Emerging Popularity of Drones in Asset Management
There is no denying the fact that the advent of drones has changed the way we work and play. However, there was a time not so long ago, when drones were only available for high-end applications. Recent developments in this field have somewhat levelled the playing field, enabling everyone to benefit from this cutting-edge technology.
Like many others, the asset management sector has benefited significantly by using unmanned and automated drones for inspection purposes. It is incredibly easy to send a drone to remote locations or areas that are otherwise difficult to access. It is also possible to cover large areas in much less time compared to human inspections. Naturally, use of drones in asset management is rapidly gathering momentum all over the world.
Benefits of Drone Inspection
As the human civilisation continues to grow at a breakneck speed, there is also an ever increasing need for our infrastructure to be able to sustain population. Drones have turned out to be critical for managing and maintaining our physical assets. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are ideal for this role because they are cost effective, easy to operate, and lightweight.
In order to avoid catastrophic situations, continuous surveillance of complex infrastructure is essential to identify problems at an early stage. These sites are often inaccessible, which makes manual inspections prohibitively expensive. This is where drones can be a lifesaver. A single UAV can carry out comprehensive inspection of a site by sending images and live videos to an operator stationed in a remote and safe location. These videos and images are useful not only from the maintenance standpoint, but can also be stored and used for future requirements.
One of the biggest contributors to workplace injuries and fatalities is ladder accidents. Such risky inspections can be eliminated completely by using drones that can navigate all locations easily without causing any workplace hazards.
Drones are also used extensively nowadays during the construction of assets. It is possible create 3D views from drones, which can be extremely useful for projections and making better construction decisions.
Who Can Use Drones for Asset Inspection?
Many different industries are now relying on drones to improve their asset inspection process. Mentioned below are some of the most noteworthy examples.
- Bridge Inspections: Using traditional methods, inspection of a bridge requires it to be closed down partially or fully. Also, mobile platforms, ropes, and expensive specialised vehicles are required for inspecting areas that are hard to reach. Drones can be used for detailed visual inspections of a bridge without closing it down, while the technicians can remain safely on the ground.
- Power Lines: Power lines and pylons are extremely critical infrastructure pieces that require continuous inspection and maintenance. Use of drones for these inspections helps avoid dangerous electrical hazards, while delivering significantly higher efficiency compared to manual inspections.
- Oil & Gas: Inspection of oil and gas infrastructure presents challenges similar to that of bridges. Inspection of areas such as flare stacks and underside of platforms can be extremely dangerous and time-consuming. All these concerns can be addressed by drone assisted inspections.
- Buildings and Constructions: This is one of the most common applications of drones in asset management. In sites under construction, visual footage sent by drones can be converted into three-dimensional models for comparison with the architectural plans. This allows the engineers and technicians to find out if the project is falling behind schedule.
At Coating Management Solutions, we offer a fleet of drones with extraordinary capabilities to perform detailed inspection of your assets. Please contact us today to find out more.