How do experts inspect equipment that is 600 feet in the air, continually burning hydrocarbon waste by-products at high temperatures, and acquire close-up views of all the components while the system remains in constant operation?
The cutting edge technology for doing refinery flare inspections is accomplished by none other than an unmanned aerial rotorcraft. Equipped with a high resolution camera, it takes incredibly clear and detailed images of the refinery flare while it remains in operation.
The rotorcraft and camera equipment is operated from the ground by the combustion equipment inspection crew. The imagery they produce with their high-flying drone provides a visual inspection that lives up to the technical requirements for the industry. Not only is it safe and quick, flare aerial inspections are a cost-saving and safety-minded approach. Why? Because the flare system can remain in operation, meaning no down time for the refinery. And, the inspection crew remains safe on the ground, rather than having to perform the inspection hundreds of feet in the air, as used to be the case prior to the rotorcraft technology.
The visual inspection offered by the flare aerial inspection process is only a first step. When component failure is detected via the imagery provided by the aerial inspection, then the next step is to go to the next phase of evaluation or repair. Fortunately, the rotorcraft approach to flare inspection means that parts can be placed on order, as necessary, and the refinery staff can pre-plan the maintenance shut down.
What used to be an inspection that would cost millions of dollars in shut-down time for the refinery has now become a quick and efficient process. This is the benefit of Flares & Stacks, combustion equipment experts of the petrochemical industry. Cutting edge approaches to cost-saving refinery maintenance measures save time, money, and lives.
