Trained and Certified in Aerial Thermography

Drone Media Imaging use trained and certified thermographers to deliver thermographic services and inspections across many domestic, industrial and commercial sectors throughout the UK. Whether it is solar photovoltaic panel inspection in accordance with IEC 62446-3:2017 and BS EN ISO 62446-1:2016 or fire detection and management in disasters zones or underground landfill fires, Drone Media Imaging can deploy across the UK quickly, efficiently and with the right experience.

Aerial Thermography Category 2 Thermography certification to category level 2 focuses on radiometric temperature measurement analysis and the benefits of obtaining precise temperature data from challenging environments for diagnosing and reporting purposes. Whether for qualitative evaluation or quantitative evaluation our report and diagnosis analysis provide you with answers following a non-destructive inspection format from the air via UAV drones equipped with the latest technology. Drone Media Imaging is a small but unique drone operations company specialising in airborne thermal imaging across the UK. Our certification and experience when paired with our CAA enhanced OSC permissions, means we are more than capable of performing any aerial thermal imaging job however challenging. As level 2 thermographers we dive into the fundamental principles of surface emissivity, reflected temperature correction, spatial and measurement resolutions, and as a result providing clients with accurate data reporting that can be trusted.

Aerial Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras Thermal Imaging cameras capture the reflected radiation from a surface or heat source and convert the recorded temperatures to an image map for analysis. This unique worldview provides numerous advantageous and cost-effective non-destructive options for commercial and residential needs. Aerial thermal cameras of the highest quality provide non-contact temperature measurements in difficult to reach locations that cannot be observe from the ground. As is the case with all drone inspections, the hazards connected with operating at a height are minimised as is the potential of inflicting damage to the structure during the inspection procedure.

Case Study – Explosion at a Grain Store Port of Tilbury London Following an explosion at the Port of Tilbury London grain store in July 2020, Drone Media Imaging were hired to provide aerial thermal data support to emergency service gold commanders and the senior management for the grain store. Flying thermographic data collection missions, hourly, daily, and weekly for over 13 months from the initial explosion and subsequent silo fires, we provided important thermal data reports as the fire developed, enabling the fire management strategy to be accurately measured over time. Comprehensive reports, thermal imaging, RGB photography, and video pictures were used to provide the information essential to effectively manage the problem until the building was destroyed in 2020.

Thermal Fire Monitoring Following a Grain Store Terminal Explosion

Grain Store Explosion and Year-Long Fire – July 5, 2020 – Tilbury Port, London On July 5, 2020, a series of events (possibly by a spark) triggered a large dust explosion and a subsequent fire at the Grain Store Terminal at the Port of Tilbury in London. This was a serious event that required the attention of a large-scale emergency response to get the subsequent grain fire under control and avoid additional explosions. No one was seriously hurt, which is nothing short of a miracle given the number of people on the scene and the amount of reinforced concrete and debris thrown high into the sky before raining down on the surrounding buildings.

Traditional firefighting methods and techniques are ineffective in the case of grain storage fires. Using water to extinguish the inferno is ineffective with grain and dust fires, and the added weight might have caused a catastrophic structural collapse, exacerbating an already challenging situation. As a result, London fire teams were on the scene for days while a proper fire strategy and plan was developed and implemented, with staff always remaining on-site to monitor the situation over the following weeks.

Throughout this early period, there was always the possibility of more explosions and the fire spreading since the grain stored in the linked silos generates dust that may ignite if the temperature is high enough. Drone Media Imaging was contracted to fly thermal imaging flights to collect temperature data to estimate fire spread and track fire management efforts over time. For instance, were the temperatures rising, falling, or remaining constant?

We began operations on July 7, 2020, flying three flights each day, seven days a week initially, to compare temperatures and report back to crisis management teams and emergency service gold commanders. We eventually completed our thermal imaging missions one year and a month after the initial Grain Store explosion in late August 2021! While not all of the silos were full with grain, many were, and several were burning at temperatures far beyond 800°C. Before the fire could be quenched, the building had to be entirely demolished. Temperatures more than 80°C were still being recorded in the grain that remained on the ground after demolition 13 months later.

Gaining safe access to the terminal to fly was not without difficulty, as emergency services had imposed a 50m exclusion zone surrounding the terminal due to the possibility of additional explosions. As a result, our risk assessments and method statements had to be developed specifically for this circumstance and rigorously tested to assure both safe drone flights and the most accurate thermal data gathering at this vital juncture.

We continued to provide the Port of Tilbury London and the accompanying emergency services with daily and weekly calibrated temperature measurements that documented the progress of the grain store fire over 13 months. As thermal infrared aerial specialists, we provided data in the form of detailed reports, thermal imaging, RGB photographic and video footage.