Inspecting oil and gas pipelines with drones has revolutionized the way the oil and gas industry in India conducts routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. The use of drones has reduced the cost, time and risks involved in traditional inspection methods. In this blog post, we will explore how drones are transforming the oil and gas pipeline inspection in India.

Benefits of using drones for pipeline inspections:

• Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos of pipelines and their surroundings from different angles, which can be used to detect and identify anomalies, such as corrosion, leaks, or damages, with great accuracy (1).
• They can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time and cost required for manual inspections (2).
• Drones can access difficult-to-reach areas and dangerous locations, such as those located in remote or hostile environments, minimizing the risk of injury to human inspectors (3).
• The use of drones can improve the efficiency and reliability of inspections, as the data collected can be analyzed and processed using AI and machine learning algorithms to provide actionable insights (4).

Examples of drone-based inspection projects in India:

• In 2019, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company, began using drones to inspect its pipelines, offshore platforms, and other facilities. The use of drones has helped the company to reduce the time and costs of inspection while improving safety and accuracy (5).
• In 2020, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched a pilot project to inspect its pipelines using drones. The drones were equipped with thermal cameras to detect temperature anomalies in the pipelines, which can indicate potential leaks or damages (6).
• In the same year, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) started using drones to inspect its pipelines in the state of Rajasthan. The drones were used to detect potential leaks and damages, as well as to monitor encroachments and illegal tapping of oil and gas pipelines (7).

Challenges and limitations of using drones for pipeline inspections:

• One of the main challenges of using drones for pipeline inspections is the regulatory framework governing their use. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has strict regulations on the use of drones, including mandatory registration

 

Introduction: Inspecting oil and gas pipelines with drones: a game-changer in India

Pipelines are a critical part of India’s energy infrastructure, responsible for transporting oil and gas across the country. However, inspecting these pipelines can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Traditional inspection methods, such as foot patrols and manned aerial inspections, can be dangerous, slow, and often result in incomplete data. Drones, on the other hand, offer a safer, faster, and more accurate way to inspect pipelines. In this blog, we’ll explore how drones are changing the game when it comes to inspecting oil and gas pipelines in India.

Benefits of using drones for pipeline inspection:

• Safety: Drone inspection eliminates the need for workers to manually inspect the pipeline, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Speed: Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time it takes to inspect pipelines.
• Accuracy: Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos, allowing for more detailed inspection and analysis of pipelines.
• Cost-effective: Drone inspection can be less expensive than traditional inspection methods in the long run.

Applications of drone technology in pipeline inspection:

• Detecting leaks and corrosion: Drones can use advanced sensors to detect gas leaks and corrosion in pipelines, allowing for early detection and timely repairs.
• Surveying: Drones can create detailed 3D maps of pipelines and surrounding areas, helping to identify potential hazards and plan maintenance activities.
• Monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor the condition of pipelines over time, providing valuable data for predictive maintenance.

Examples of drone-based pipeline inspection in India:

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): IOCL has been using drones for pipeline inspection since 2018. The company uses drones to inspect its pipeline network, including hard-to-reach areas and offshore pipelines. The use of drones has resulted in faster and more accurate inspections, reduced risks for workers, and cost savings.
• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC): ONGC has also been exploring the use of drones for pipeline inspection. In 2021, the company conducted a pilot project using drones to inspect offshore pipelines in the Arabian Sea. The project demonstrated the potential for drones to improve the safety and efficiency of pipeline inspection.

Challenges and considerations:

• Regulatory approval: The use of drones for pipeline inspection requires regulatory approval from authorities such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Data privacy and security: The use of drones for pipeline inspection raises concerns around data privacy and security. Companies must ensure that sensitive information is protected.
• Maintenance and training: Drones require regular maintenance and skilled operators. Companies must invest in training and maintenance to ensure the safe and effective use of drones.

Conclusion:

The use of drones for pipeline inspection is a game-changer in India’s oil and gas industry. Drones offer a safer, faster, and more accurate way to inspect pipelines, with the potential to save time and costs. While there are challenges and considerations to be addressed, the benefits of using drones for pipeline inspection are clear. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more companies in India and around the world adopt drone-based pipeline inspection.

References:

• “Oil and Gas Pipelines in India: Overview of the Sector.” India Briefing, 24 Apr. 2019, www.india-briefing.com/news/oil-gas-pipelines-india-overview-sector-17202.html/.
• “Pipeline Safety Management System Manual.” Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Apr. 2018, www.iocl.com/download/Pipeline-Safety-Management-System-Manual.pdf.
• “ONGC Successfully Conducts Trial of Drone-based Pipeline Monitoring.” The Hindu, 5 May 202