FAQ - Current Surveillance.ca

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. HOW HEAVY IS THE REMOTELY PILOTED AVIATION SYSTEM?

The weight depends on what equipment the RPAS is carrying. With the DJI Matrice 300, zoom camera and laser methane gas detector the take off weight (TOW) is approximately 15 kg (33 lbs).

2. WHAT KIND OF REDUNDANCIES ARE BUILT IN TO PREVENT A FAILURE IN FLIGHT?

There are several redundancies on the aircraft right from the manufacturer, these include the ability to maintain flight if a motor should fail, return home and landing features in case of lost communication, emergency shut down, changing navigational modes for remote operation, all flight components are monitored continuously and pilot is notified by onscreen display.

3. IS THE RPAS INTRINSICALLY SAFE?

Simple answer is no, however the RPAS uses brushless electric motors and has no contact switches which would create any sparks or energy discharge. As Inspections can be performed from a safe distance the aircraft is not required to fly in potentially dangerous environments. If there is an area of concern where the aircraft is taking off, the pilot carries a gas monitor and proceeds only when it is safe to do so. The RPAS does not fly closely over hydrocarbon gas leaks or venting gas. Leaks can be detected up to 30 meters away from the source. Where required, CSI utilizes a windsock on the Ground Control Station antenna mast for noting wind speed and direction. The UAS is continuously monitoring for hydrocarbon venting and leaks, and the Pilot in Command can utilize alternate routes of evacuation that personnel placed in the ground, in the same situation wouldn’t enjoy.

4. HOW LONG CAN YOU FLY?

Depending on the equipment being carried the UAV it is capable of flying up to 40 minutes. With the gas finder camera generally around the 20 minute time frame. CSI has several sets of batteries to ensure a full day of flight if required.

5. CAN YOU QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT OF GAS LEAKING?

The Laser Methane Detector mounted on the RPAV is designed to detect gas leaks from an altitude and in various environmental conditions including wind, light intensity, and terrain changes which could affect the concentration levels reported by the detector. The main purpose of the RPAS is to find the leak location quickly and efficiently to initiate further investigation The Methane Detector does identify methane concentration in ppm/m, percentage volume/m, percent LEL/m.

6. WHAT IS THE COST?

The costs vary vastly dependent upon the services requested, and scope of the project. CSI will be happy to give you a quotation based upon your requirements.

7. WHAT OTHER SERVICES DOES CSI OFFER?

We can provide 3D photogrammetry (used for simple overview or locating features).

CSI has the ability to do 3D Orthomosaics of facilities (for simple overview and locating features).
Time-lapse of construction projects (possibly avoiding repetitious actions such as relocating stockpiles, storage optimization, etc.).
Pipeline Right of Way Surveilling and Methane Gas Leak Detection.
Facility Site Inspections and Photography.
Volumetric calculations of stockpiles.
Inspections of pipeline critical crossings (rivers, steep embankments, sensitive surfaces, crops, etc.).
Elevated Visual and Thermal Inspections of Flare and Smokestacks (find deficiencies without shutting down operations for future remediation).
Finding “hot or cold spots” (possible leaks of liquids, malfunctioning equipment, possible hidden fires, etc.).
Aerial Methane Gas Detection (landfills, dumping stations, facilities, etc.).

We are constantly upgrading our equipment and training of our personnel, so contact us with any of your Aerial Inspection RPAS needs.

Whether you require a facility or site inspection, an elevated, difficult or dangerous area to access or need a routine visual inspection CSI can remove the stress of placing people at risk, while saving you money and time, assisting your compliance with Government Directives, Rules and Regulations, and CAPP Recommendations.

Reducing your losses, improving your environmental stewardship and enhancing the safety of your personnel and assets is what CSI is all about. Give us a call and schedule our team today. Don Iwaschuk @ 780-712-0155, don@currentsurveillance.ca.