How Drones Are Used For Critical Assets Inspections in Oil & Gas

Technology has always been used as a method of making our lives easier by streamlining complex processes, reducing manual labour, or enhancing our capacity to gather and interpret information. One significant leap in this direction is the application of drones for oil and gas inspections. This article will explore how drones are becoming essential tools in the energy sector, from assessing infrastructure and monitoring assets to the ongoing advancements in drone technology and how they are shaping and influencing the future of aerial inspections.

The Primary Benefit Of Using Drones For Assessing Infrastructure

There are a number of benefits when it comes to using drones for inspections. Foremost, safety and efficiency are at the helm. Drones can access challenging terrains or potentially hazardous zones, providing comprehensive data without risking human lives. This aerial perspective also enhances the accuracy and thoroughness of inspections, ensuring that even minor discrepancies do not go unnoticed. Furthermore, the utilisation of drones is increasingly becoming a cost-effective solution. As technology becomes more accessible and widespread, the costs associated with drone inspections are expected to decrease. It cuts down on the man hours needed, ensuring that large areas are covered in a fraction of the time. While drone technology is undoubtedly a leap forward, it’s essential to understand that the technology is still being refined. 

Applications In The Oil And Gas Sector

Drones are effective tools for monitoring various assets and environments. They allow us to get real-time insights in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas and offer a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional manual inspections, as mentioned previously. In the oil and gas sector, the applications are vast. Drones have found use in inspecting drilling rigs, monitoring pipeline integrity, inspecting flare stacks, boilers and even assessing potential environmental impacts of extraction activities. Drone companies have been instrumental in enhancing these applications, ensuring that oil and gas companies can maximise the benefits of drones in aerial surveys without compromising on the quality of data received.

How The Technology Continues To Advance

Drone technology has not always been as advanced as it is today. As much as we are able to take advantage of the myriad different sensors and capabilities available now, it’s essential to remember that its evolution has been a result of decades of research, innovation, and field testing. Early drones were primarily equipped with basic cameras. Now, we see drones fitted with advanced setups like LIDAR for topographical mapping, TDLAS sensors for detecting leaks, or even multi-spectral sensors to analyse vegetation around infrastructure. As research continues, it’s only a matter of time before drones are equipped with even more refined sensors and tools, paving the way for more comprehensive and advanced inspections.

Drones Are Shaping The Future Of Aerial Inspections

The use of drones in the oil and gas industry is set to expand significantly, with advancements in automation and sensor technology driving safer and more efficient operations. As the needs of the industry grow and the demands for efficient, accurate, and safe inspections increase, drones are poised to be at the forefront of this transformation. Their integration into mainstream inspection processes not only underscores the industry’s commitment to safety and efficiency but also its forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology. 

As we look to the future, the harmonious synergy of human expertise and technological advancement, epitomised by the growing reliance on drone inspections, will undoubtedly define the trajectory of the oil and gas sector, making it more sustainable, efficient, and adaptable to emerging challenges.

Contact us if you are interested in using our drones for asset inspections.