Drones have been transforming the way inspections are conducted in the oil and gas industry for years. From external to internal assessments, these aerial tools are offering significant advantages that enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
For external inspections, outdoor drones are widely used to gather visual data from a safe distance, eliminating the need for inspectors to be physically close to the assets. This not only improves safety but also reduces time spent on site.
When it comes to internal inspections, indoor drones like Flyability’s Elios 3 are making a big difference. These drones can enter confined spaces such as storage tanks, pipelines, and refineries, collecting both visual data and ultrasonic thickness measurements. This is especially important for compliance with standards like API guidelines.
Using an Elios 3 drone, inspectors can safely inspect hard-to-reach areas without entering hazardous environments. The drone’s protective cage and collision tolerance make it ideal for navigating tight spaces. It can even collect accurate measurements using its ultrasonic thickness probe, which is certified for official reports.
Some of the most common applications for indoor drones include chimneys, offshore rigs, FPSOs, drilling ships, jetties, storage tanks, and refineries. Traditionally, inspecting these structures required scaffolding or rope access, exposing workers to serious risks. With drones, many of these dangers are minimized or eliminated entirely.
Here are seven key benefits of using drones for inspections in the oil and gas sector:
1. **Reduced Downtime**
Drones eliminate the need for temporary structures like scaffolding, significantly cutting down inspection time. For example, a diesel tank inspection was completed in just four hours instead of two weeks, saving thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
2. **Enhanced Safety**
Inspectors no longer have to risk their lives by entering confined spaces. Drones allow them to perform remote inspections while staying safe outside. Plus, they can detect harmful gases before any human enters the area.
3. **Cost Savings**
A case study showed a 96% reduction in inspection costs when using drones. The savings come from reduced labor, materials, and downtime—especially critical in large-scale operations.
4. **Improved Access**
Indoor drones can reach areas that are too small or dangerous for humans. The Elios 3, for instance, can fit into spaces as small as 50x50 cm and navigate through tight passages without damage.
5. **Increased Inspection Frequency**
With faster and safer data collection, inspections can be done more often. This allows for better tracking of asset degradation and early detection of potential issues.
6. **High-Quality Data**
Drones like the Elios 3 capture detailed visual data, LiDAR scans, and ultrasonic measurements. This information is invaluable for maintenance planning and decision-making.
7. **Data Localization and Management**
Software like Inspector 5.0 helps organize and track inspection data. It allows users to mark defects, share findings, and generate reports efficiently, ensuring long-term asset management.
In conclusion, drones are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry by making inspections safer, faster, and more cost-effective. As technology continues to advance, the role of drones in this sector will only grow. Whether you're looking to improve safety, reduce costs, or increase efficiency, drone inspections are a smart investment. Explore more about how drones are changing the future of oil and gas on our industry page.
Vacuum Forming Plastic
Vacuum-formed plastic is used to produce a variety of custom design parts.Vacuum forming become to be a popular and cost-effective solution for a wide range of plastic forming needs.
The product's application must be taken into consideration while selecting the material. Normal vacuum forming plastic included:Polyester, HDPE, LDPE, PVC,PETG,polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS, acrylics, polycarbonate, ASA as well as other ABS capped acrylic and ABS capped polycarbonate.
ABS plastic also named Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene,is the most widely used in vacuum forming and available in a range of textured, smooth and embossed finishes, offered in virgin, recycled,UV resistant and flame retardant grades(UL94-V0). As good impact resistance ABS usually is vacuum formed for vehicle,equipment,plastic tray and so on industrial.
HIPS plastic also named High Impact Polystyrene ,is most used in Point of Sale (POS), display and signage market due to its visual appearance (colour options, gloss level, texture), the ease with which it can be processed along with its antistatic and electrical conductivity.
HDPE plastic also named High-Density Polyethylene,is widely used in indoor and outdoor applications including bottles, playground equipment packaging and furniture. It is a plastic with high tensile strength, and good chemical and corrosion resistance.And it has properties of recycling,UV stabilised, improved impact resistance.
PP Plastic also named Polypropylene,is similar to PE. But PE is more harder more heat resistant.But PP is more durable.Mostly plastic tray is produced by PP plastic.
PMMA plastic also named acrylic or glass fiber.It has properties of tensile strength, transparency, polishability and UV tolerance but less impact strength.It is available in clear, antiglare, opal, white, and frosted.It is best choice for windows, displays or see-through enclosures.
PETG named Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol is another clear rigid plastic sheet.PETG is easily vacuum formed, printed, bonded and polished. As its' excellent clarity and impact resistance, it is widely used in outdoor application.
PC named polycarbonate, has combined advantage of PMMA and ABS. Usually is transparency and semi- transparency. It is expensive but that is best choice for clear plastic vacuum forming.
ASA is one new material which has all good properties of ABS. But much good UV resistant for outdoor usage. It usually be used for radome,air conditioning housing etc outdoor products.
Meanwhile, ABS capped acylic combined the good properties of ABS and acylic. ABS capped polycarbonate combined the good properties of ABS and polycarbonate.If you need high glossy surface for your design,then this is your only choice.
Vacuum Forming Plastic,ABS Vacuum Forming,Polypropylene Vacuum Forming,HDPE Vacuum Forming,Polystyrene Vacuum Forming
Dongguan Yiyongli Industrial Co.,Ltd. , https://www.absthermoforming.com