KUCHING: The drone technology is being increasingly used in the state, including the oil and gas industry.
A drone or a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard.
In an exclusive interview with New Sarawak Tribune, Freelance UAV Pilot and part-time pilot at Beyond Horizon Aerial Services, Iszaid Liu Bujang said, “Drone technology benefits the oil and gas operations in numerous ways including safe and efficient maintenance and inspections.
“Drones provide better services in terms of inspection and can reduce labour costs in the industry.
“The industrial drones used for inspection in the oil and gas industry usually are equipped with payload DSLR Camera and thermal imaging infrared cameras.
“For tank inspection, they are equipped with LiDAR technology. These types of drones usually cost RM100, 000 – RM200, 000 each.”
Meanwhile, drone enthusiast Syukri Arabi said industrial drones could capture better and more accurate data.
“The drones are usually equipped with a lot of sensors and cameras. They will help to improve performances in the oil and gas sector that rely on real-time data,” he explained.
Syukri added that the industrial drones could also reduce inspection costs.
“Other than that, drones are used for safety reasons as the oil and gas employees can protect themselves from risky inspections at their workplaces,” he explained.
Syukri added that industrial drones could withstand harsh weather and environment.
He recommended the “DJI MATRICE 200” Series for industrial use.
