Drone technology in the oil and gas field is growing as new uses evolve from visual inspection to leak detection to faster data acquisition.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are aircrafts that can be navigated without a human pilot on board. The technology of these instruments has evolved drastically since their first appearance during World War I. The first prototype, the Kettering Bug, was tested but never used during the war. Development and testing continued, and UAVs were used in the second World War and in the Vietnam War. Since then, improved technology and endurance have provided a plethora of uses.
The passage of Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations in 2016 allowed the use of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes. This led to many start-up companies specializing in drone services available for a variety of business operations such as the oil and gas field.
Drones are useful in midstream operations, providing efficient visual inspections of pipeline right-of-ways. Accurate mapping of pipeline infrastructure, vegetative encroachment, or occurrences of erosion can also be detected in hard-to-reach locations. Inspection of well sites, gas plants, compressor stations have found UAVs helpful.
Special sensors or software can look for leaks by examining vegetation for signs of stress, an indicator of possible natural gas leaks. A collaboration between Physical Science Inc., Heath Consultants, Princeton University, University of Houston and Thorlabs Quantum Electronics Inc. is pairing a laser-based remote methane leak detector with a drone to fly pre-programmed patterns around facilities to search for leaks, and if detected, will circle the potential leak source and calculate emission rate.
A big advantage of drone use is having quick access to real-time data. Data is relayed immediately, rather than waiting for the return of a helicopter or plane. Safety plays an important role as well. Using a drone rather than having an employee gather information in dangerous areas or where the terrain is difficult is safer. Drones can gather information in flooded areas, providing immediate and accurate assessment of the area.
While an industry may build an internal drone program, many companies outsource the work to focus on their core part of the business. Complying with FAA regulations, having aviation insurance, staffing and training, keeping track of all flight and maintenance operations, and maintenance of vehicles are items are then maintained by the drone companies.
There are options for leasing drone technology as well. An alliance with John Deere and Kespry allows the companies to combine the use of John Deere tools for jobsite data acquisition as before, but now adds drone technology and the software, post-flight processing and customer support in one lease.
Restrictions on where drones can fly may limit the use of drones in some circumstances, but they have become a valuable tool for commercial use.