DroneLab, a leading European company specializing in customized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), exhibited its SkyQUBE V2 industrial drone at the Pipeline & Gas Expo, which was held May 29-31 at Italy’s Piacenza Expo.
Industrial drone for pipeline inspection
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is revolutionizing pipeline inspection. pipeline inspection in the oil and gas industriesby providing a tool that saves time and money, improves personnel safety and facilitates decision making based on accurate and detailed data.
In this context, pipeline inspection using drones accounted for about 17% of the global drone inspection services market in 2022. This segment is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%, from an estimated $336.1 million in 2023 to $1160 million by 2033.
Benefits of new pipeline technology
Renzo Zucchi, senior vice president of DroneLab, noted,“Drones present a significant advantage over traditional pipeline inspection methods.” Specifically, pipelines often extend over long distances and difficult or dangerous terrain, where drones can operate faster and more safely than traditional ground crews. In addition, their deployment is more agile and economical compared to helicopters and light aircraft.
Additionally, modern drones capture high-resolution images and videos and can be equipped with various sensors, such as thermal imaging and LiDAR. This allows the collection of detailed data on the condition of the pipelines, helping to detect leaks, cracks and other potential problems.
In addition, the data obtained by the drones can be used to create 3D models of the pipelines and their environment, enabling engineers to make more informed decisions about construction, maintenance and repairs.
About SkyQUBE drones
SkyQUBE is DroneLab’s flagship brand for its multipurpose aerial platform, developed in Tortolì, Sardinia. SkyQUBE drones are built with high-strength composite materials, such as carbon fiber and KevlarTM, giving them three times the structural strength of steel. This allows them to carry a variety of sensors and devices, with a total weight of up to 8 kg, depending on the customer’s needs.
In addition, Zucchi commented,“As a UAV specialist with a fully European product range, we understand the specific challenges of pipeline inspection in Europe and comply with European drone regulations, ensuring that our customers receive customized and compliant solutions.”
He also added that DroneLab facilitates businesses with data management security and offers the services of highly experienced drone pilots to perform inspections when necessary.
AI for efficient and scalable inspections
The latest version of SkyQUBE, the SkyQUBE V2, unveiled at Pipeline & Gas Expo 2024, incorporates advanced capabilities, including real-time data analytics, autonomous navigation and predictive maintenance thanks to artificial intelligence.
Zucchi concluded: “As pipeline networks grow, manual inspection challenges increase. SkyQUBE drones with AI can perform large-scale inspections efficiently, making the process more scalable and cost-effective. We are excited to meet with potential customers at the Expo to show them the future of pipeline inspection.“
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Source and photo: worldenergytrade
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