EMPIT's Third-Generation of CMI Drones

1. EMPIT's Pioneering Legacy in Pipeline Inspection:

For years, EMPIT has been synonymous with innovation in the pipeline inspection industry. Having redefined the boundaries of what's possible with the groundbreaking Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) technology, the company is now poised to take another giant leap with its third-generation CMI Drones.


2. Enhanced Features of the Third-Generation CMI Drones:

a. Superior Stability in Adverse Conditions:

Enhanced algorithms paired with advanced LIDAR and Radar sensors mean these drones can hold their ground, quite literally, even under challenging windy conditions. The improved algorithms ensure that the drones make optimal use of sensor data, offering real-time adjustments to flight patterns, thereby ensuring consistent and accurate data collection.

b. Prolonged Flight Durations:

Every aspect of the drone has been meticulously engineered to trim down unnecessary weight, resulting in a 10% weight reduction. This design choice significantly extends flight durations, allowing for more comprehensive inspections with fewer interruptions.

c. Modular Sensor Bar - A Game Changer:

The introduction of a modular sensor bar means these drones can be customized on-the-fly. Whether it's a change in the sensor alignment or swapping out sensors for specific tasks, the third-generation drone offers unparalleled flexibility.

d. Robust and Refined Design:

From 3D printed components that allow for precision engineering to the use of high-end carbon fiber, every component exudes quality and purpose. While the drone can resist dust and rain, calling it merely splash-proof would be an understatement. It's crafted for resilience, ready to take on challenging conditions without compromising on performance.

e. Enhanced Speed and Payload:

With an impressive payload capacity of 25 kg and a maximum inspection speed of 5km/h, these drones are built for both thoroughness and efficiency.


3. The Crucial Role of Drones in Geotechnical Hazard Zones:

Geotechnical hazards represent some of the most significant threats to buried pipelines. Natural events or shifts in the Earth's crust can lead to soil movements, jeopardizing the integrity of pipelines. Traditional methods of monitoring these hazards have often proven inadequate, if not entirely ineffective.

Herein lies the unmatched potential of EMPIT's third-generation drones. By providing high-resolution, real-time data, these drones enable operators to detect even minute changes in the ground or surrounding environment, offering a proactive approach to pipeline safety in geotechnically unstable zones.


4. The Science Behind Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI):

The principle driving CMI is both elegant and profound. When an electric current passes through a circular conductor, like a pipeline, it generates a corresponding circular magnetic field. Deviations or anomalies in the pipeline, such as metal loss or structural defects, produce discernible variances in this magnetic field.

It's this principle that CMI leverages to inspect pipelines. By accurately measuring these magnetic field deviations, the technology can pinpoint potential issues in a pipeline, from geometry changes to vertical and horizontal bends.

a. Advanced Electromagnetic Techniques:

EMPIT's expertise in far-field electromagnetic measurements is pivotal in Over-the-Line (OtL) inspections. With the challenge of distance, maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio becomes imperative. Through intelligent analog and digital filtering, coupled with state-of-the-art equipment, EMPIT ensures pristine data quality.

b. AI-Driven Data Interpretation:

One of the defining features of EMPIT's approach is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in data post-processing. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, EMPIT's systems can sift through vast data sets, identifying patterns and anomalies with unparalleled accuracy.


5. Conclusion:

The third-generation CMI drones represent a culmination of years of research, innovation, and on-ground experience. They're not just tools but a testament to EMPIT's vision of a safer, more efficient future for the pipeline inspection industry. As pipelines traverse more challenging terrains and the demand for accurate, real-time data grows, these drones are poised to be the gold standard in pipeline inspection, making the previously 'unpiggable' pipelines accessible and safe.

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It’s for a reason that we are amongst Germany’s Top 100 innovators. Because our mission is to overcome these inspection challenges and, together with our clients, continuously improve the safety and reliability of all pipelines.