How do pros inspect equipment positioned 600 feet in the air, continuously burning hydrocarbon waste derivatives at elevated temperatures, and yet acquire close-up observations of all the the parts and 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. Containing a high res camera, it takes amazingly clear and succinct pictures of the refinery flare even though it remains in operation.

The rotorcraft and camera equipment is operated from the ground by the combustion equipment inspection crew. The images they produce with their high-flying drone gives a an up-close visual inspection that lives up to the technical prerequisites for the industry. Not only is it safe and quick, flare aerial inspections are a cost-saving and safety-minded approach. Why? It is because the flare system can remain in operation, meaning no down time for the refinery. And, the inspection crew remains safe on the ground, instead of having to perform the visual inspection 500-plus feet in the air, as used to be the case prior to the rotorcraft technology.

The visual observation inspection offered by the flare aerial inspection process is only a primary step. When component failure is perceived via the imagery supplied by the aerial inspection, then the following step is the action of faulty component testing or repairing it. It is nice that the rotorcraft approach to flare inspection allows for parts can be put on order, as required and the refinery staff can pre-plan the flare 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 swift and effective process. This is the great benefit of the combustion equipment experts of the petrochemical industry. Cutting edge approaches to cost-saving refinery upkeep efforts save time, money, and through improved safety, lives.

Katherine Parker writes educational articles for Flares and Stacks Inc. Here she gives information about the drone rotocraft technologies in use for flare inspection procedures in the refinery flare industry.