RN-Purneftegaz Expands the Geography of Drone Use for Environmental Monitoring

RN-Purneftegaz, an enterprise of Rosneft’s oil and gas production complex, is increasing the number flights over production facilities and pipelines in 2022 using Russian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The number of aerial monitoring routes increased from eight to 17, the monthly kilometrage increased to 6,700 km. The drone monitoring significantly increases the efficiency of greenhouse gas level control and industrial safety at oil and gas treatment, refining, and transportation facilities.

Preservation of the environment is an integral part of Rosneft’s corporate culture. The Company aims to achieve leadership positions in minimising the environmental impact and ensuring the eco-friendliness of its production. Rosneft prioritises environmental protection and industrial safety. Rosneft has been implementing its comprehensive programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since 2019. The expansion of this programme, as well as the introduction of innovations, such as drones, laser and thermal imaging scanners, and ultrasonic detectors, have consistently contributed to minimising environmental impacts.

The air monitoring is performed using a remote laser scanner and a high-resolution video camera installed on UAVs. If deviations are detected, office study is performed in real time along with an air survey plan and heat map composition.

The UAVs in use have high technical characteristics: with small dimensions (take-off mass 10.5 kg), aircraft complex can stay in the air for at least four hours and can fly a distance of 250 km. Since the beginning of 2022, the UAVs have been equipped with advanced software for automatic processing of aerial survey data. Data processing is performed using an artificial neural network, a self-learning system that reduces the role of human error in interpreting video and photo materials and increases the speed of processing. It allows the computer to simultaneously recognise at least 40 different objects and draw conclusions about their technical condition.

 RN-Purneftegaz has extensive experience in drone monitoring of oil and gas production facilities. Unmanned aerial vehicles benefit not only the oil industry. If unauthorised landfills or forest fires are detected during industrial flights, RN-Purneftegaz employees proactively inform the Purovsky District Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Rosneft
Information Division
March 2, 2022