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7 Key Benefits of Drone Inspections in Oil and Gas
For quite some time now, professionals in the oil and gas sector have been harnessing the power of drones to conduct inspections more efficiently. These drones have become indispensable tools for both external and internal inspections, offering substantial benefits.
When it comes to external inspections, outdoor drones have been instrumental in collecting detailed visual data about the condition of various assets. This eliminates the need for inspectors to physically approach these assets, thus reducing risks associated with proximity.
On the other hand, indoor drones like Flyability's Elios 3 have transformed internal inspections. These drones can navigate intricate and often hazardous environments, capturing essential visual data and performing ultrasonic thickness measurements inside critical assets. Such tasks are typically guided by standards set by organizations like API, ensuring compliance and thoroughness.
Take, for instance, the inspection of storage tanks or offshore rigs. Traditionally, these inspections would demand inspectors to physically enter these spaces, exposing them to significant risks such as confined spaces, heights, and toxic gases. However, drones like the Elios 3 can perform these inspections remotely, drastically enhancing safety while providing high-quality data.
One of the most notable advantages of using drones in oil and gas inspections is the substantial reduction in downtime. For example, a recent inspection of a diesel tank at an oil depot took only four hours using an Elios drone, compared to the usual two-week period. This not only saves time but also significantly cuts down on operational costs.
Safety is another major advantage. Indoor drones minimize the risks associated with confined space entry, work at height, and exposure to hazardous gases. Pilots can operate these drones from a safe distance, receiving real-time visual feedback and even detecting dangerous gas levels with built-in sensors. This not only protects personnel but also allows for quicker and more efficient decision-making.
Cost savings are equally impressive. A case study involving Tüpraş, Turkey’s largest energy company, showed that using an indoor drone for an FCC unit inspection reduced downtime by two and a half days, saving nearly half a million dollars. The savings extend beyond just labor costs; the elimination of scaffolding and other setup requirements adds to the financial benefits.
Access to tight and confined spaces is another area where drones excel. The Elios 3, with its compact design and collision-tolerant frame, can squeeze into spaces as narrow as 50x50 cm. Its ability to bump into walls without damage allows it to explore areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, providing valuable insights into the condition of assets like storage tanks or FCC units.
Increased frequency of inspections is another perk. With drones, inspectors can perform quick spot checks on assets, enabling better tracking of degradation rates and defect progression. This proactive approach leads to more effective maintenance schedules, reducing both planned and unplanned downtimes.
Data quality is another standout feature. The Elios 3 boasts a 4K camera and LiDAR technology, delivering high-resolution images and precise scans. Pilots can tag points of interest during inspections, creating detailed 3D models of assets with defects clearly marked. This data aids in communication among teams and supports informed decision-making.
Inspector 5.0, Flyability’s specialized software, further enhances the value of drone inspections. It allows inspectors to mark defect locations for future reference and provides a seamless bridge between data capture and asset management. Multiple flights can be consolidated into a unified asset overview, simplifying reporting and long-term monitoring.
Overall, drones represent a groundbreaking shift in how inspections are conducted in the oil and gas industry. They ensure safety, cut costs, and improve efficiency, paving the way for smarter asset management. Discover more about these innovative solutions and the Elios 3 on our dedicated industry page!