As the pipeline systems cross over varied and often challenging terrain for miles in the oil and gas sector, precision and efficiency are crucial. Even ground inspections or aerial surveillance-based methods are slow and costly to complete for traditional pipeline monitoring techniques. However, the implementation of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations is revolutionizing the industry, providing significant enhancements to the speed, cost, and accuracy of pipeline inspections and documentation.
At Arch Aerial, we’re harnessing the full potential of BVLOS to enhance pipeline mapping and documentation, providing oil and gas operators with a more effective solution for managing their infrastructure. Our use of BVLOS technology—combined with our fixed-wing drones—opens up new possibilities for pipeline monitoring that were once unthinkable, and we’re here to take you through how it works and why it matters.
What is BVLOS, and Why is it a Game Changer for Oil & Gas?
BVLOS, or Beyond Visual Line of Sight, is a term used to describe drone operations that are outside of the operator’s visual line of sight. As a contrast to normal drone operations, where the operator has to keep the drone in sight at all times, BVLOS enables remote control of the drone for longer distances, so the operator doesn’t need to be looking at the drone the entire time.
For the oil and gas sector, where the infrastructure is extended from vast and sometimes hard to reach areas, BVLOS operations bring about a transformative solution. Thus, with the help of BVLOS drone technology, operators are now able to document and map miles of pipeline with much greater efficiency and accuracy than traditional methods and without the limitations of line-of-sight requirements.
The Role of BVLOS in Pipeline Mapping and Documentation
Pipeline documentation and mapping are important tools in the management of pipeline systems, containing important information that is useful in the operation of the infrastructure, visualizing right of ways and ensuring regulatory acceptance. The documentation of this information was in the past done manually by ground crews or from the air using manned aircraft, both of which are very resource demanding and time consuming.
However, BVLOS drone operations can greatly improve this process as well. We can quickly gather high resolution imagery and geospatial data by flying drones over pipeline routes without the need for line of sight, and thus have a complete, up to date map of the pipeline system.
At Arch Aerial, we use BVLOS drone flights to cover miles of pipeline in a single flight, creating highly accurate and detailed maps of pipeline infrastructure, right-of-ways, and surrounding areas. The efficiency of BVLOS operations allows us to gather comprehensive data in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. This not only reduces the cost of inspections but also ensures that data is consistently updated, offering a more dynamic and real-time view of pipeline conditions.
The Advantages of Fixed-Wing Drones for BVLOS Operations
Fixed wing drones are particularly well suited for BVLOS operations, especially for pipeline mapping and documentation. These drones are capable of covering significantly more distance than multirotor drones, making them ideal for long duration flights over extensive pipeline networks.
In contrast to multi-rotor drones which are restricted to relatively short flight times and distances, fixed wing drones are able to cover more ground at once. This makes them ideal for pipeline inspections which require vast distances to be covered in a single flight. Because they can fly faster and for longer distances, fixed wing drones can gather a complete set of data for an entire pipeline stretch in a relatively short amount of time.
At Arch Aerial, our fixed-wing drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors, allowing for precise documentation of pipeline routes, terrain features, and any potential obstructions or encroachments along the way. This is invaluable when planning maintenance, monitoring changes over time, or ensuring that pipelines are compliant with environmental regulations.
Efficiency and Cost Savings for Pipeline Documentation
In the past, such efforts to develop pipeline documentation have been costly and time consuming and have included the use of helicopters, manned aircraft or ground surveys. They often need a lot of resources and personnel to accomplish, which can quickly escalate costs and extend the time required for inspections.
Using BVLOS drone operations, Arch Aerial is able to cut the time it takes to do the job and the cost of the job dramatically for pipeline documentation. Through the use of drones for BVLOS flights, we can swiftly scan large segments of the pipeline, gathering vital information with relatively few aerial vehicles or a small ground crew. This not only cuts operational costs but also enhances the inspection frequency and the speed of data delivery.
Having real time information on the state of the infrastructure is therefore very important for pipeline operators this is where BVLOS operations come in. They can make informed decisions and address any problem as it occurs. Whether it’s keeping tabs on the state of the pipeline, identifying the layout of right of ways or just carrying out normal maintenance BVLOS drone technology allows a speed and a level of agility that cannot be achieved through traditional means.
Navigating Regulatory Approvals for BVLOS Operations
One of the biggest challenges of BVLOS drone operations is getting the right regulatory approvals. In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) calls for special waivers for BVLOS operations, because drones have to fly within the visual line of sight of the operator.
At Arch Aerial, we handle all the regulatory work on behalf of our clients. With our extensive experience in obtaining FAA waivers and understanding the intricacies of drone regulations, we ensure that each BVLOS operation is compliant with FAA requirements. Our team works closely with the FAA to secure the necessary permissions, ensuring that our clients can focus on their operations without having to worry about the regulatory process.
Conclusion
The integration of BVLOS drone operations into pipeline mapping and documentation is the next big thing for the oil and gas industry. With the help of BVLOS technology, operators can easily gather high quality data over a wide area of pipeline systems, enhance their inspection processes and lower their costs. We offer the speed and precision needed for overall documentation with our fixed wing drones that are ideally suited for long range flights, as well as the expertise in navigating FAA regulations for a smooth and compliant operation.
If you’re looking to optimize your pipeline documentation processes and leverage the power of BVLOS drone technology, Arch Aerial is ready to help you take your operations to the next level.
