Inductosense Ltd., known for its ultrasonic sensing solutions, has announced a new project awarded by Deepstar to create a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) version of their WAND (Wireless and Non-Destructive) system. Major oil and energy companies like Shell, Chevron, and Petrobras are funding this project. Operators and service providers across many industries frequently use the Inductosense WAND technology for digital corrosion monitoring. This new UAV version of the WAND system will allow for more efficient and cost-effective inspections of offshore assets, reducing the need for manual labour and improving safety. The support from industry giants like Shell, Chevron, and Petrobras further validates the potential impact of this innovative technology in the oil and energy sector.
The system enables cost-effective monitoring of pipework and vessels using a wireless, battery-free ultrasonic sensor. When a WAND data collector is close by, inductive coupling activates this thin, embeddable sensor. The data is quickly collected without alignment or gel, providing accurate and repeatable wall thickness measurements for effective corrosion monitoring. Inductosense has shown that the WAND system can be integrated with UAVs in a lab setting. The system took accurate thickness measurements from sensors on a vessel beneath insulation quickly. This project will commercialise the system, configure it for various UAVs, and test it in both offshore and onshore environments.
"We're excited to work with Deepstar and our partners to commercialise the UAV version of our WAND system," said Dr. Matt Butcher, CEO of Inductosense. "This project is a major step forward for UAV-based inspection. It allows for precise, repeatable measurements quickly, even through insulation. Drones are crucial for digital transformation in the oil and gas industry, tackling inspection and maintenance challenges. The WAND UAV solution will help our clients improve safety with data-led insights and cut costs for monitoring structures at height or in confined spaces."
https://www.inductosense.com/latest/inductosense-awarded-project-to-commercialise-a-uav-version-of-the-wand-system-for-difficult-to-access-locations
