Elevate your environmental accountability with the X8 UAS from Xer Technologies, our state-of-the-art drone platform, equipped for efficient gas leak detection over large areas. Aerial gas detection is crucial to the global challenge of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing safety in the oil and gas industry.
The Xer X8, equipped with advanced gas detection sensors, like Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras or Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) gas detectors, is a uniquely efficient solution for identifying and quantifying gas emissions.
Thanks to the X8’s 2.5-hour flight time with 3 kg payload and ability to operate with precision from a safe distance and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), the X8 UAS opens new frontiers in drone gas detection.
Why gas emission detection is important
Methane, a primary component of natural gas, is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, contributing significantly to global warming. Its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere is more than 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. Methane leaks from pipelines and other gas infrastructure constitute a significant source of emissions that can be drastically reduced with proactive monitoring and maintenance. For oil & gas companies, effective methane leak detection is critical for operational safety and efficiency, and environmental monitoring of gas leaks is vital to global efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Best-in-class gas emission detection sensors
For gas detection missions, the Xer X8 is equipped with highly specialised payloads. Two of the main classes of gas emission detection sensors are:
- OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) camera sensors allow operators to detect and analyse gas leaks visually with high accuracy. These mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensors are essential for confirming the presence of gas plumes and pinpointing their exact locations, further enhancing the effectiveness of the inspection process.
- TDLAS (Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy) payloads which detect and provide detailed gas emission quantification with very high accuracy in real-time.
For specific applications, gas sniffers can also be integrated, which are highly valuable for identifying the presence of gas.
The Xer X8’s high payload capacity enables it to carry multiple sensors simultaneously, allowing operators to gather comprehensive data in a single pass. This combines the multi-sensor input into actionable data in the shortest possible time.
Efficiency and cost reductions with the Xer X8 UAS
Deploying the Xer X8 UAS for gas detection brings remarkable efficiency and cost savings. Traditional methods of gas inspection, like manual inspections, are labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring extensive travel to cover large areas or multiple sites. The Xer X8 UAS, with its ability to cover vast and remote regions due to its extended flight time, significantly cuts the time and labour costs associated with traditional regular inspections. Moreover, the long range and accuracy of the data collected by the drone reduce the need for repeat inspections. Automation reduces human error, ensuring more reliable data and consistent monitoring, which is crucial for the maintenance and longevity of gas infrastructure.
These enhancements in safety and efficiency optimise operational processes and contribute to substantial long-term cost savings, making the Xer X8 UAS an intrinsic component in modern gas utility management.
Xer X8 UAS for Aerial Gas Detection
Minimising safety risks with drone gas pipeline inspection
The safety advantages of utilising the Xer X8 UAS for gas leak detection over traditional handheld gas inspection methods are significant. Traditional gas inspection often requires personnel to physically access remote or potentially hazardous environments, exposing workers to risks, especially in volatile environments where gas leaks present a high risk of explosion or poisoning, or where physical access can pose other safety challenges. The Xer X8 performs these inspections from a safe distance, increasing worker safety. The drone’s real-time data and imagery transmission to the ground, allow for immediate mitigation decisions, further enhancing safety measures and preventing potential accidents.
Empowering decision-making with precision data
By providing detailed and accurate real-time data, the Xer X8 empowers oil & gas plant and network operators to make informed decisions about their infrastructure. The ability to quickly identify and act on potential issues prevents hazardous incidents and supports compliance with environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Seamless integration and advanced automation
The Xer X8 UAS integrates seamlessly with cutting-edge flight planning and gas detection analysis software, automating the inspection process to ensure thorough and consistent coverage. Automation supports efficient leak detection and documentation of gas leaks with minimal manual labour, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the inspections.
Excel in challenging missions
With a robust design tailored for resilience, the Xer X8 thrives in harsh conditions, maintaining performance in high winds and challenging temperatures. Its long flight time and capacity to carry sophisticated sensors, allow for successful missions also over vast distances. This capability ensures that every gas pipeline inspection is thorough, with detailed data capture supporting immediate repair actions and ensuring long-term infrastructure health monitoring.
Unmatched adaptability for diverse inspection needs
The Xer X8 UAS is designed to meet a wide range of drone inspection demands. The design allows for quick on-site payload changes, enabling a variety of specific inspection tasks to be performed during a single flight or across different missions on the same day. This includes high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, LiDARs and more. The payload integration versatility caters to the particular needs of each drone operator’s mission, whether it’s detecting leaks, gas emission quantification or conducting other detailed optical documentation.
The Xer X8’s payload integration adaptability improves operational flexibility, reduces turnaround times, and greatly enhances responsiveness to potential issues. Xer X8 is an effective tool for today’s needs and a future-proof solution that evolves with sensor advancements and changing industry requirements.
Xer X8 UAS – your custom solution for enhanced gas detection
Recognising the gas industry’s diverse needs, the Xer X8 is customisable with various sensor options to suit specific operational requirements. Whether it’s regular maintenance inspections or emergency inspections after a storm, the Xer X8 is equipped to handle the most demanding tasks, ensuring that your operations contribute positively to sustainability goals.
The Xer X8 UAS is a strategic asset for the gas industry that optimises gas utility safety and operations while making a tangible difference in climate change mitigations. Gas detection with the Xer X8 makes a meaningful contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with gas companies’ environmental objectives while safeguarding public health and safety.
Xer X8 UAS
Contact us to explore how the Xer X8 can revolutionise your approach to gas leak detection, ensuring your operations are safe, efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible.
