METHOD FOR CONDITION INSPECTION OF PRODUCT PIPELINES

FIELD: geophysics; measurement and detection of hidden masses or objects by optical means; devices for monitoring pipeline equipment. ^ SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes scanning of pipeline route area by thermal imaging and visual shooting from flying vehicle, laser spatial scanning of ground on product pipeline territory, and current flying vehicle positioning using flight-navigation means. Data on thermal-imaging and visual shooting as well as on spatial laser scanning, including their reference to current flying vehicle positioning data, are recorded. Comprehensive model of thermal and visual image of product pipeline territory surface is generated. Data on product pipeline territory surface are interpreted. Product pipeline territory scanning and visual shooting is made by cyclic change of optical visualization direction relative to axis perpendicular to direction of flight, these data being digitally recorded in frame-by-frame mode at moments when optical axes of thermal imager cameras assume vertical position on command arriving from relief digital and topological model generating unit. ^ EFFECT: optimized quantity of scanning data, ability of correlating the latter with positioning data. ^ 3 cl, 1 dwg