Perth-based aerial intelligence company Xplorate has delivered a world-first remote pipeline inspection that will revolutionise how the oil and gas industry approaches asset maintenance.
Xplorate teams on the ground in regional Queensland successfully completed the inspection of the 550-kilometre export pipeline using RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system) technologies.
It operated under the largest beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) approval in Australia and one of the longest in the world. Founder and CEO Ronnie Fahy said the successful delivery of this project is a game changer for the oil and gas industry and beyond.
“The successful delivery of this project marks a new era for this industry and many others,” he said. “For the first time, asset integrity can be approached proactively, meaning asset owners don’t have to wait for things to go wrong then suffer the domino effect of shutdowns, delays and diagnosis before addressing an issue. This has an incredible impact on everything from efficiency to financial performance. This is just the beginning. There is nothing globally scalable to the extent of our capabilities.”
“A key factor that sets Xplorate apart is our proprietary sensor and data intelligence integration, which enhances the accuracy and reliability of the data collected during inspections,” Fahy added. “By utilising our custom-designed sensors, we can capture detailed and precise information critical for pipeline monitoring and maintenance.”
While the project presented challenges such as unpredictable terrain, complex technology needs, and demanding equipment requirements, Xplorate completed the project delivering the most sophisticated data-set and intelligent insights of its kind to date.
“This milestone sets a new benchmark for pipeline inspections globally and solidifies Xplorate’s position as a world leader in remote aircraft operating and intelligence,” Fahy said.
“As Xplorate continues to expand its operations globally, we can provide higher standards of actionable data intelligence insights to our clients at a new level of sophistication and safety. Our approvals and technology allow for human risk to be removed while taking precise and critical measurements such as asset integrity reviews, leak detection, security breaches and methane reduction, for clients.”
The pipeline inspection completion comes just months after Xplorate received Civil Aviation Safety Authority approval to operate 500 kilometres + BVLOS (Previously 330kms).
