A “right of way” is described as an easement. Often it includes highways and other zones, but it also includes electric lines, oil and gas pipelines, solar panels, wind turbines, and more. What happens if something encroaches on those areas? Damages, time-consuming inspections to trace things down, and many other issues. Thankfully, Mile High Drones can make your right of way inspections faster and you will see more than anyone on the ground ever could.
The Importance of Pipeline Inspections
If you consider a natural gas pipeline’s right of way (ROW), it is supposed to be a strip of land that measures up to 60 ft wide along the entire path of the pipeline. It is the equivalent of 25 ft on each side. A common practice is to post markers along the ground to show where the center of a pipeline is located.
The ROW is there to protect personal property and public safety. Therefore, it is important that things not end up running too close to the pipes. In the past, foot inspections were the only way to handle assessing the right of ways. This does pose a threat to inspectors. These pipelines are under pressure of up to 875 PSI and inspectors are looking for leaks, corrosion, and other hazards. Air inspections are safer and much faster. They can also give you a more detailed look at where even minor leaks may be occurring.
Oil pipelines also need regular maintenance and inspections. Permanent structures that are placed near the pipeline can interfere with the company’s ability to service and maintain them. This includes buildings, swimming pools, and other structures. The most efficient way to perform inspections on oil lines is to use air, as in drones, but heavy brush or tree limbs can prevent a clear view from the sky.
Why Inspect Solar Panels?
When looking at solar panels, most people may not think about hazards or inspections, but this is also required. Lands that are owned by power companies or leased by them to hold solar panels require that the land not be used for other purposes. This can mean that brush or trees may grow and increase the risk of damage to the panels.
Inspections look for potential issues with the panels. It can be done from the ground as far as brush, but this does not show you what may be sitting on the solar panel if it is lifted up off the ground. This would require someone to climb up to see damages like cracks or oxidation. However, there are damages that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Internal defects and bad connections require a deeper look into the panel. An infrared camera with thermal imaging can spot with outstanding accuracy hot areas of the panel so that you do not have to worry about all the power you could be missing. To see it, a drone must not have any obstructions blocking its camera view.
Right of Way Inspections for All Major Structures
Every industry owner benefits from having a right of way that keeps things from interfering with their equipment and assets. This includes:
- Cell Tower Owners
- Power Companies
- Wind Fields
- Solar Fields
- Oil Rig/Pipeline Owners
- Gas
- Construction Projects
In any of these industries, 4k video, infrared views, and other drone features are going to give a clearer idea of what may be hazardous to your assets.
At Mile High Drones, we can help you search along your entire property to ensure that there is no damage that needs repair. We can help you make sure that everything is in proper working order, corrosion-free, and clear of all obstacles along the right of way. As a bonus, it is done quickly and efficiently which will save you money. We also do it safely, so that you do not put people at risk.
If you would like more information about our right of way inspections, you can contact us.