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‘KPC’ considers drones for enhanced oil facility monitoring and inspection

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries are planning to expand the use of advanced drone technologies for inspection and monitoring in oil facilities, including fields, refineries, pipelines, and export operations, as part of their digital transformation efforts to improve operational efficiency.

The integration of drones is designed to enhance inspection and maintenance processes while minimizing operational risks. Their applications include visual and thermal inspections, pipeline monitoring, topographic surveying, and the creation of digital twins for industrial assets.

According to responsible oil sources for Al-Anba, drones have become an essential part of the inspection and maintenance system in oil facilities. They contribute to reducing the need to temporarily stop operations during inspections, lowering operating costs by minimizing reliance on manual inspections, scaffolding, and heavy equipment. Additionally, drones enhance safety levels by reducing workers’ exposure to risks in complex industrial environments.

Importantly, the use of drones contributes to enhancing operational efficiency by enabling detailed inspections of facilities in record time, while providing accurate, real-time data that aids in making quick and effective decisions.

The sources highlighted the advanced areas of drone missions in the oil and gas sector as follows:

  1. Close Visual Inspection (CVI): Conducting inspections of complex structures like flare ignition systems and storage tanks without the need for hazardous climbing operations.
  2. Thermal Inspection: Utilizing thermal cameras to identify temperature increases in chimneys, stations, and pipeline systems.
  3. Inspecting Confined Spaces: Performing precise internal inspections without the need for equipment disassembly or scaffolding construction.
  4. Digital Twin Reconstruction (3D Modeling): Creating precise 3D models of industrial assets using LiDAR and optical imaging technologies, aiding in enhanced facility management.
  5. Pipeline Monitoring and Leak Detection: Utilizing specialized cameras to detect potential leaks and identify structural defects in oil pipelines.
  6. Air Security Patrols: Conducting regular surveillance missions to safeguard critical facilities from potential security threats.
  7. LWIR Spectral Imaging for Oil Leak Detection: Utilizing polarized thermal cameras or specialized spectral cameras to provide live video feeds for detecting oil leaks.
  8. Air Surveillance and Services: Conducting regular air security patrols with drones, including routine surveillance and inspection of designated areas, while providing images and videos as deliverables.


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