OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
have to assemble scaffolding to physically access a potential problem. Scientists now claim that sophisticated
sensors are developed enough and small enough to be mounted on UAV systems. As well as capturing high resolution visual data, drones can be equipped with other sensors to monitor pipelines, such as thermal imaging or ultrasound inspection.
CHALLENGES FOR TAKE OFF Companies wanting to adopt this technology must also make sure they understand the evolving regulatory environment. Tose that already use aviation, for example with helicopters, are probably in a better position to confront this hurdle due to their existing knowledge of aviation regulation. Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is among the most discussed things in the drone industry. Tis refers to where a drone is operating beyond the pilot’s line of sight. BVLOS activity will be necessary to enjoy the full benefits this technology could offer for asset inspection of pipelines, but in some countries it is not permitted. In the USA, for smaller drones flying
below 400ft above ground level (AGL), BVLOS is currently not permitted without the necessary authorisation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To navigate around this restriction an FAA waiver is required. According to some research, 99% of waiver applications fail. Te restrictions are different when
Will the oil & gas sector embrace the use of drones to conduct tasks usually done by humans?
you enter different airspace classifications (those above 400ft AGL). For pipelines that traverse national boundaries, these regulatory issues become even more complex.
Another consideration many businesses must make is what business model to adopt. In its guidance for the industry, the American Petroleum Industry outlines three alternative models.
Although the technology is constantly
improving, there are limitations that are relevant to their potential for surveying pipelines. Te limitations of the batteries that power the vehicles gives rise to range anxiety, a problem that is more significant for pipelines that cover considerable distances. It is likely the industry will focus on using drones for inspection of oil rigs and other infrastructure before taking on the challenge of vast pipelines.
SOMETHING TO BEAR IN MIND If maintenance engineers are to exploit the benefits of UAV technology, keeping the drones in tip-top condition will be essential. Understanding the maintenance needs of these vehicles will be important for those companies who adopt the internal model referred to above. Engineers will need to be quick to acquire fresh expertise in this area. Maintaining and replacing the bearings
in drones will be a critical part of this. Many oil installations face significant risks from corrosion. Bearings too, need protection from corrosion. If your drone is operating in an environment where this risk exists, speak to a reputable supplier such as SMB Bearings for the best information on bearing choice for specific applications. Te buzz surrounding drones is only set
to grow and their use in monitoring and maintaining oil installations will allow the oil industry to improve worker safety, reduce the time taken to complete key maintenance tasks and realise substantial cost savings. If operators are thinking of adopting an unmanned aerial vehicle programme to monitor their assets, they should consider the benefits of partnering with a reliable supplier of high-quality precision bearings to help keep their drones in the air.
Chris Johnson is managing director of SMB Bearings.
www.smbbearings.com
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