Application of ZALA unmanned aerial systems in the interests of Rosneft

In 2014, ZALA AERO started implementing projects in the fuel and energy sector and started performing remote sensing of the earth using unmanned aerial systems in the interests of Rosneft. The Customer's interested services now have a unique opportunity to receive operational information on the condition of oil and gas production and transportation facilities.

Over the long period of aviation technical monitoring at the Customer's facilities, more than 41,000 flights were performed and more than 8,000,000 kilometres of linear facilities and adjacent infrastructure were surveyed. The main tasks are prompt detection of oil spills, pipeline integrity violations and damages, unauthorised actions by third parties, control over construction and installation works, etc.

To date, ZALA AERO technologies have been applied in 11 subsidiaries of Rosneft.

During aerial monitoring, real-time video or thermal imaging is performed to detect and identify violations or technological deviations with subsequent prompt notification of the Customer. At the same time aerial photography is performed for additional information on the condition of the Customer's facilities through photo decoding. According to the Customer's additional requirements, aerial photography with orthophotomapping of linear and area objects is performed.

Specialised software "GeoGraphics" based on artificial intelligence algorithms was implemented for automatic interpretation of monitoring materials. The use of the software ensures acceleration and reduction of labour intensity of information processing, improvement of quality, minimisation of human factor, reduction of labour intensity of report preparation.

More than 40 flight teams are involved in Rosneft facilities on a daily basis performing all necessary tasks related to the use of unmanned aerial systems. In the process of monitoring, unmanned aerial systems based on ZALA 421-16E and its modifications are mainly used, selected depending on the Customer's requirements and tasks.

ZALA AERO is continuously expanding its geographical reach, designing and developing new technologies in the field of unmanned aerial systems and monitoring data processing, including customised solutions for the company's needs. Recently, pilot tests of a methane leak detection system and airborne laser scanning technology have been carried out to improve production and economic efficiency in oil and gas production and transportation.