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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. HOW HEAVY IS THE REMOTELY PILOTED AVIATION SYSTEM?
The weight depends on what equipment the Drone is carrying. With the DJI Matrice 300, Multiple 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 or propellor should fail, return home and landing features in case of lost communication, built in obstacle avoidance, 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 is not required to fly close to or through gas leaks or venting gas because leaks can be detected up to 100 Meters Away from the source. The Pilot with the assistance of the Gas Detector is continuously monitoring for leaks. An example of risk mitigation would be the Pilot in Command utilizing alternate routes to perform inspections and an option of evacuation that personnel placed in the ground or in a manlift wouldn’t enjoy. An example would be flying vertically to evacuate.
4. HOW LONG CAN YOU FLY?
Depending on the equipment being carried, the Drone is capable of flying up to 40 minutes. With the Laser Methane Detector and the Multiple Zoom Camera generally around the 25 minute time frame depending on external forces such as wind and temperature. CSI maintains several sets of charged batteries, plus continuous charging capability to ensure a full day of flight if required.
5. CAN YOU QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT OF GAS LEAKING?
Although the Laser Methane Detector does identify Methane Gas Concentration in PPM/M (Parts per Million per Meter), it is designed to Detect Gas Leaks. Quantification estimates are possible from a known altitude and are affected by other varying Environmental Conditions including Wind, Light Intensity, and Terrain changes. All of these factors could affect the Concentration Levels recorded by the detector. The main purpose of the RPAS is to find the leak location quickly and efficiently and Initiate Further Investigation.
6. WHAT IS THE COST?
The costs vary vastly dependent upon the service or 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?
While our Main Focus has been on Aerial Pipeline Right of Way Inspections and Methane Gas Leak Detection we can perform various other services.
- 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.).
- Facility Site Inspections and Photography.
- Volumetric Calculations of Stockpiles.
- Inspections of Pipeline Critical Crossings (rivers, steep embankments, sensitive surfaces, crops, etc.).
- Elevated Visual Inspections of Flare and Smokestacks and Facility Components (find deficiencies without shutting down operations for future remediation).
- 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.
If 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 as compared to conventional aerial inspections. CSI Drone Services can assist with you with maintaining compliance with Government Directives, Rules and Regulations.
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 or email: don@currentsurveillance.ca.