In March, TBG - Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolívia-Brasil began inspecting the land adjacent to the national gas pipeline grid and operational units using drones and artificial intelligence (AI).

In all, 12 sections of the TBG right-of-way and operational installations will be inspected by drones, covering a total of 2,593 km. The use of Artificial Intelligence in the inspection program is yet another initiative to reinforce company strategies such as innovation, digital transformation and integrity management optimization of TBG pipeline asset.

The inspection began near Campinas, in the state of São Paulo. Each section inspected is expected to be completed within 30 days. The use of drones is bringing together greater agility and intelligence used to interpret the drone images; the use of drones in this work has become an essential part of TBG management resources.

The technology applied, including artificial intelligence, will speed up decision-making based on the thousands of images collected, while increasing safety and reducing costs, all thanks to drone inspections that are generating huge benefits for the company.

The images will be analyzed by artificial intelligence algorithms, that will indicate points of interest previously established by TBG, either by counting them and detecting any changes, or by identifying the presence of fires, any new or irregular constructions along the strip and possible damage to structures in surface facilities, such as Compression Stations and Natural Gas Delivery Points.

The project includes 3 inspection cycles over a period of 3 years, with monthly and annual evaluations to systematically analyze results and implement improvements.