Robotic Inspection: Safeguarding the Oil & Gas Industry with Cutting-Edge Technology
The oil and gas industry is one of the most vital sectors of the global economy, providing energy and raw materials for various industries and consumers. However, it is also one of the most challenging and hazardous sectors to operate in, as it involves working with flammable, explosive, corrosive, and toxic substances in harsh and remote environments.
The oil and gas industry relies on various types of storage tanks and pressure vessels to store and transport fluids and gases. These assets are subject to corrosion, erosion, cracking and other forms of degradation over time, which can compromise their integrity and safety. The safety and integrity of the oil and gas infrastructure is paramount, as any failure or leakage can have serious consequences for the environment, the workers, and the public. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure their optimal performance and prevent accidents.
One of the key aspects of ensuring the safety and integrity of the oil and gas infrastructure is inspection. Inspection is the process of examining and assessing the condition and performance of the assets, such as pipelines, storage tanks, boilers, valves, etc., that are used to transport, store, process, and refine oil and gas products. Inspection helps to identify any defects, damages, corrosion, erosion, cracks, leaks, or other issues that may compromise the functionality or reliability of the assets. Inspection also helps to comply with the regulatory standards and requirements that govern the oil and gas industry.
However, inspection is not an easy task. Conventional inspection methods often require shutting down the operations, (which can result in significant losses of time and revenue), emptying the tanks or vessels, and sending human inspectors inside them. It also exposes the inspectors to various risks and hazards, such as high temperatures, pressures, heights, confined spaces, toxic gases, etc., that can endanger their health and safety. This can be costly, time-consuming and risky for both the business and the workers. Moreover, inspection can be limited by the accessibility and visibility of the assets, as some parts may be difficult or impossible to reach or see with conventional methods.
Robotic inspection is an emerging technology that can overcome these challenges and offer several benefits for the oil and gas industry. Robotic inspection involves using robots equipped with sensors, cameras, lasers and other tools to perform various tasks such as visual inspection, thickness measurement, corrosion mapping, crack detection and leak detection. These robots can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously, depending on the application and environment.
This is where robotics inspection comes in. Robotics inspection offers several advantages over conventional methods:
- Reduced downtime
Robotic inspection can be performed without interrupting the operations or emptying the tanks or vessels. This can save time and money for the owners and operators. - Enhanced safety
Robotic inspection can reduce the exposure of human inspectors to hazardous environments such as confined spaces, high temperatures, toxic gases or explosive atmospheres. This can improve the health and safety of the workers and reduce the risk of accidents. - Improved accuracy
Robotic inspection can provide more comprehensive and reliable data than human inspection. Robots can access hard-to-reach areas, collect high-resolution images and measurements, and transmit them in real time to a central system for analysis. This can enable faster and better decision making for maintenance and repair. - Extended asset life
Robotic inspection can help detect and prevent potential failures before they become critical. This can extend the service life of the assets and reduce the need for replacement or refurbishment.
Some of the applications of robotic inspection in the oil and gas industry are:
- Storage tank inspection
Robots can inspect the shell wall, bottom plate and roof of storage tanks for corrosion, cracks, leaks and other defects. For example, a crawler robot can move along the tank wall using magnetic wheels or suction pads, while a drone robot can fly over the tank roof using propellers or fans. - Pressure vessel inspection
Robots can inspect the shell wall of pressure vessels for thickness loss and pitting and other defects. - Pipeline inspection
Robots can inspect the internal and external surfaces of pipelines for corrosion, cracks, leaks and other defects. For example, a pigging robot can travel inside the pipeline using propulsion devices or fluid flow, while a crawler robot can move along the pipeline using magnetic wheels or tracks.
Robotic inspection is a promising technology that can enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of the oil and gas industry. By using robots to evaluate their assets’ health, owners and operators can optimize their operations, reduce their costs and risks, and comply with regulatory standards.
One of the leading companies that provides robotics inspection services for the oil and gas industry is PetroBot Technologies. It is a robotics company based in India that develops and provides robotic services for inspecting industrial infrastructure. Our team of experts has years of experience in the inspection and maintenance of the oil and gas industry, and we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that make inspection easier.
One of their products is the In-services Tank Inspection System (ITIS) Rover. This innovative robotic tool allows for the inspection of bottom plates on live liquid-filled storage tanks without the need for shutdowns, draining, cleaning, degasification, or ventilation. Equipped with an array of UT Probes, the ITIS Rover is able to conduct bottom plate scanning and corrosion surveys while the tank is in operation and filled.
PetroBot’s MagRover lineup includes several products designed for different inspection needs. The first robot from their MagRover Lineup is MagRover for Shell & Roof. This innovative robot is designed to inspect an asset’s external shell and roof, providing a massive amount of data using UT Scanning to make better decisions compared to sparse and inconclusive UT spot reading. In case of obstructions, such as wind girders, the MagRover can easily steer its way around them to ensure a thorough inspection.
Another product from the MagRover lineup is MagRover for Pipelines. This innovative robot is designed to inspect pipelines with an OD of 10 inches and above, providing a massive amount of information on their health compared to Manual UT Grid Scan (Spot Reading). One of the key features of the MagRover is its custom-engineered wheels, which provide superior adhesion to the pipeline. This allows the robot to navigate even the most challenging surfaces, ensuring a thorough inspection. The MagRover is also highly specialized, with a platform that adjusts to different outer/inner diameters of the pipeline.
There is also a MagRover for Boiler, this innovative robot is designed to inspect Power Plant boiler tubes up to 50-meter height. One of the key features of the MagRover is its custom-engineered wheels, which provide superior adhesion to boiler tubes.
Safety is always a top priority, and the PetroBot’s Inspection lineup is PESO & ATEX Certified for use in hazardous areas. This means that it can be deployed in a wide range of environments, providing peace of mind for operators and asset owners alike.
PetroBot Robotic Inspection Services ensures safety by eliminating human intervention for work at height, confined space entry, and exposure to hazardous chemicals & gases using ATEX & PESO Certified Robots. This not only saves time and tank cleaning costs but also allows owners to extend the service life of their tank as per OISD STD 129/API STD 6532.
In conclusion, robotics inspection has become an essential tool for evaluating the health and safety of assets in the oil and gas industry. By providing owners with uninterrupted inspections of storage tanks, pressure vessels, and pipelines, robotics inspection increases efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances safety. With the use of advanced technology, owners can evaluate the health of their equipment regularly, minimize the risk of accidents, and make informed decisions that optimize performance and reduce costs.
