Cost Savings
Rocketmine’s Flare Tip Innovations to save O & G sector millions
Rocketmine deploys innovative solution to save millions in lost production for Ghana’s critical
Oil & Gas sector
Over the past several years, Rocketmine’s strategic investments into Ghana have enabled our team on the ground to highlight the benefits of drone delivered data solutions across a range of key sectors.
As one of the African continent’s fastest growing economies and most attractive to investors, this regional hub provides Rocketmine with a platform to provide services to major mining houses; infrastructure developers and also to the country’s emerging oil & gas sector.
In a developing economy perspective, the efficient utilization of oil & gas resources is key to fast tracking growth and building a resilient and stable economy.
Commissioned to provide a high pressure and low-pressure flare tip inspection of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, Rocketmine’s service included a survey conducted by Red, Green & Blue (RGB) and thermal survey of the entire vessel.
Flare Tip Definition
The flare tip can be regarded as an exhaust pipe of a refinery, (petro-)chemical plant or offshore facility.
The flare is used to burn waste gases from the production process. Pilot lights are the source of ignition, and the flare tip is the nozzle that makes burning efficient.
Historical Approach
Typically conducted by manned rope access teams, flare tip inspections have until Rocketmine’s intervention been costly and time consuming. From deploying specialist teams and ensuing travel costs to shutting down the vessel for a period of up to three-days, as well as safety risks – flare tip inspections are expensive, risky and inherently dangerous.
The decision to turn to Rocketmine is a result of having the right partnerships, technology stack and a reputation in the region says Rocketmine’s Ghana country manager, Eric Delabrousse.
“The client approached Rocketmine, as we have built a reputation in the region for cost effectives, fast data turn around and a commitment to safety.”
– Eric Delabrousse
According to Delabrousse, these factors became more important in the Covid-19 environment and the success of the mission and data is going to lead to more uptake in the region and sector.
“Rocketmine’s tech stack, skills and problem-solving approach enabled us to provide a fast and scalable solution based on the client’s needs and we were able to keep production going.”
Our team deployed a drone from the vessel and conducted multiple flights over a one-day period equipped with an RGB camera and thermal sensor.
The project scope and parameters of the survey focused on the following:
- Low Pressure Flare Tip
- High Pressure Flare Tip
- Flare Deck Structure
Outcomes from the Survey
The deployment provided the FPSO with a number of actionable and confidential insights for the owners of the vessel chiefly focused on improved safety and lifecycle of the vessel; energy efficiency and health and safety outcomes for all stakeholders.
According to Barnaby Martin, Rocketmine Ghana’s resident Oil & Gas specialist who has spent over two decades in the sector; drone-based solutions have a number of immediate outcomes for the Oil & Gas Sector across the sector value chain.
“The immediate benefits are significant cost savings; safety and speed, and we can deploy new sensors, as well as also being able to evaluate and monitor other critical structures, such as onshore pipelines.”
– Barnaby Martin
Top benefits for
Oil & Gas Companies:
The deployment provided the FPSO with a number of actionable and confidential insights for the owners of the vessel chiefly focused on improved safety and lifecycle of the vessel; energy efficiency and health and safety outcomes for all stakeholders.
According to Barnaby Martin, Rocketmine Ghana’s resident Oil & Gas specialist who has spent over two decades in the sector; drone-based solutions have a number of immediate outcomes for the Oil & Gas Sector across the sector value chain.
Operator does not need to mobilise rope specialist crews and other specialists
Fewer people required for the drone operation
Operator does not need to mobilise rope specialist crews and other specialists
Optimised preventative maintenance planning
Safety
Fewer people involved in the operation. No-one climbing the structures/putting themselves in harm’s way
Infrared and thermal payloads can be used which can assist with detecting energy inefficiencies and structural weaknesses that may not be distinguished using conventional means
Speed
The drone can capture everything it needs in a fraction of the time the rope access inspectors would be able to
The Final Word
As the global economy continue to recover, driven by a bullish resources sector, Rocketmine’s Ghana team and global support network continues to innovate to provide greater data at speed for our clients. Get in touch with our team today, and let’s explore how Rocketmine can serve your needs in Africa and globally.
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