Rocketmine deploys innovative solution to save millions in lost production for Ghana’s critical Oil & Gas sector

Over the past several years, Rocketmine’s strategic investments into Ghana have enabled our team on the ground to highlight the benefits of drone delivered data solutions across a range of key sectors. As one of the African continent’s fastest growing economies & most attractive to investors, this regional hub provides Rocketmine with a platform to provide services to major mining houses; infrastructure developers & also to the country’s emerging oil & gas sector. In a developing economy perspective, the efficient utilization of oil & gas resources is key to fast tracking growth & building a resilient & stable economy.

Commissioned to provide a high pressure & low-pressure flare tip inspection of a Floating Production Storage & Offloading (FPSO) facility, Rocketmine’s service included a survey conducted by Red, Green & Blue (RGB) & thermal survey of the entire vessel.

Flare Tip Definition

The flare tip can be regarded as an exhaust pipe of a refinery, (petro-)chemical plant or offshore facility.

The flare is used to burn waste gases from the production process. Pilot lights are the source of ignition, & the flare tip is the nozzle that makes burning efficient.

Historical Approach

Typically conducted by manned rope access teams, flare tip inspections have until Rocketmine’s intervention been costly & time consuming. From deploying specialist teams & ensuing travel costs to shutting down the vessel for a period of up to three-days, as well as safety risks – flare tip inspections are expensive, risky & inherently dangerous.

The decision to turn to Rocketmine is a result of having the right partnerships, technology stack & a reputation in the region says Rocketmine’s Ghana country manager, Eric Delabrousse.

“The client approached Rocketmine, as we have built a reputation in the region for cost effectives, fast data turn around & a commitment to safety.” Eric Delabrousse

According to Delabrousse, these factors became more important in the Covid-19 environment & the success of the mission & data is going to lead to more uptake in the region & sector.

“Rocketmine’s tech stack, skills & problem-solving approach enabled us to provide a fast & scalable solution based on the client’s needs & we were able to keep production going.”

Our team deployed a drone from the vessel & conducted multiple flights over a one-day period equipped with an RGB camera & thermal sensor.

The project scope & parameters of the survey focused on the following:

• Low Pressure Flare Tip
• High Pressure Flare Tip
• Flare Deck Structure

Outcomes from the Survey

The deployment provided the FPSO with a number of actionable & confidential insights for the owners of the vessel chiefly focused on improved safety & lifecycle of the vessel; energy efficiency & health & safety outcomes for all stakeholders.

According to Barnaby Martin, Rocketmine Ghana’s resident Oil & Gas specialist who has spent over two decades in the sector; drone-based solutions have a number of immediate outcomes for the Oil & Gas Sector across the sector value chain.

“The immediate benefits are significant cost savings; safety & speed, & we can deploy new sensors, as well as also being able to evaluate & monitor other critical structures, such as onshore pipelines.” Barnaby Martin

Top benefits for Oil & Gas Companies:

The deployment provided the FPSO with a number of actionable & confidential insights for the owners of the vessel chiefly focused on improved safety & lifecycle of the vessel; energy efficiency & health & safety outcomes for all stakeholders.

According to Barnaby Martin, Rocketmine Ghana’s resident Oil & Gas specialist who has spent over two decades in the sector; drone-based solutions have a number of immediate outcomes for the Oil & Gas Sector across the sector value chain.

Find-out more about Rocketmine, here.

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