Drone Visual Inspection

Here's how drone inspection is typically conducted :

• ⇾ Preparation and Planning: Before the drone inspection, thorough planning is essential. This includes defining the scope of the inspection, identifying the specific areas to be inspected, determining the flight paths for the drones, and ensuring safety protocols are in place.
• ⇾ Drone Selection: Selecting the appropriate drone for the inspection is crucial. The drone should be equipped with high-resolution cameras, sensors, and possibly other specialized equipment such as thermal cameras or gas sensors, depending on the inspection requirements.
• ⇾ Flight Operations: Trained and certified drone operators pilot the drones along predefined flight paths. These flight paths ensure comprehensive coverage of the areas to be inspected. The drones are maneuvered to capture images and videos of critical components such as the hull, deck, mooring systems, pipes, valves, and more.
• ⇾ Visual Inspection: Drones capture high-resolution images and videos of the FPSO's structural components. These visuals are used to identify corrosion, cracks, leaks, wear and tear, and other potential issues. The use of high-quality cameras helps in capturing detailed images, which can be later analyzed by experts.
• ⇾ Data Collection and Analysis: The collected data, including images and videos, are transferred to onshore facilities for analysis. Advanced image processing and computer vision techniques can be employed to identify defects, anomalies, and areas of concern.
• ⇾ Reporting: After analysis, a detailed inspection report is generated. This report includes annotated images, videos, and descriptions of the identified issues. This information helps operators and maintenance teams understand the condition of the FPSO and plan for necessary repairs and maintenance.
• ⇾ Maintenance Planning: The inspection findings assist in determining the severity of defects and prioritizing maintenance activities. Depending on the severity of issues, maintenance teams can plan repairs during scheduled downtime or plan immediate corrective actions.

Benefits of Drone Inspection in Oil Tankers and FPSOs:

• ⇾ Cost-Efficiency: Drone inspections can be more cost-effective compared to traditional inspection methods, as they eliminate the need for extensive scaffolding or rope access.
• ⇾ Safety: Drone inspections reduce the need for personnel to work in hazardous environments, improving safety for workers.
• ⇾ Efficiency: Drones can cover large areas quickly, enabling more frequent and comprehensive inspections.
• ⇾ Data Accuracy: High-resolution cameras and sensors provide accurate and detailed data, aiding in more precise analysis.
• ⇾ Reduced Downtime: Regular drone inspections help in identifying issues early, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing unscheduled downtime.
• ⇾ Remote Monitoring: Drone inspections can be remotely monitored in real-time, enabling experts to make immediate decisions based on the collected data.
• ⇾ Environmental Impact: Leak testing methods, such as pressure testing or bubble testing, are used to identify leaks in sealed systems or components. Pressure is applied, and leaks are identified by observing pressure changes or the formation of bubbles.
• ⇾ Leak Testing: Drone inspections have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional inspection methods.