Exhibitor Spotlight: Voliro
- 12/12/2024
Pioneering the Next Generation of Industrial Inspections
In the high-stakes world of tank storage and energy infrastructure, inefficiency, downtime, and safety risks represent some of the most pressing challenges. These issues not only threaten the bottom line but also compromise safety and slow the critical progress needed to adapt to a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As the industry strives to modernize and meet the demands of the energy transition, one question looms large: can traditional inspection methods keep pace with the complexity and urgency of today’s requirements?
The answer lies in innovation. The Voliro T, a revolutionary flying robot purpose-built for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), is reshaping the landscape of industrial inspections. Combining cutting-edge technology with unmatched versatility, it eliminates the need for scaffolding, cranes, or human climbers, making inspections safer, faster, and more efficient. For terminal operators managing aging infrastructure while preparing for the complexities of future fuels, this breakthrough it’s transformative.

The True Cost of Smarter Inspections
Here’s a startling comparison: a refinery in California utilized the Voliro T drone, equipped with an ultrasonic testing (UT) payload, to inspect a 200-foot flare stack. Traditional methods would have required technicians to rappel down the stack using a tall crane, taking up to 3 days and costing approximately $150,000 to the asset owner. In contrast, the Voliro T completed the inspection in just 2 hours while the stack remained operational, significantly reducing downtime and associated costs.
In Rotterdam, Voliro T inspected the inside walls of five storage tanks in just 1.5 days, delivering 120 readings per hour and eliminating the need for scaffolding. That’s 5-10 times the efficiency of conventional methods, with no compromise on accuracy.
These aren’t just numbers, they represent saved downtime, fewer worker hours, and drastically reduced operational costs.

A Risk Management Opportunity for Value Creation
Working at height remains one of the most hazardous industrial tasks, with traditional inspections exposing technicians to significant risks, from falls to hazardous environments. These methods not only compromise safety but also demand extensive time, resources, and downtime. The Voliro T offers a transformative alternative, eliminating the need for human climbers and drastically reducing workplace injuries while ensuring compliance with stringent safety regulations.
This transformation was evident in Illinois, USA, where the Voliro T was deployed by Middough to inspect overhead and downcomer pipelines—critical assets prone to corrosion, erosion, and material degradation. Traditional methods would have required weeks to erect scaffolding, accompanied by significant operational interruptions. Instead, the Voliro T delivered 50-100 readings per hour with rapid and accurate data collection, seamlessly accessing complex sections like pipe elbows without the need for platforms or extensive surface preparation. Operating efficiently at high surface temperatures without halting operations, the Voliro T eliminated weeks of scaffolding setup and dismantling, achieving substantial cost and time savings while prioritizing safety.

Sustainability for the Energy Transition
As the industry pivots toward future fuels like hydrogen and biofuels, the demand for reliable, efficient inspections grows. Voliro T is ready to meet that demand. By minimizing the need for heavy equipment like cranes and reducing fuel consumption, it aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Moreover, its ability to perform multiple inspection types: UT, EMAT, PEC, using a single drone reduces the carbon footprint of maintenance operations.
For companies like Skyspecs, Voliro T has proven to be a sustainability ally, inspecting up to 18 wind turbines per day while detecting 3-4 times more defects than conventional methods. In an era of decarbonization, this level of efficiency isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity.

Disrupting the Norm: Are Traditional Methods Holding Back the Industry?
The Voliro T isn’t just an alternative to traditional inspections—it’s a direct challenge to the inefficiencies that have plagued the industry for decades.
By adopting Voliro’s drone technology, terminal operators can:
- Maximize ROI: Save tens of thousands of dollars on every inspection.
- Minimize downtime: Conduct inspections during operations instead of shutdowns.
- Enhance data quality and focus on preventive maintenance: Gain more comprehensive insights with advanced sensor technology.
For terminal operators and decision-makers, the Voliro T offers an opportunity to redefine operational excellence, as an strategic investment in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Join Voliro on stand N4 at StocExpo on 11th & 12th March 2025.