Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Drones and Pipeline Inspection

BP has been granted permission to use drones to inspect pipelines in the Prudhoe Bay field in Alaska.  The AEC industry should be aware that drone technology is quickly changing and the opportunities are growing - - from environmental studies to condition assessments to planning to construction observation.  In the context of condition assessments for infrastructure, if it can improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of infrastructure and maintenance programs, drones seem a perfect fit.  More on the story at NPR.

A 2011 photo shows an AeroVironment Puma drone being prepared for launch by University of Alaska researchers. The FAA says it approved BP's use of the drone to survey oil fields in Alaska.

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