Leak detection with drones - Oil and gas
Advanced, safe and sustainable leak detection with drones – accurate results in real-time.
Efficient and safe leak detection with drones
Leak detection with drones is an efficient and modern way to detect gas leaks over large areas. The speed, maneuverability and advanced technologies such as laser, camera and sniffer sensors make it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas quickly and accurately. At the same time, safety is improved by avoiding exposing workers to dangerous environments. Drones offer a safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for gas leak detection.
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Faster, safer and more sustainable leak detection with drones
Leak detection with drones makes inspection of larger areas both faster and easier compared to traditional methods. The speed and maneuverability of drones make it possible to inspect places that were previously inaccessible, such as difficult terrain or hazardous environments. At the same time, the technology is much safer as it avoids exposing people to the risk of traveling in areas with toxic gases.
A drone can inspect many kilometers of gas pipeline per day, reducing the time required to traverse long stretches, which ultimately keeps costs down. The technology also ensures high-precision data and real-time monitoring enables quick and informed decisions to be made.
Environmentally, drones are a more sustainable alternative as they do not pollute and use less energy, unlike traditional inspection vehicles. All in all, drones are an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly solution for gas pipeline inspection.
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Advanced technologies for leak detection with drones
When detecting a gas leak with drones, there are three main technologies that can be used.
The first is Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) laser technology. Here, the drone uses a laser that sends a beam through the air. The laser measures specific wavelengths absorbed by methane gas (CH₄), for example, and can thus detect gas leaks in real time.
The second technology is optical gas imaging (OGI), a specialized camera that detects infrared light. This makes it possible to visualize methane, among other things, as a clear “cloud”, making leaks easy to locate.
The third method is the “sniffer technology”, which chemically analyzes the gas content in the air. The drone collects air samples that are drawn through a sensor, which then detects and measures the gas.
Finally, there is the visual inspection, which is used to assess the condition of the gas pipes. However, it does not specifically look for leaks, but checks for visible damage over larger distances.
Video
Learn more about our solutions
In the oil and gas industry, accurate and safe inspections are essential. In this video, we demonstrate how we use drones to inspect large tanks, both externally and internally, and for efficient leak detection. In addition, we show how our drones are revolutionizing thickness measurement of metal surfaces with ultrasonic technology.
At Drone Eksperten, we constantly develop our solutions in close collaboration with customers and partners to ensure the best results.
The benefits of our solution:
- Save time and money
- Safe working environment
- Interactive reports
Case studies
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Optimized gas inspection with drones – Faster, safer and more accurate
All in all, drones are an effective and modern tool for finding gas leaks over long distances. They combine advanced technology such as TDLAS laser, OGI cameras and sniffer sensors with the speed and flexibility of drones, making it possible to inspect hard-to-reach areas quickly and safely. At the same time, real-time data ensures decisions can be made instantly, reducing both response time and costs.
Drones can not only improve worker safety by avoiding hazardous environments, but also minimize environmental impact by using sustainable solutions rather than traditional methods.
Want to optimize your inspection and get accurate results faster and safer? Then drone-based solutions might be ideal for your project. Contact us today and let us help you take the next step in modern gas inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometers of gas pipeline can a drone inspect in a day?
A drone can inspect up to 30 km of gas pipeline in one day, depending on the terrain and inspection method. This makes the inspection faster and more efficient compared to traditional methods.
What technologies do drones use to find gas leaks?
Drones can be equipped with three main technologies:
- Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS): Used to detect methane gas in real time.
- Optical gas imaging (OGI): Visualizes gas as a distinct “cloud” via infrared light.
- Sniffer technology: Chemically analyzes the gas content of air samples.
How are drones safer than traditional inspection methods?
Drones make it possible to inspect hazardous or hard-to-reach areas without exposing employees to the risk of entering environments with toxic gases or dangerous terrain.
Can you monitor data in real-time during a drone inspection?
Yes, with modern drone technology, data can be monitored in real-time. This means decisions can be made quickly and based on accurate information.
What are the benefits of drone inspections for the environment?
Drones are a sustainable alternative as they do not pollute and use less energy than traditional inspection vehicles. This significantly reduces the environmental impact.
What types of inspections can drones perform besides finding leaks?
In addition to leak detection, drones can be used for visual inspection of gas lines and pipes to assess their condition and detect damage or wear over large areas.