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Manual inspections of buildings and facilities, such as oil and gas assets, flare stacks, pipelines, wind turbines, and telecommunications infrastructure, are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and risky. These processes frequently require specialized equipment and costly insurance for both workers and equipment.


However, advancements in drone technology over the past few years are revolutionizing the inspection process, making it safer, more affordable, and less time-consuming. Many industries are already embracing drone inspections, and this trend is expected to grow as the FAA relaxes regulations and the cost of UAS technology continues to decline.

Here are five compelling reasons to implement a drone-based inspection process in your organization:


Minimize Risks

Drones facilitate safe and efficient inspections of complex structures, particularly in the oil and gas sector. They eliminate the need for workers to access hazardous environments where factors like height, wind, waves, and radiation can pose serious risks to health and safety.

Drones can reach confined or difficult areas without putting human inspectors at risk, reducing exposure to hazards such as insect bites and allergies.


Cost-Effective Inspections

Traditional inspections carry significant risks and often necessitate expensive insurance for workers. In contrast, drone inspections require minimal insurance, resulting in lower overall costs.


Additionally, using drones reduces the need for costly equipment like ladders, access towers, and lifts, which can also save time. With drones completing inspections more quickly, organizations can assess more assets in a single day.


Comprehensive Data Collection

Drones can capture high-definition photos and videos from close range, revealing specific details such as cracks, damage, and other infrastructure defects.

Their ability to operate at various elevations and angles allows for thorough data collection without exposing inspection teams to risks.


Faster Results

Drones can be deployed quickly upon request, making them suitable for both routine and emergency inspections. Most drone inspections can be completed in just 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the asset’s size and complexity.


For oil and gas operators, construction engineers, lenders, or insurance companies, this means receiving inspection results in under an hour—compared to the weeks often required for traditional methods. Drones can inspect active systems, such as wind turbines and telecom towers, without disrupting ongoing operations.


Drones are particularly useful for collecting aerial data in challenging environments, such as radiation monitoring, pipeline inspections, and detecting methane leaks. Their ability to inspect while systems are operational avoids the need for expensive equipment and safety gear that would be necessary for manual inspections.


Easily Shareable Data

Drones come in various sizes, from small to large, offering versatility for different inspection needs. Smaller drones can navigate tight spaces and fly close to surfaces for detailed inspections.


Equipped with various sensors, drones can take photos, capture video, perform thermal imaging, and test for leaks. The data collected can be processed with standard software to generate reports that are easy to share across different departments within your organization. This information can be tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries, facilitating better communication and interpretation.


Conclusion

Drone-based inspections offer numerous advantages over traditional manual methods. From saving time and reducing costs to enhancing safety and accessing hard-to-reach areas, drones present an effective solution for asset inspections across multiple industries.



Michael Hill is the Founder / CEO of Uncrewed Aerospace, an award-winning Drone Technology Company, that helps clients integrate Uncrewed Technology & Ai on the land, in the air, and at sea. Follow our work at www.uncrewedaerospace.com #TheDronePro

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