An aerial image taken with a drone conducting a Drone pipeline and pipe rack inspections

Drone pipeline and pipe rack inspections Revolutionise your pipeline and pipe rack inspections by using drones. Fast, safe and cost-effective.

Reduce downtime with live inspections

Traditional pipeline inspections are slow, expensive and labour-intensive. If the pipe is elevated they can be dangerous with a lot of working at height involved. Our team has extensive experience in using drones for pipeline and pipe rack inspection and monitoring, and we have helped numerous clients across various industries to optimise their inspection and maintenance programs. Whether you need routine inspections or emergency assessments, we have the expertise to deliver comprehensive and accurate results.

Routine InspectionsEmergenciesEco-friendlyAnalysis

Routine Inspections

We provide routine inspections of pipelines and pipe racks to identify potential issues before they become major problems. Our drone inspections capture high-resolution images and data that enable us to assess the condition of pipes, identify leaks and other defects, and recommend appropriate maintenance measures.

A pipe under a bridge being inspected

Emergency Assessments

In the event of a pipeline failure or other emergency, we provide rapid response drone inspections to assess the damage and determine the cause of the problem. Our emergency assessments enable us to quickly identify the extent of the damage, prioritise repairs, and minimise downtime.

A close up image of the lagging on a glycol pipe

Environmentally Friendly

Drone inspections are environmentally friendly, as they do not require the use of heavy equipment or the disruption of natural habitats. They also reduce the carbon footprint of inspections by minimizing the need for travel and transportation. They have a minimal impact on the environment and do not cause damage to sensitive ecosystems.

An aerial image of a pipe rack in a pharma facility

Reporting and Analysis

Our team of experts analyzes the data collected by our drones and provides comprehensive reports and recommendations based on our findings. Our reports include detailed information on the condition of pipes, potential issues, and recommended maintenance measures.

An aerial image of two pipe racks in an industrial facility

Why use a drone for your drone pipeline inspection?

Safety

The safety of your personnel and our own is paramount, and we place it at the forefront of our company culture. Ask us about our HSSE systems and practices.

Hard-to-reach spaces

Drones aren't just for flying up in the sky. Our specialist drones can fly into confined spaces like chimneys and boilers to look for issues that would otherwise be inaccessible.

No traffic disruption

Downtime is expensive, unpopular and inconvenient. Using a drone, our engineers can conduct a thorough survey with little to no downtime.

No scaffolding or ropes

Drone technology is cheaper, safer and more reliable than traditional methods such as scaffolding, cherry-pickers and ropes. It's also quicker and less labour-intensive. We will bring everything we need and be out of your way that same day.

Cost-efficient

Drone inspections take up less of your manhours and resources than traditional inspections, giving you a faster and more budget-friendly return on your investment.

Quick turnaround

We understand that you need answers fast. We can deliver a plain-English report with clear-cut conclusions in days. Then, you can take the steps you need to and get back to doing what you do best.

Rapid response

Need us there in a hurry? No problem. Let us know what you need, and we can be there on the same day. After all, sometimes the problem just won't wait.

Real-time consulting

Sometimes the brief can change even in real-time. If need be, you can be stood there right next to the drone operator, directing them as the situation develops.

Faster and safer than manual inspection

Aerial drone inspections and surveys give you fast, safe and easy access to pipeline installations. The pipework does not need to be disturbed during the drone inspection. The work is carried out by our fully trained and certified pilots. We will produce a visual inspection report using drones equipped with advanced HD cameras and thermal imaging technology, giving our clients valuable insights into the pipe work condition. These insights enable you to make calculated decisions regarding maintenance, daily operations and repairs. This in turn will limit downtime in production.

A drone inspection of a pipe with corrosion on it
Efficient and safe pipe inspections

Comprehensive data collection

Improve the quality and detail of your inspection by using our services. Engineers With Drones can provide pipe rack inspections at heights and provide vantage points impossible to capture any other way. Hundreds of pictures allow you to analyse the status of your assets more accurately than traditional inspections, without putting employees or the inspection team at risk.

