The gas company introduces pipeline inspection drones, employees say it greatly saves time

The gas company (003) stated that it has introduced pipeline inspection drones to detect outdoor high-pressure gas transmission pipelines, accelerating and accurately grasping the latest status of the pipelines. According to the introduction, the pipeline inspection drones are equipped with laser gas detection capabilities and 3D terrain comparison technology, allowing them to monitor along the pipeline route in the air. Once a gas leak is detected, a report is immediately issued, and repair work is promptly carried out. Accurate Reporting Locations Improve Repair Efficiency Chen Diqi (Dicky), a member of the system maintenance team in the gas transmission operations department, pointed out that before the use of drones, personnel in the gas company's gas transmission operations department not only needed to inspect the pipelines on-site but also had to conduct inspections of the "cathodic protection equipment" along the pipelines at least every three months to further investigate the condition of the underground pipelines. He continued that after each typhoon or heavy rain, staff had to conduct additional inspections on-site, stating, "Although it is hard to carry a large backpack up and down the mountain, it is not difficult; the hardest part is the inspections after a typhoon or heavy rain." However, since the introduction of pipeline inspection drones, the time spent by engineering personnel on mountain inspections has been greatly reduced, and the accuracy of report locations has improved repair efficiency. Additionally, if repairs to the pipeline are needed, staff can use the drones to first understand the surrounding environment, helping engineers grasp the conditions of the jungle and reducing the risks of working in the jungle. Responding to New Quality Productivity Development On the other hand, Xu Tingyin, assistant general manager of gas transmission operations, also mentioned that in the past, conducting pipeline inspections required a team of three engineers. For example, inspecting the section from Chuanlong to Tai Lam on foot along the pipeline took about 16 hours and had to be completed over two days. The introduction of drones allows engineering personnel to focus on other important matters. Xu Tingyin stated that the drone program is just the beginning of the company's response to the development of new quality productivity. "We have already planned to participate in the government's next round of sandbox programs to achieve the goal of approximately 15 kilometers of beyond visual line of sight operations. At that time, drone inspections can cover the entire 15-kilometer pipeline, further improving inspection efficiency."