Planning Guide

Silo and Bin Inspections: Condition, Access and Change

Silos and bins combine difficult access, loaded structural behaviour, abrasion and corrosion. Inspection scopes should distinguish surface condition, material integrity and dimensional change because each requires different evidence.

Decision Context

Use this guide when scoping inspections of storage silos, process bins or bulk-handling vessels in operating industrial and resources facilities.

Inspection Focus Parameters

  • 01Shells, cones, supports and connections
  • 02Corrosion, cracking, wear and deformation indicators
  • 03Internal linings and surfaces where accessible
  • 04Geometry or movement where repeat capture is required

Target Deliverables

  • 01Mapped condition imagery
  • 02NDT results where separately scoped
  • 03Point cloud or model where required
  • 04Risk-ranked investigation and maintenance actions

Choose evidence for the failure concern

Visible corrosion, suspected section loss, cracking and geometric distortion are not interchangeable concerns. Define the credible condition question first, then select imagery, testing or dimensional capture.

Key Considerations

  • List known defects and operating history
  • Separate visual, NDT and survey tasks
  • Nominate comparison tolerances if monitoring change

Plan around operations and access

External capture may proceed while equipment operates, while internal work depends on asset status and site controls. The inspection plan should identify which evidence is possible in each operating state.

Key Considerations

  • Map exclusion and process zones
  • Confirm internal access prerequisites
  • Coordinate shutdown-dependent tasks

Scope a silo or bin inspection

Share the asset type, the decision the inspection needs to support, and any known access constraints. The technical team will define an appropriate scope.

Request Scope Discussion