Its about the data stupid
Steve Moir
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are still fairly new to me but this technology is seriously exciting. Admittedly, I know more about UAVs now than I did six months ago but whilst exhibiting at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen a few weeks ago, several enthusiasts exposed my lack of knowledge on the variety of UAVs on the market. Fortunately, in my role as Engineering Manager at Sky-Futures, I have a team of experienced UAV Remote Pilots (RPs) who I can refer any questions to but they got me thinking.
I completely get why the UAV is seen as the sexy side of the work we do but to me it’s secondary to the data we collect (which I’m not going to describe as “even sexier”).
That’s right, as someone who’s worked in the Inspection and Integrity field for over 20 years, what excites me more than the UAV is the capability and flexibility of the technology, as well as the large amount of inspection data that we can collect in a short space of time. UAV inspection technology is revolutionising how we do inspections in the Oil and Gas industry. Think back to the introduction of ROV’s and you are getting close to the potential UAVs offer.
In terms of the application of this technology, the main lesson that I’ve learnt is how crucial it is that the providers collaborate closely with the Operators and their nominated inspection body so that expectations are managed, and the Annual Inspection Plan maximises the potential efficiencies that UAV inspections can bring.
The fact that the UAV Inspection Engineer working with the RP in a “buddy system” has as much knowledge of the component to be inspected as possible will enhance the inspection result. A quality workpack consisting of GA drawings, P&IDs, design data, inspection / maintenance history and previous imagery allow for detailed flight plans to be created prior to mobilisation, ensuring that the right components and appurtenances receive a high degree of attention. As important is that inspection limitations are known and understood at the planning stage – not after the survey.
The on-site Inspector will have detailed local knowledge, so a discussion of the workpack prior to the site inspection can be beneficial to the success of the data collected, and the flight plans adapted as required. It’s possible for the Site Inspector to view the data collected in real time, using First Person Viewing (FPV) goggles and this is encouraged. The results can be discussed on-site and any anomalies identified as at risk of imminent failure be dealt with by the Ops Teams at that time.
Upon completion of the detailed visual inspection, the final inspection report is completed onshore, minimising site reporting. The results from the UAV inspection can target follow up repairs or close contact inspection scopes to those areas which warrant this.
Close collaboration at the planning, execution and reporting stages of the UAV inspection will increase the quality of the data collected. This data can be used to direct limited inspection and maintenance resources to those areas that fully require it and increase efficiencies to the Integrated Asset Plan process.
So for me, the UAV is a fast, cost effective and safe means to get to the worksite without actually having to go there. Requesting and receiving data at your desk is “Data on Demand” and means you can be a lot more productive and effective in executing your yearly inspection plan.
As I said, it’s all about the data.
About the Author:
Steve Moir, Sky-Futures Engineering Manager
Steve has 20 years’ experience in the inspection and integrity industries in the UK and Middle East. During this time he has held roles including Operational Integrity Delivery Lead and Senior Inspection Engineer for some of the largest Oil and Gas service companies in the North Sea including CAN Offshore, Lloyds Register and Oceaneering. Steve brings experience of ensuring inspection plans are in line with client procedures and regulations and developing systems to ensure inspection results are fed into maintenance management systems. Steve is now responsible for managing and leading Sky-Futures global engineering and inspection team. He assures the quality of inspection activities and reporting, directing and guiding the development of new inspection methods and the application of existing inspection techniques.
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