UAF to test drone surveillance of TAPS

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks are partnering with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. to test the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, for the surveillance of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline. The project will involve flying drones beyond the pilot’s line of sight.

The Federal Aviation Administration has selected UAF as one of 10 organizations nationwide to participate in the agency’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integrated Pilot Program, a program aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for the safe integration of drones into the national airspace.

UAF’s Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration has been conducting drone research for a number of years and operates one of seven FAA unmanned aircraft test centers. Alyeska has been partnering with the UAF center since 2014. The company currently uses drones for the mapping of gravel pits and the inspection of difficult-to-access equipment such as 100-foot high tank vapor flare tips. This current use involves keeping the drones within the pilot’s visual line of sight - the new project will presumably enable the inspection of elements of the pipeline system at a greater distance from the pilot.

Alyeska says that drone use supports the safety of pipeline workers, reducing the need to deploy people by helicopter or other means in inclement weather.

“Using unmanned aircraft on TAPS provides tremendous safety and pipeline integrity benefits,” said Jacques Cloutier, civil survey support engineer and liaison to the UAF pilot project. “If we can fly UAS out of line-of-sight, we will improve our surveillance and more rapidly gather data on the health of the pipeline system.”

“We look forward to working with UAF Alaska Center for Unmanned Aerial System Integration to expand the use of this important technology in our industry and others,” said Alyeska President Tom Barrett. “I applaud Jacques for bringing his expertise to this partnership. He is an excellent example of the commitment to innovation displayed across the pipeline system.”

- ALAN BAILEY