Kogas to use drones as part of safety management
Published: 18 Jan. 2021, 18:55
Updated: 18 Jan. 2021, 19:25
![Kogas’s Jeju LNG Department is conducting a test operation of a hydrogen drone for safety inspections. [KOGAS]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2021/01/18/c97da9f2-2b5c-49be-a011-75137914e4ed.jpg)
Kogas’s Jeju LNG Department is conducting a test operation of a hydrogen drone for safety inspections. [KOGAS]
Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) is innovating its on-site safety management with new technology. Kogas plans to introduce drones as part of gas pipeline management, reducing the potential for human error. A project on Jeju Island is currently going through trials using hydrogen drones to locate unauthorized excavation and conduct safety inspections on gas pipelines.
As gas supply chains on Jeju have been expanded, resulting in the increase in costs of pipeline management, there has been growing demand to improve the current process of pipeline monitoring. In response, Kogas initiated the test operation of hydrogen drones, which were designed to patrol approximately a 45 kilometer (28 mile) long gas pipeline buried in Jeju Island.
With the hydrogen drones, Kogas plans to construct an effective safety monitoring system through private-public collaboration. Hydrogen drones can conduct safety checks without any time constraints, unlike human employees. Kogas has been taking the lead in the hydrogen business recently, generating new opportunities for the on-site safety management sector.
In order to ensure a stable gas supply, Kogas has made effective changes in field operation at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal by introducing information and communication technology. A smart mobile system, for instance, is used to improve the task management environment between the field and the office, maximizing efficiency.
Moreover, Kogas has implemented a nationwide LNG management system based on big data. By automating multiple processes such as LNG demand forecast, stock management per each terminal and LNG carrier arrangement via a system, Kogas strives to further stabilize stock management at LNG terminals. Kogas plans to establish infrastructure based on big data, improving its public service.
“Kogas is planning to boost its efficiency through service innovation using advanced technology,” an official from Kogas said. “In line with government policies such as the Green New Deal and Digital New Deal, we will push forward to promote innovation-driven business.”
By Shin Ha-nee [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)