutdown and targeting the areas to treat
- Following up a visual inspection that revealed a suspect area
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
On which materials is the measurement possible?
Mainly on metal walls. Surface condition determines the quality of the reading: we check this during scoping, coating and corrosion included.
Does the installation have to be shut down?
It depends on the structure and on site rules. Many external campaigns are carried out without a shutdown; the point is settled with your inspection department.
How many points can be taken in one campaign?
It depends on how accessible the points are, on height and on wind conditions. We estimate this during scoping, based on your list of points.
Is the measurement as reliable as a manual reading?
The measurement technology is the same; the difference lies in how the probe is applied. Validity conditions are checked point by point during the campaign.
Can this be combined with a visual inspection?
Yes, that is the most common case: visual and thermal inspection guides the choice of points, and the ultrasonic reading quantifies the remaining thickness.
Our method
How a mission unfolds
Four steps, from the first conversation to the delivery of your data.
- 01
Scoping
We define together the perimeter, the accuracy required and the format of the deliverables.
- 02
Flight preparation
Feasibility study, analysis of site constraints and regulatory procedures.
- 03
On-site acquisition
Our remote pilots operate on site, without interrupting your activity.
- 04
Processing and delivery
Data processing, quality control and delivery of annotated results.
Nationwide coverage
We operate everywhere in France
Dronexperts operates across the whole of France. Our professional drone pilots travel to wherever your site is, anywhere in the country, and across Europe for the specific missions our industrial clients require.
Our 5 registered training centres — Paris West (Beynes, 78), Strasbourg (Schiltigheim, 67), Toulouse (Labarthe-sur-Lèze, 31), Marseille/Toulon (Le Castellet, 83) and Bordeaux (Mérignac, 33) — act as anchor points so we can reach every region quickly. They are starting bases, not a limit: we operate throughout France, with the same procedures, the same insurance cover and the same standards from one end of the country to the other.
Paris West — Beynes (78)
Our anchor point in Île-de-France: Paris, the inner and outer suburbs and the wider Paris basin.
View the office pageStrasbourg — Schiltigheim (67)
Our Grand Est base: Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, Metz, Nancy, Reims and the German and Swiss border areas.
View the office pageToulouse — Labarthe-sur-Lèze (31)
Our Occitanie base: Toulouse, Montpellier, Albi, Tarbes, Perpignan and the whole South-West.
View the office pageMarseille / Toulon — Le Castellet (83)
Our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur base: Marseille, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice and the Mediterranean coast.
View the office pageBordeaux — Mérignac (33)
Head office and historical base of Dronexperts, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Limoges, Pau, Bayonne.
View the office pageIs your site far from all five centres? That is not a problem: our bases are starting points, not a service perimeter. We organise travel for the team and the equipment anywhere in France, and across Europe for specific missions, on quotation.
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Learn moreThickness readings to take at height?
Tell us the type of structure, the number of points you have in mind and your operating constraints. We will come back to you with a proposal and a quote.
Pilot Training
Become a certified expert and master the skies with our accredited training programs.
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