Unmanned aircraft researchers associated with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech tested new sensor technology designed to detect potentially disruptive activities along energy pipeline routes.
Category Archives: Pipelines
Unmanned Aircraft Inspect Energy Pipeline Route
The first Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership at Virginia Tech test flight using a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft to inspect an energy pipeline route—with a piloted chase plane following behind to ensure safety beyond the ground observers’ sight line —was completed last week. The flight was a step toward making aerial inspections of energy pipelines safer and more economical, researchers say.
Russia Develops UAVs for Pipeline Inspection in Siberia
Tomskneft, a joint venture between Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, has started using unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor its pipeline routes and the oil and gas production assets.
Flying Wing from VTOL Technologies
VTOL Technologies Ltd was founded in 2002 with the goal of developing and subsequent sales and operational service provision of long-endurance, lightweight, portable, Beyond Visual Line Of Sight [BVLOS] Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems [RPAS] targeted at network-based industries, initially targeting the energy sector, providing a new, automated, much lower cost and safer aerial asset-inspection capability for electricity high-tension power-line and gas pipeline inspections. Continue reading
Netherlands Companies Collaborate on Inspections
Bureau Veritas and Skeye BV have signed a preferred supplier ship related to inspection work executed with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s).
Australians Team for Plant Inspections by UAS
Two Australian companies, Soto Consulting Engineers and aerial photography specialist Coptercam have come together to offer a faster and safer method for plant inspections using drones. Continue reading
Alaska Researchers use HexaCopters to Find Hibernating Bears
For the first time, Alaska researchers plan to use hexacopters with thermal cameras to detect hibernating polar bears and grizzly bears on the North Slope. The University of Alaska Fairbanks team is working without dedicated funding, but is seeking industry support for the project. For now, they’re relying on UAF resources like the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration. Continue reading
AeroVironment in Pipeline Security Contract in Turkey
Turkish military electronics specialist Aselsan has team up with an American UAS manufacturer and a joint venture to bid for a Turkish contract designed to build integrated security systems for all oil and natural gas pipelines in Turkey. Continue reading