Source: Terra Drone
Terra Drone Indonesia, a group company of Terra Drone Corp. (Tokyo; www.terra-drone.net), has conducted drone-based visual inspections of onshore flare stacks for energy major Chevron (PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia). The drone-based flare stack inspection was done in Duri field, one of the largest production fields in Rokan PSC, Sumatra. Using a multirotor drone equipped with high-resolution RGB and thermal cameras, Terra Drone Indonesia inspected several flare stacks in a manner which was more effective, faster, and safer than conventional visual inspection methods.
Previously, Chevron had been performing visual inspections using binoculars while the flare stacks were still in operation. This method did not allow the company to check the assets from close proximity to get a detailed picture of the condition of the flare stacks. Using Terra Drone's inspection drone, they were able to capture high-quality photos to enable inspectors to accurately assess the condition of the flare stacks. Further, the radiometric thermal camera mounted on the drone studies the performance and function, and identifies temperature anomalies on the flare stacks. With the data captured through drone-based flare-stack inspection, a comprehensive non-contact inspection report can be generated and appropriate recommendations can be provided to the operator.
"Going forward, the many benefits and applications of drones will be an attraction for oil and gas companies to adopt them in their daily operations," says Michael Wishnu Wardana, Managing Director of Terra Drone Indonesia.