In a move to enhance safety for industrial drone pilots, Flyability has unveiled a new flammable gas sensor designed for its Elios 3 drone. This sensor, developed in collaboration with NevadaNano, provides real-time alerts of combustible gases, enabling operators to make informed decisions in hazardous environments. The addition targets key industries where confined space inspections pose significant safety challenges, including oil and gas, sewers, power generation, and mining.
The flammable gas sensor is capable of detecting over 14 common combustible gases with high sensitivity, marking dangerous gas levels as low as 0.1% of the lower explosive limit (LEL). Although it does not certify the Elios 3 as ATEX-rated, the sensor serves as a crucial safety indicator. By alerting drone pilots to hazardous gas levels, the sensor allows for immediate risk assessment, potentially reducing the need for human entry into risky zones.
“The new sensor is a way for us to help pilots of the Elios 3 fly more safely,” said Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability. “When our drones are flown into hazardous spaces, they can be faced with combustible atmospheres that are not easy to detect from outside. The flammable gas sensor means that we can give pilots real-time awareness when they fly in complex environments—and help make their missions safer.”
This safety feature is the result of a partnership with NevadaNano, a recognized leader in advanced gas detection technology. According to Karl Roberts, NevadaNano’s European Sales Director, their MPS sensor technology is particularly effective in detecting a range of gases while remaining resistant to saturation and poisoning, an issue that can impact sensor reliability over time. “By combining our state-of-the-art sensor with Flyability’s cutting-edge drone technology, we’re setting new safety standards for high-risk industries, ensuring that workers can rely on precise real-time data in some of the most dangerous confined spaces,” Roberts said.
With the addition of this flammable gas sensor, Flyability’s Elios 3 expands its utility in high-risk industries where atmospheric monitoring is crucial. The technology provides immediate, actionable data, empowering drone pilots to either pause their mission and alert safety teams or proceed with confidence. As confined-space inspections grow more demanding, innovations like this sensor could mark a significant step toward enhanced safety in industrial settings.
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