ESBAAR Highlights UT and BVLOS Capabilities at Oman Materials and Corrosion Summit

ESBAAR has recently participated in the 2024 Oman Materials, Corrosion, and Integrity Summit. The summit brought together leaders from various industries to discuss the most prominent challenges in asset integrity and maintenance, with a specific focus on mitigating the costly and pervasive impact of corrosion.

At this esteemed event, ESBAAR showcased our advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) inspection solutions, with a highlight on Ultrasonic Testing (UT) aerial inspections and our Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone capabilities. These novel technologies offer an innovative, efficient, and non-invasive method for inspecting large infrastructure assets, enabling companies to detect issues early and reduce operational risks. 

Revolutionizing Asset Inspection with Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

One of the key innovations ESBAAR introduced at the summit was our drone-based Ultrasonic Testing (UT) system. This technology allows drones to perform non-destructive testing of large metallic structures such as tanks and was enabled using an in-house developed probe mounting system. By utilizing ultrasonic waves, the UT probe can detect deviations in tank wall thickness, which often correlates to the onset of corrosion. While traditional methods which involve scaffolding and working at height are found to place humans at risk, UT drone inspections offer a safer, more efficient alternative by allowing data collection from elevated areas with challenging accessibility. Our UT-equipped drones help organizations save time, reduce risk, and improve accuracy in assessing the integrity of their infrastructure.

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BVLOS Capabilities: Expanding the Reach of Inspections

In addition to UT, ESBAAR’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone capabilities are transforming how large-scale infrastructure is inspected. Unlike traditional drones that operate within the pilot's line of sight, BVLOS drones can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers and inspect expansive industrial sites containing pipelines, power grids, and remote facilities. This capability significantly enhances inspection efficiency by allowing for the continuous monitoring of large assets without requiring multiple on-site operators. With BVLOS operations, ESBAAR is helping organizations expand their reach, reduce operational costs, and ensure comprehensive asset coverage in the most remote or hazardous environments. 

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Addressing Industry Challenges with AI-Driven Drone Technologies

Furthermore, the summit addressed various industry challenges, including managing aging infrastructure, operating in harsh environments, and the increasing need for cost-efficient asset management. ESBAAR’s AI-driven drone technologies played a key role in these discussions, as our innovative approach allows for real-time, data-driven inspections that can significantly reduce the costs associated with repairs and downtime due to corrosion.

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The Power of ESBAAR Engine in Integrity Management

ESBAAR Engine is a powerful in-house developed AI tool capable of analyzing large quantities of data obtained from our drones. Through utilizing our BVLOS drones equipped with high-resolution imaging sensors followed by processing via ESBAAR Engine, we are able to automatically detect various faults and defects in large assets such as leaks, surface damage, and obstructions, while simultaneously logging and location tagging to ensure efficient rectification. This proactive and predictive approach to integrity management was met with great interest, as it offers a practical solution to repairing damage prior to reaching a point of criticality. 

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It was an honor presenting ESBAAR’s solutions and discussing various topics in corrosion with experienced members of the industry. We will continue to lead and innovate the field of advanced aerial inspections and AI-driven asset integrity management.  

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