Repsol is developing a program to analyze and test the applications of drone technology on its businesses in the short term. Reviewing submarine installations with an autonomous vehicle and reviewing complex piping structures with drones are the two latest concept tests that have been done with this technology, which can improve effectiveness and efficiency as well as reduce occupational risks. |
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Remote operations |
"Inspecting equipment in areas that are difficult to reach, supporting operations remotely, surveillance and security tasks, and mapping are the functions where this technology may add value for us,” explaines Eva Gómez, Digital Advisor of Hub Blockchain, RPA & Digital Experimentation at Repsol. Drones already offer some features that allow a wide range of cameras and sensors to be installed and adjusted to the collect the information desired. The challenges include applying artificial intelligence and data processing “with tools that allow for automatic, reliable, and fast analysis, one of the lines of work that we are developing with the Repsol Data Analytics Hub.” |
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Submarine inspections with everis ADS
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For Elisabeth Pérez, subsequent dives showed “that the AUV used makes it possible to supplement the scuba team operations. Underwater position precision, without GPS and other GNSS systems, will have to be improved for better proximity to the infrastructures, as well as real time image transmission.” “Although the test hasn’t allowed us to make any conclusive decisions yet,” Eva Gómez states, “we are going to keep working on the idea because it has potential for preventive maintenance on sub-aquatic structures, movement on the seabed, and early detection and quantification of leaks.” Machine learning to find corrosion |
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Algorithm “trained” |
Another concept test, this time at the Puertollano industrial facility, with a flying Honeywell drone that had a high resolution camera and thermal sensors on board, sought out “a quicker, more frequent inspection” of the piping racks at this refinery, large structures at height, the review of which requires an industrial shutdown and the installation of costly scaffolding. The section inspected is 350 meters long with up to three levels of piping, in a test “that includes ‘training’ an algorithm that uses machine learning to detect corrosion automatically,” explaines Gómez. To do this, a team of highly-qualified specialists in operations’ reliability, corrosion, and data processing from both companies was formed. |
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Community of drone lovers
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Robotic arms could |
Artificial intelligence and robotic arms
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“Regulations are also key to this technology being expanded,” continues Gómez. In Spain, its use is regulated by Royal Decree 1036/2017, “however most operations require specific authorizations, which slow the progress of the sector,” she indicates. In Repsol’s case, “we have a few restrictions about flying over our refineries, except in Puertollano, as they are all close to airports, which are highly regulated areas.” In response to this technology’s potential and while different tests and analyses are carried out, the company is preparing to use drones frequently in its operations, for which the service model that will regulate the internal use of drones has already been designed. Collaboration between energy companies, manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and technological partners “is essential to continue applying drone-based solutions focused on our industry. At Repsol, we would like to participate in an ecosystem that co-develops this technology, making our know-how and facilities available," concluded Eva Gómez. |
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