During the course of the last few years, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have seen a rise in popularity. You might think that they’re only utilized by hobbyists and governmental agencies, but a number of industries are starting to take advantage of the technology as well. Oil and gas companies are getting in on the action, and have found some creative ways to use them. Let’s take a closer look:
Safety Inspections. For decades oil and gas workers were required to use scaffolding, harnesses, and rope for tasks like flare stack inspections or minor repairs. Not only was this process time consuming and expensive, it put workers at risk. Drones equipped with cameras are now used to perform these kinds of tasks. An operator can see everything they need to from the comfort of their office.
Security Monitoring. Oil and gas facilities are often enormous which makes monitoring them for security purposes somewhat difficult. Even with a significant security budget, and a team of professionals, making sure all aspects of a rig or processing plant are secured can be overwhelming. Drones have the ability to monitor a structure aerially and can cover a lot more ground than someone on foot. They can also be equipped with night vision, heat sensors, and other high-tech equipment for a fraction of the cost.
Analyzing Confined Spaces. Anyone who has worked on an oil rig or oil and gas facility can attest to the confined nature of these spaces. Drones are far more adept at exploring hard to reach cracks and crevices than employees, and with camera and sensors attached can give workers insights into repairs or problems that may arise in the future.
Have you considered investing in a drone to assist your business? You might not have considered it yet, but the benefits provided are worth looking into.
At Greg’s Petroleum, we pride ourselves in supplying the best oils, lubes, fuel and service in the Bakersfield, Fresno and Ventura areas. If interested in commercial fuel delivery, fuel cards, lubricants and more, contact us today!