OFF Drones

Shell Uses Drones for Smarter and Safer Operations

Shell’s Drone Aerial Response Team uses DJI drones to safely inspect oil and gas facilities, reducing the need for workers to enter hazardous areas. The drones provide detailed visual data for tasks like tank farm and flare stack inspections, improving both safety and operational efficiency. This approach enables Shell to gain smarter insights while prioritizing worker safety in high-risk environments.

How drones can assist in:

Oil and Gas

Pipeline Inspection

DJI drones revolutionize pipeline inspection by swiftly covering long pipeline corridors with high-resolution visible and thermal imaging, enabling early detection of corrosion, leaks, and structural damage. This approach reduces the need for manual inspections in hazardous or remote locations, enhances inspection frequency and quality, and supports regulatory compliance through digitized records.

Core Points

Increase Safety: Drones can swiftly cover extensive pipeline corridors, enhancing inspection efficiency without subjecting personnel to unnecessary risks.

Structured & Simple Solution: Increase the frequency and quality of inspections with pre-planned and repeatable drone-based inspections.

Easy-Store Data: Digitize your inspection records with drone data that is easily stored and shared.

‍

Example:
The DJI Matrice 4T or Matrice 300 series, equipped with thermal and visible cameras and cellular modules, is deployed to inspect pipelines in mountainous or urban areas. It identifies corrosion and leaks without shutting down operations, improving safety and reducing costly downtime.

Facility Inspection

During the routine inspection of pumpjacks, flare stacks, and oil and gas facilities, drone inspections are ideal as many inspection points are difficult to access and observe. Drones equipped with visible light and thermal cameras can effectively address this challenge by capturing multi-angle videos and photos, which can detect issues such as overheating of critical components, oil and gas leaks, and the wear and decay of critical components. Additionally, drones can help bridge the gap in digital management systems and reduce the manual workload by providing easily stored and trackable inspection data.

Core Points

Hard to Reach Areas: Close-range, multi-angle inspections effectively address the issue of blind spots and dead corners, enabling the identification of potential problems.

Large Coverage: Drones can cover large areas, reducing the need for manual labor on foot and ensuring the safety of personnel and production.

Easy Maintenance: Inspection data can be easily stored and tracked over time, leading to improvements in asset management and preventive maintenance efforts.

‍Compliance Friendly: Drone data can be utilized to monitor and ensure operational compliance, as well as to generate supporting documentation and reports for compliance teams.
‍

‍
Example:
Operators use DJI drones to inspect pumping units across large oil fields, capturing thermal images to detect overheating components and visible images to identify oil leaks. This reduces the need for personnel to enter dangerous zones and improves preventive maintenance through easily archived inspection data.

Laser Methane Leakage Detector (U10)

The DJI U10 UAV-based Laser Methane Leakage Detector uses Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology to detect methane gas leaks from up to 100 meters away with high sensitivity (as low as 5 ppm·m). Mounted on DJI Matrice 300 series drones, it provides real-time methane concentration data, visual confirmation via a 720p camera, and supports mission planning and reporting through a dedicated app, enhancing safety and efficiency in methane leak detection.

Core Points

Safe Detection: Detect and accurately pinpoint leaks in real-time from a safe distance, minimizing risk to personnel and enabling precise repairs.

Efficient Inspections: Longer flight time and extended transmission range allow for covering large areas, identifying leaks and defective equipment more efficiently.

Thermal Capabilities: Paired with the Zenmuse H30 Series, it offers high-definition zoom, thermal (H30T) and a laser rangefinder.

Powerful Detection: Methane detection up to 100 meters with 5 ppm·m sensitivity

‍

Example:
Oil and gas operators use the U10 mounted on DJI Matrice 300 series drones to inspect natural gas plants and pipelines in difficult-to-access locations such as mountains or over water. The system detects methane leaks quickly, allowing operators to respond promptly while keeping personnel out of hazardous environments.

‍

This attachment is only available for the Matrice 350 RTK and is sold separately. To learn more, see the payload details here

Key Features

DJI Matrice 350 RTK

Rugged, IP55-rated drone platform with up to 55 minutes flight time and six-directional obstacle sensing for stable, long-duration missions in harsh environments.
RTK positioning provides centimeter-level accuracy, enabling precise flight paths and repeatable inspections over large or complex sites.

Zenmuse H30T Thermal Camera

High-resolution 1280 × 1024 thermal sensor for detailed heat anomaly detection, critical for identifying leaks, overheating equipment, or insulation failures.
Integrated 48 MP zoom camera with 30× optical zoom and laser rangefinder (up to 3,000 m) for visual confirmation and precise distance measurement of detected issues.
Night vision and customizable thermal measurement modes support 24/7 inspections in all lighting conditions.

U10 Methane Gas Leak Detector

Lightweight, high-sensitivity sensor based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), capable of detecting methane concentrations as low as 5 ppm·m from up to 100 meters away.
Real-time gas concentration readings with rapid 25 ms response time, enabling immediate decision-making during inspections.
Visual 720p camera integrated for aerial overview and pinpointing leak locations alongside gas data.
Seamless integration with DJI SkyPort and compatibility with Matrice 200 Series and newer platforms, including the M350 RTK via adapters.

