Drone inspections in Maersk Oil UK Topsides and tanks

February 2016, Peter Burridge

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Agenda

Introduction

Inspection background

Proven cost savings

Current uses

Report examples

Cargo tank inspection

Future developments

Conclusions

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Inspection

Known as:
Drones/UAV/UAS/ROAV/RPAS

Used by MOUK since early

2013

Provides safety, time and costs

benefits

Typical trip 2 personnel for 57 days

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Proven costs savings

Flare tower/tip inspection
Previous options

Helicopter with professional

photographer (c. 20k)

Rope access team, plus 3 day

shutdown (lost production)

New method

Fast inspection with no shutdowns

(circa 12k equivalent)

Flare tip defects

Tower structural defects

Potential dropped objects

Safer, minimal disruption

Instant results

Video record

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Current uses

Flare tip and flare tower

Top and side views of installation
(integration with R2S)
FPU underside inspections
Dropped object surveys
GVI of structures
Cable and pipe run identification
Side shell inspection (above
water)
Thermography

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Typical photos

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Integration with R2S

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Gryphon FPSO layout

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Cargo tank inspection trial

Ships motions/accelerations

Lighting

First attempt issues

Radio signal confusion

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Video

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New Developments

Challenges

Class approvals for tanks fast

moving

Defect sizing/laser measurement

No NDT

Maersk Tankers postal delivery

False positives may require

manned inspection

EX/ATEX ratings for zone one use

Gas release imaging

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Conclusions

Pros:

An opportunity to use new technologies to enhance inspection

Result can be used to review the need to conduct close up/manned

inspections, or the flare during shutdown periods

Opportunity to get much more information on remote structures

More efficient when comparing GVI with rope access teams

Allows onshore review of still/video footage

Cons:

Calm to Moderate weather is important for the inspection (about 25 kts limit)

Currently limited to visual inspection

Conclusions:

Significantly safer and faster inspections where no NDT is required

Scopes and possibilities are growing all the time

Questions?
For further information contact:
Peter Burridge Naval Architect/Structures TA-3
01224 242606 peter.burridge@maerskoil.com