7 benefits of drone inspection in the oil and gas industry
In this post, we explore how drone inspection can contribute to the oil and gas industry. We have selected 7 benefits we will explore in depth.
In the oil and gas industry, drones have long been a valuable solution for inspections.
For external inspections, drones are used to record the condition of facilities without the need for physical access. For internal inspections, drones like Elios 3 allow inspectors to collect images and perform ultrasonic wall thickness measurements – an effective way to meet standards and ensure ongoing maintenance.
Here we use our Elios 3 drone to inspect a tank from a distance.
Indoor drones are increasingly being used to inspect facilities such as:
- Chimneys and flues
- Offshore platforms
- Drilling vessels
- Storage tanks
- Refineries
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In the past, inspection of these facilities required inspectors to physically enter them – often using scaffolding or rope access, exposing them to significant risks.
Today, advanced drones enable safe and efficient data collection without the need for physical access, increasing safety and reducing costs.
Here are the seven key benefits of using drones for inspections in the oil and gas industry.
1. Reduced downtime
Inspection drones drastically reduce the time for internal inspections by eliminating the need for scaffolding. Setting up and taking down scaffolding can take days or weeks, extending downtime.
One example is a diesel tank inspection where time was cut from two weeks to just four hours with our inspection service and expertise.
As every hour of downtime is costly, this reduction of almost 14 days meant significant savings.
Drone inspection in a tank.
2. High resolution data
In the oil and gas industry, we use drones like Elios 3 to collect detailed visual data from inside installations. Our drone is equipped with a 4K camera that delivers sharp images and video, while its centimeter-precise LiDAR scanner maps the surroundings.
This combination allows our drone pilot to mark points of interest during the flight, resulting in a 3D model that clearly marks faults or defects. This allows effective communication with the maintenance team and speeds up decision-making processes.
Elios 3’s modular design allows the integration of an ultrasonic probe for measuring wall thicknesses. This probe can perform precise measurements on ship hulls, ballast systems and storage tanks. The data is certified by class societies, making it suitable for official reports.
3. Financial savings
By using an indoor drone, inspection costs at an oil tank center were reduced by as much as 96%. The technology makes inspections faster and safer while eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding.
4. Safety and security
Inspectors in the oil and gas industry often work in hazardous conditions such as confined spaces, working at heights and exposure to flammable gases – risks that can lead to serious accidents.
By using our indoor drone inspection service, these dangers can be significantly minimized. Our drones can safely navigate the facility and collect both visual data and ultrasonic wall thickness measurements while inspectors remain outside. The drones’ sensor can also detect flammable gases and provide early warning of potential hazards.
If repairs are needed, the drone data ensures maintenance crews know exactly where to work, reducing their time in dangerous areas.
5. Access
Indoor drones like our Elios 3 are designed to navigate tight and confined spaces where we can collect detailed visual data. For example, the drone can move in areas as small as 48×38 cm to conduct thorough inspections.
With a robust protective grille and impact-resistant construction, the drone can get close to surfaces and glide along walls for optimal visibility. Its flexible ultrasonic payload allows it to maneuver safely through narrow passages, ensuring that even the most difficult areas can be inspected without risk of damage.
Our drone with ultrasonic payload takes a thickness measurement of corroded pipe.
This kind of access can have a significant impact on both cost savings and safety in oil and gas operations.
A traditional inspection of an FCC unit often requires inspectors to cut a hole in the unit, rappel into its cyclone and rappel with ropes. An indoor drone eliminates the need for inspectors to physically enter the unit and avoids cutting a hole to create an access point for manned access.
6. Data capture and tracking
We use Inspector 5.0 software, a software specifically designed for inspection work with drones. With this software, our inspectors can accurately locate defects in the inspection material so they can be easily retrieved for future inspections or shared with relevant stakeholders in the maintenance process.
With the Asset Management feature, we can bridge the gap between data collection and asset management. Elios 3’s data processing and reporting capabilities in Inspector are optimized so that data from multiple flights can be aggregated to provide a comprehensive overview of the asset’s condition.
This integration provides a more detailed understanding of the asset’s current status and simplifies reporting. The clear organization of inspection data ensures accurate follow-ups and long-term documentation of asset condition, which is a significant advantage for drone inspections in the oil and gas industry.
7. More frequent inspections
Indoor drones make it possible to quickly collect visual data from hard-to-reach areas, such as storage tanks or FCC units. This enables frequent spot checks, which are essential for continuously assessing material deterioration or following the development of defects.
Regular plant condition updates make it easier to optimize maintenance procedures, resulting in less planned and unplanned downtime. This is especially valuable as unexpected failures can lead to costly production downtime.
Benefits of drone inspections in the oil and gas industry
Drones offer a safer and cost-effective solution for inspections in the oil and gas industry.
Remote access to confined and hazardous areas ensures inspectors’ safety without compromising data quality.
Our Elios 3 drone, with its advanced sensors and versatile payloads, is revolutionizing asset management in the sector. By using the drone to create digital records based on accurate data, companies can optimize their operations, reduce downtime and – most importantly – protect inspectors from unnecessary risks.
This is precisely the biggest benefit of drone inspections in the oil and gas industry.
Want to know more about how drones can transform inspection work?
Explore our industry page on drone inspection in the oil and gas industry.