Innovative technologies for aerial survey of gas pipes

Thyssengas has initiated a project to monitor high pressure gas pipelines with low-weight, autonomous ?ying drones in the air. This technique will either replace or be in addition to existing air monitoring by helicopter. These drones, which operate more or less independently, are known as Quadrokopters. They come equipped with optical devices which enable the rapid detection of dangerous interference to the gas pipeline. The ?rst objective of this project is the analysis and pattern recognition of possible threats to the gas pipe (such as heavy construction equipment). Furthermore, the system can be used to survey and map newly built or modified pipes. Compared to conventional monitoring by helicopter, drones have the advantages of high environmental compatibility and low noise, as they emit no CO2 and are extremely quiet when ?ying. Furthermore, they provide the necessary security in a cost-effective way.