Access Using outdated 2D maps as the only guide, the Elios 3 was deployed during low tide to access underground canals that had not been entered since construction. This allowed for a safe and effective drone-based river inspection. Data Quality The team captured high-quality visual data, including photos, videos, and LiDAR scans, which exceeded expectations. The client was impressed with the comprehensive dataset collected without any extra effort. Safety These underground canals are dangerous for humans due to fluctuating water levels and strong currents. The Elios 3 provided the only safe and reliable way to conduct the inspection. Speed All data was collected within a single day, avoiding the weeks of planning and setup typically required by traditional methods. NC pipe production line NC pipe production line Wuxi Zhouxiang Complete Set of Welding Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.beamweldingmachine.comDrones for River Inspection in Underground Canals
Key Benefits at a Glance
Planning a Drone River Inspection for an Underground Canal
Sater, a French company based near Lille and part of the Veolia group, specializes in water and wastewater management. With over 30 years of experience, they’ve used various tools to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Recently, they invested in the Elios 3 to enhance their capabilities.
The drone was deployed in Rouen for a project involving underground canals beneath the Marché d'Intérêt National (MIN), where construction was planned. The goal was to inspect the structural integrity of the canals before proceeding with surface-level work.
Inspecting Canals with Drones
The MIN area has two parallel 3-meter-diameter pipes running under the buildings and connecting to the Seine. Inspecting them posed several challenges, including tidal fluctuations from the Seine. Sater had to plan the mission carefully, choosing times of low tide to ensure safe operation.
Despite these conditions, the Elios 3 proved to be a reliable tool. It could navigate through tight spaces and provide real-time visual and LiDAR data. The mission was successful, with both pipelines fully inspected.
Completing the Drone River Inspection Underground
The team had no recent data to rely on, only old charts. They flew the Elios 3 during low tide, navigating through manholes spaced every 50 meters. The drone covered 540 meters of underground canal, capturing detailed images and LiDAR scans.
This data was crucial for assessing the condition of the pipes and ensuring the safety of future construction. The ability to collect both visual and LiDAR data made the mission even more valuable.
Impressing the Municipality with Drone Results
While the main objective was to provide video footage, the LiDAR scans were a welcome addition. The client was impressed with the accuracy and clarity of the 3D model, which offered a complete view of the canals without risking human safety.
The results helped Sater stand out from competitors and set the stage for more ambitious projects. Without the Elios 3, collecting this data safely would have been nearly impossible.
In conclusion, drones like the Elios 3 are revolutionizing how we inspect underground water systems. They offer a safer, faster, and more accurate alternative to traditional methods, making them essential tools in modern urban water management.