What can a UAV do for pipe inspections?

Overall, the use of drones for pipe leak detection offers several advantages, including increased safety, efficiency, and accuracy, as well as the ability to cover large areas quickly and access hard-to-reach locations. Drones can be used for pipe leak detection in the following ways:

Thermal imaging:

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect changes in temperature caused by leaks in pipelines. The thermal camera detects the difference in temperature between the pipeline and its surroundings, enabling the drone operator to pinpoint the location of the leak.

Gas detection:

Drones can also be equipped with gas sensors to detect leaks in pipelines that carry gases such as methane. The sensors can detect the concentration of gas in the air, allowing the operator to identify the location of the leak.

Visual inspection:

Drones can capture high-resolution images and video of pipelines and their surroundings, which can be analyzed for signs of leaks such as wet spots or discoloration. The images can also be used to identify areas where vegetation is dying due to leaks.

3D mapping:

Drones can create 3D models of pipelines and their surroundings using photogrammetry. These models can be used to identify areas where the pipeline is sagging or has shifted, which may indicate a leak.

Acoustic sensors:

Drones can be equipped with acoustic sensors that can detect the sound of leaks. The sensors can pick up the sound of gas or liquid escaping from the pipeline, allowing the operator to identify the location of the leak.

Monitoring:

We offer ongoing monitoring of pipelines and pipe racks using drones equipped with advanced sensors and analytics software. Our monitoring services provide real-time data on the condition of pipes, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of failure.

Pipeline inspection services for specific areas:

Overall condition

Valves and actuators

Lagging and insulation

Supporting Structures

Leaks

Corrosion and decay

Handrails and Platforms

Protective Coatings

Loose/missing parts

Why Use Drones for Pipeline and Pipe Rack Inspection and Monitoring?

Using drones for pipeline and pipe rack inspection and monitoring offers several benefits over traditional methods. Here are some of the key advantages:

Cost-Effective:

Drone inspection is more cost-effective than traditional methods, which can involve extensive scaffolding, cranes, and other heavy equipment. Drone inspections require minimal setup and can be completed quickly, reducing the need for costly downtime.

Safe:

Drone inspections eliminate the need for workers to access high-risk areas, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Drone inspections also minimise the need for shutdowns or other disruptions, ensuring the safety of workers and the public.

Accurate:

Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and other sensors that capture detailed images and data, enabling precise inspections and assessments. Our team of experts analyzes the data collected by the drones and provides comprehensive reports and recommendations based on our findings.

Efficient:

Drone inspections can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and resources needed for inspections. This allows for more frequent inspections, leading to more proactive maintenance and a longer lifespan for pipelines and pipe racks.

Versatility:

Drones can be fitted with various types of sensors and cameras to perform different types of inspections, including thermal imaging, gas detection, and 3D mapping. This versatility allows inspectors to detect potential problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Data analysis:

Drones can collect large amounts of data during inspections, which can be analyzed using advanced software and tools to identify trends and patterns. This helps inspectors make informed decisions about maintenance and repair needs, and can also help prevent future problems by identifying areas that may require increased monitoring.

We use the latest drone technology and analytics software to provide real-time data and insights, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of failure. We are also committed to safety, ensuring that our drone inspections are conducted in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Contact us today to learn more about our drone inspection services for pipelines and pipe racks and to request a quote. Let Engineers With Drones help you optimise your maintenance program and ensure the safety and longevity of your assets.

Our Services Not just photos from the sky

Our drones (and our people) can offer a lot more than just HD images. Our team all come from specialist engineering backgrounds, and they use all the very latest drone technologies and capabilities to deliver expert analysis on all types of commercial, civil and industrial assets. If you need an engineer's expertise, next-generation drone technology and industry-leading deliverables, then you've come to the right place.

Drone Photography

Capture high-quality imagery of your assets from never before seen vantage points.

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Thermal Imaging

Detect abnormalities within your assets that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

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Photogrammetry

Capture a high-resolution, photorealistic 3D model of your terrain, accurate to the finest details.

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