PETRONAS leads the way with cutting-edge drone inspection techniques

The company takes a step towards transformation in asset and safety inspections with the use of modern technology. 

PETRONAS has proven themselves yet again as trailblazers in the oil and gas industry through newfound innovations using drones. The company bagged the Innovation Award - Malaysia in the Asian Oil & Gas Awards 2024. 

PETRONAS Downstream Business Excellence (DBE), in collaboration with PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Labuan Sdn. Bhd. (PC Methanol), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, have advanced the use of drones in asset inspections in the oil and gas industry. Traditionally, the critical task of ensuring the safety and reliability of operations involves personnel entering confined spaces. This would inevitably expose them to potential risks. However, the introduction of drones has revolutionised the process entirely. 

Now, PC Methanol conducts safety inspections, including Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTTM) remotely using drones. The introduction of innovation limits the risks without compromising compliance and safety regulations, whist achieving cost and time efficiency. 

The maiden implementation of the advanced inspection using UTTM and confined space drones for tank examination occurred during the PC Methanol plant turnaround in 2024. The project was a collaborative effort involving several PETRONAS departments, including Downstream Business Excellence, PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd., PETRONAS Drone Centre, Group Technical Solutions, and the inspection team from PC Methanol. 

Two different drone models were tested with their respective findings: Elios 2 excelled in capturing high-resolution images and data for confined space inspection, whilst Voliro-T, used for UTTM inspection, displayed efficiency in delivering thickness measurements for the tank roof structure and the shell course. The technical data obtained from the drones were thoroughly evaluated against a strict set of criteria, with a focus on accuracy and consistency. 

The results revealed that using drones for asset inspections significantly accelerated the process, cutting the duration by more than half compared to traditional methods. Moving forward, PC Methanol will continue to use drones as part of its inspection programme.

"The use of the drones has enabled the team to utilise technology for the inspection of overall root structures to give assurances on the integrity of the tank structure," said Ir. Ts. Lau Swee Leong, Head of Technical Services Department from PC Methanol, adding that he hopes to see more drones used in industry plants to further promote safety, reliability and efficiency. 

The Asian Oil & Gas Awards recognises groundbreaking and revolutionary innovations in the region’s oil & gas sector, acknowledging those that have risen above various challenges, despite challenging environments.

The Asian Oil & Gas Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions and initiatives in the oil and gas sector in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].