‍

Operational Workflow

Mission Planning
- Use DJI Pilot 2 or third-party software to design waypoint missions covering pipelines, tanks, or refinery sections.
Data Collection
- The Matrice 350 RTK follows precise flight paths using RTK GPS.
- The Zenmuse H30T performs thermal scans and zoom inspections to identify heat anomalies.
- The U10 continuously monitors methane levels, triggering alerts upon detecting leaks.
Real-Time Monitoring
- Operators receive simultaneous thermal, visual, and gas concentration data via the DJI Pilot 2 app or α-ONE iOS app for the U10 sensor.
Data Analysis
- Post-flight, thermal images and gas concentration maps are analyzed to confirm leak locations and assess equipment condition.
- Visual zoom images and laser rangefinder measurements assist in planning repairs or further investigations.

‍

Benefits for Oil & Gas Industry

Enhanced Safety: Remote detection of hazardous gas leaks and thermal anomalies reduces personnel exposure to dangerous environments.
Early Leak Detection: High-sensitivity methane detection combined with thermal imaging allows identification of small leaks before escalation, preventing environmental damage and costly shutdowns.
Operational Efficiency: Long flight times and precise RTK navigation enable coverage of extensive infrastructure in a single mission, reducing inspection time and costs.
Regulatory Compliance: Detailed data collection and reporting support environmental standards and safety audits.
Versatility: Suitable for inspecting pipelines, LNG plants, storage tanks, compressor stations, and remote or difficult-to-access sites.

‍

Real-World Example

A major pipeline operator in Texas deployed the Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H30T and U10 gas detector to survey a 20 km pipeline section. Within hours, multiple small methane leaks were detected and precisely located, enabling immediate repairs. This rapid aerial inspection replaced days of manual ground surveys, significantly reducing environmental risk and operational downtime.

‍

The U10 attachment is only available for the Matrice 350 RTK and is sold separately. To learn more, see the payload details here

Portable Light-Weight Solution

DJI Matrice 4 Series: Matrice 4T

The compact and portable DJI Matrice 4T, outfitted with high-performance visible light and thermal imaging cameras, is ideal for comprehensive pipeline inspections.This solution is compatible with the DJI Cellular module, which provides 4G-enhanced image transmission, thereby extending its effective operating range in complex urban or mountainous terrains.

Product Links

DJI Matrice 4T DJI AL1 Spotlight + AS1 Speaker

Drone in the image is a different DJI Model

Key Features for Oil & Gas Applications

Advanced Multi-Sensor Payload

Thermal Camera: 640 × 512 resolution with a high-resolution mode up to 1280 × 1024 pixels, delivering ultra-clear thermal images to detect temperature anomalies, leaks, or overheating equipment.
Visual Cameras:
- Wide-angle 48 MP camera (24 mm equivalent focal length) for broad situational awareness.
- Medium telephoto 48 MP camera (70 mm focal length) and telephoto 48 MP camera (168 mm focal length) for detailed inspection from a safe distance.
Near-Infrared (NIR) Auxiliary Light: Illuminates up to 100 meters, enabling full-color night vision and low-light inspections in dark or smoky environments.
Laser Rangefinder: Measures distances up to 1.8 km with high accuracy, facilitating precise location tagging of defects or leaks.

Portability and Flight Performance

Lightweight Design: Weighing approximately 1.2 kg, the Matrice 4T is compact and easy to deploy in remote or challenging oil and gas sites.
Flight Time: Up to 49 minutes per battery, enabling extended inspection missions without frequent battery swaps.
Robust Navigation: GNSS + Vision Fusion positioning with obstacle avoidance and anti-GNSS interference technology ensures safe, reliable flight even in complex industrial environments.

‍

Drone in this image is a different DJI Model

Key Features for Oil & Gas Applications

AI-Powered Intelligence

Real-time detection and tracking of vehicles, personnel, and equipment using onboard AI algorithms.
Automated flight modes such as Cruise, FlyTo, and Point of Interest (POI) optimize inspection efficiency and coverage.
Supports custom AI model training for specialized detection tasks relevant to oil and gas operations.

Enhanced Low-Light and Night Operations

Larger camera apertures and intelligent low-light photo capabilities improve image clarity during dusk, dawn, or night inspections.
Electronic dehazing enhances visibility in fog, smoke, or high-humidity conditions common at industrial sites.

Integrated Software Ecosystem

Compatible with DJI Pilot 2 for mission planning, real-time control, and data visualization.
Supports DJI FlightHub 2 for multi-drone coordination, live video streaming, and cloud data sharing.
Thermal analysis tools like DTAT 3.0 enable detailed post-flight temperature anomaly detection and reporting.

