Drone-Based Flare Stack Inspections for Operational Safety and Compliance

Kiwa delivers a next-generation inspection service for flare stacks—combining certified compliance expertise with advanced drone technology and AI-powered analytics. Our Flare-Inspection service is designed for high-risk industrial environments, enabling safe, efficient, and non-intrusive inspections of live flares without operational downtime.
Whether you're operating in petrochemical, energy, or offshore sectors, our intelligent inspection solution helps you monitor flare integrity, detect defects early, and make smarter maintenance decisions.

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What Is Flare-Inspection?

Flare stacks are critical safety components in oil and gas facilities, used to burn off excess gases. Regular inspection is essential—but traditional methods are risky, costly, and often require shutdowns. Our Flare-Inspection service uses UAVs (drones) equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors to inspect flare stacks from a safe distance—even while they are operational. This allows for:

  • Visual and thermal defect detection down to millimeter-level precision
  • 360° asset overview including flare tip, pilot ignition systems, pipework, and gantries
  • Zero downtime during inspection
  • Detailed reporting with zoomable imagery and actionable insights

Why Choose Flare-Inspection?

Safe Distance Monitoring
Our drones capture high-resolution imagery from a safe distance, even while the flare remains operational. This eliminates the need for scaffolding or shutdowns, reducing risk and cost.

  • Thermal & Visual Precision
    Equipped with thermal sensors and high-resolution cameras, our drones detect surface anomalies, heat irregularities, and structural damage with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Zero Downtime Guarantee
    Inspections are performed while the flare is active, ensuring continuous operation and no production loss.
  • Detailed Reporting
    Clients receive a comprehensive report highlighting all identified defects, supported by zoomable imagery for in-depth analysis and decision-making.
  • Industry-Ready Solution
    Ideal for petrochemical plants, refineries, and other industrial sites where flare stacks are critical infrastructure.

 

AI-powered Intelligent Inspections

Infrastructure assets are aging. Skilled labor is scarce. Inspections are critical—but often time-consuming, costly, and hazardous. That’s where Kiwa’s intelligent inspections come in: a safer, faster, and more insightful approach powered by artificial intelligence, autonomous drones, and advanced 3D modeling. We help asset owners shift from periodic inspections to proactive, precision-based monitoring. Whether it’s a flare stack, dam, silo, or pipeline, our AI-supported inspections deliver smarter decisions, extended asset lifespans, and reduced downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to inspect an active flare?

Yes. Our drone-based inspection system is designed to operate at a safe distance, minimizing risk while capturing detailed data.

What types of defects can be detected?

We identify thermal anomalies, structural cracks, corrosion, and other surface-level damage using high-resolution and thermal imaging.

Do I need to shut down operations for the inspection?

No. One of the key benefits of our service is zero downtime—inspections are conducted while the flare remains in operation.

How long does a typical flare inspection take?

Depending on the height and complexity, most inspections are completed within a few hours, with reports delivered shortly after.

What industries benefit most from Flare-Inspection?

Our service is ideal for oil & gas, petrochemical, and energy sectors—anywhere flare stacks are used and operational continuity is critical.