Pipeline drone inspection refers to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to inspect pipelines from the air.

This method of inspection provides a cost-effective and efficient way to gather data about the condition of pipelines and detect potential issues, such as cracks, corrosion, and deformations. EMPIT has developed an inspection drone that is capable to fly over the pipeline fully autonomously. The drone finds the electromagnetic field that is generated by an inspection current and then starts the pipeline inspection on its own. There will be data collected that will be later used to evaluate and determine the pipeline XYZ position, the pipeline depth, the pipeline integrity, the pipeline condition, the pipeline coating condition and bending strains as well as many other data that will be very beneficial to incorporate into the operator's Pipeline information Management System (PIMS).

The drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors that can capture images and data about the pipeline and its surroundings. The data collected by the drone is then analyzed to identify any potential problems and to assess the overall health of the pipeline. This information can be used to plan maintenance and repair work, and to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline.

Pipeline drone inspection offers several benefits compared to traditional inspection methods, including faster inspection times, improved safety, and reduced costs. The use of drones also allows for remote inspection of pipelines in challenging environments, such as remote or hard-to-reach areas.