‍

Oil & Gas Industry Applications

Pipeline and Facility Inspection
Detect thermal anomalies indicating leaks, corrosion, or insulation failures along pipelines, storage tanks, and compressor stations.
Flare Stack and Equipment Monitoring
Use thermal imaging to monitor flare stacks, valves, and machinery for overheating or malfunction.
Leak Detection and Safety Compliance
Identify gas leaks or hot spots early to prevent accidents, environmental damage, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Rapidly assess fire or explosion sites using thermal and visual sensors to guide first responders and plan remediation.
Night and Low-Visibility Operations
Conduct inspections safely during night shifts or in poor visibility conditions with NIR illumination and enhanced low-light imaging.

‍

Product Links

DJI Matrice 350 RTK Gas Leak Detector: U10

Gas Leak Detection and Thermal Inspection Solution

Matrice 350 RTK + Zenmuse H30T + U10 Gas Leak Detector

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK, combined with the Zenmuse H30T thermal camera and the U10 Methane Gas Leak Detector, offers a cutting-edge gas leak detection and thermal inspection solution tailored for the oil and gas industry. This integrated aerial system enables safe, efficient, and highly accurate monitoring of pipelines, storage tanks, and facilities to detect leaks, identify equipment faults, and prevent costly incidents.

Product Links

DJI Matrice 350 RTK DJI Zenmuse H30T Gas Leak Detector: U10 DJI Matrice 4T

‍

Key Features

DJI Matrice 350 RTK

Rugged, IP55-rated drone platform with up to 55 minutes flight time and six-directional obstacle sensing for stable, long-duration missions in harsh environments.
RTK positioning provides centimeter-level accuracy, enabling precise flight paths and repeatable inspections over large or complex sites.

Zenmuse H30T Thermal Camera

High-resolution 1280 × 1024 thermal sensor for detailed heat anomaly detection, critical for identifying leaks, overheating equipment, or insulation failures.
Integrated 48 MP zoom camera with 30× optical zoom and laser rangefinder (up to 3,000 m) for visual confirmation and precise distance measurement of detected issues.
Night vision and customizable thermal measurement modes support 24/7 inspections in all lighting conditions.

U10 Methane Gas Leak Detector

Lightweight, high-sensitivity sensor based on Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), capable of detecting methane concentrations as low as 5 ppm·m from up to 100 meters away.
Real-time gas concentration readings with rapid 25 ms response time, enabling immediate decision-making during inspections.
Visual 720p camera integrated for aerial overview and pinpointing leak locations alongside gas data.
Seamless integration with DJI SkyPort and compatibility with Matrice 200 Series and newer platforms, including the M350 RTK via adapters.

‍

Operational Workflow

Mission Planning
- Use DJI Pilot 2 or third-party software to design waypoint missions covering pipelines, tanks, or refinery sections.
Data Collection
- The Matrice 350 RTK follows precise flight paths using RTK GPS.
- The Zenmuse H30T performs thermal scans and zoom inspections to identify heat anomalies.
- The U10 continuously monitors methane levels, triggering alerts upon detecting leaks.
Real-Time Monitoring
- Operators receive simultaneous thermal, visual, and gas concentration data via the DJI Pilot 2 app or α-ONE iOS app for the U10 sensor.
Data Analysis
- Post-flight, thermal images and gas concentration maps are analyzed to confirm leak locations and assess equipment condition.
- Visual zoom images and laser rangefinder measurements assist in planning repairs or further investigations.

‍

Benefits for Oil & Gas Industry

Enhanced Safety: Remote detection of hazardous gas leaks and thermal anomalies reduces personnel exposure to dangerous environments.
Early Leak Detection: High-sensitivity methane detection combined with thermal imaging allows identification of small leaks before escalation, preventing environmental damage and costly shutdowns.
Operational Efficiency: Long flight times and precise RTK navigation enable coverage of extensive infrastructure in a single mission, reducing inspection time and costs.
Regulatory Compliance: Detailed data collection and reporting support environmental standards and safety audits.
Versatility: Suitable for inspecting pipelines, LNG plants, storage tanks, compressor stations, and remote or difficult-to-access sites.

‍

Real-World Example

A major pipeline operator in Texas deployed the Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H30T and U10 gas detector to survey a 20 km pipeline section. Within hours, multiple small methane leaks were detected and precisely located, enabling immediate repairs. This rapid aerial inspection replaced days of manual ground surveys, significantly reducing environmental risk and operational downtime.

‍

The U10 attachment is only available for the Matrice 350 RTK and is sold separately. To learn more, see the payload details here

Hight Precision D-RTK 3 Multifunction Station

The D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station can serve as a base station to provide centimeter-level positioning for multiple drones simultaneously or extend the operational range of drones in relay station mode. Additionally, the new Rover Station Mode, combined with the DJI Enterprise app and DJI Terra, provides a comprehensive solution for high-precision aerial surveying applications, ensuring a secure and accurate operation.

View RTK Equipment

Hight Precision D-RTK 2 GNSS Mobile Station

The D-RTK 2 is a rugged, portable GNSS base station that delivers centimeter-level positioning accuracy for DJI Agriculture Drones, supporting all major satellite systems and enabling multi-drone operations for precise mapping, surveying, and inspection.

View RTK Equipment