Case Study: Trial Deployment of Scout DI Confined Space Drone for Oil & Gas Inspections
Client: Confidential Oil & Gas Client – South Australia
Overview
Drone Hire Australia Group (DHA) conducted an international acquisition and technology trial to expand our confined space inspection capabilities in the oil and gas sector.
The project began with travel to Singapore to acquire and train on the Scout DI tethered drone system—a next-generation solution designed for internal tank, vessel, and infrastructure inspections in GPS-denied and low-light environments.
Following training, DHA deployed the Scout DI in South Australia for a live field trial with a confidential oil and gas client to assess performance in harsh, enclosed operational conditions.
Project Objectives
- Evaluate the Scout DI’s performance in confined spaces.
- Test real-time streaming and 3D LiDAR mapping in dark, enclosed environments.
- Assess operator usability, deployment efficiency, and data quality.
- Benchmark performance against existing Elios and Skypersonic workflows.
Deployment Details
- Location: Oil & Gas Facility, Regional South Australia
- System Used: Scout DI Tethered Drone with Visual & LiDAR Mapping
- Team: 1 Pilot (Cameron, DHA) + 1 Support Technician
- Pre-Deployment: Training & configuration completed in Singapore
- Inspection Focus: Internal tank inspection, structural integrity mapping, live remote streaming
Key Outcomes
Strengths
- Exceptional Live Feed Quality: Ultra-stable HD video in complete darkness, enabling instant client feedback and live inspection sign-off.
- Integrated LiDAR & SLAM Mapping: Generated accurate, real-time 3D models to support engineering analysis.
- Rugged Reliability: Maintained performance in dusty, tight, and corrosive environments.
- Tethered System Benefits: Continuous operation with no signal loss or battery limits inside metallic structures.
Challenges
- Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: Bulkier frame compared to some alternatives.
- Tether Management: Adds weight and complexity in multi-level or obstructed environments.
- Steeper Learning Curve: Requires more extensive operator training than conventional inspection drones.
Conclusion
The Scout DI proved itself as a high-performance, purpose-built platform for long-duration confined space missions. Its real-time mapping and robust video capabilities make it ideal for refinery, tank, and underground infrastructure inspections where continuous data capture is essential.
While operational complexity and size present challenges, these can be offset by deploying the system for large, high-value assets where uptime, safety, and data integrity are paramount.
Next Steps
- Integrate Scout DI data into DHA’s asset reporting and AI-powered annotation tools.
- Optimise deployment with advanced tether management systems.
- Expand trials across mining, energy, and utilities sectors Australia-wide.
