Bringing safer confined space sewer inspections to Sydney with the Elios 3

 

Bringing Safer Confined Space Sewer Inspections To Sydney With The Elios 3

 

Key Benefits At A Glance

Safety

With the Elios 3, surveyors, engineers, and asset inspectors can collect critical data without putting themselves in harm's way. This includes avoiding risks like falling from heights, exposure to hazardous gases, tunnel collapses, and being engulfed by wastewater.

Data Quality

The drone allows Metrocorp to capture high-resolution LiDAR data along with detailed visual imagery, creating accurate 3D point clouds and photogrammetry models for better analysis and decision-making.

Efficiency

The Elios 3 completed a 175-meter unsupported rock tunnel inspection in just two flights, taking under 30 minutes—far faster than the previous method that took up to two hours. Drone inspections also reduce the need for extensive documentation and permits, cutting down overall project time significantly.

Cost Savings

Remote inspections require fewer personnel and less planning, leading to savings of 50% to 70% of the total project cost. This makes the entire process more economical and sustainable.

Metrocorp Technologies has over 30 years of experience delivering complex projects and achieving exceptional results for their clients. Based in Australia, they work on various wastewater, stormwater, and remediation projects across the country in collaboration with engineering and surveying firms. Recently, they adopted the Elios 3 to streamline their underground and confined space inspections, making them safer and more efficient.

The Challenges Of Water And Wastewater Inspections

Working with sewers and wastewater systems presents unique challenges. Blockages, floods, and aging infrastructure can complicate operations for utility companies. When Metrocorp collects data for these areas, they must gather essential information while following strict safety protocols.

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The Metrocorp team follows strict safety protocols during sewer and confined space inspections

In Sydney, efforts are underway to rehabilitate old wastewater structures to extend their service life by another 50 to 100 years. This involves analyzing existing records, mapping unused areas, and planning maintenance and upgrades. However, condition assessments are particularly challenging as they often need to be done while the system is still operational.

Metrocorp has identified four main hazards when inspecting sewers:

  1. Risk of fall – many assets are deep underground, posing a danger when accessing or working around the entry points.
  2. Atmospheric conditions – sewers can contain toxic gases or low oxygen levels, which are dangerous for human workers.
  3. Engulfment – high water flow or storm surges can put personnel at risk of being swept away by wastewater.
  4. Roof or tunnel collapse – some structures in Sydney are over 100 years old, increasing the risk of structural failure during inspections.

To address these risks, Metrocorp has turned to the Elios 3 drone to safely collect data from a distance.

In a recent inspection, the Elios 3 was used to assess four rock tunnels, each about 17 meters deep, which showed signs of severe deterioration. A team of only three people completed the task in one day, whereas a traditional tunnel traversal would have required seven to ten people over multiple shifts.

Using The Elios 3 For Deep Manhole Condition Assessments

Metrocorp was tasked with assessing an old, deep wastewater access shaft as part of an ongoing inspection program. Traditionally, this involved setting up specialized equipment and sending one person down for a visual inspection.

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The Elios 3 reduces safety risks and delivers high-quality data during underground tunnel inspections

This process exposed inspectors to the risk of falls, hazardous atmospheric conditions, and potential injury from falling objects. By using the Elios 3, Metrocorp eliminated these dangers and collected superior data that could be analyzed remotely.

Measurements taken using the Elios 3 provided valuable insights into the structure’s condition, helping the asset owner plan necessary rehabilitation. The drone’s LiDAR payload also created a precise 3D point cloud model, which was used after the project was completed.

By combining video footage from two flights, Metrocorp generated a 3D photogrammetry model that accurately represented the asset’s dimensions, area, and volume. This data enabled engineers to make informed decisions about the structure’s condition and future maintenance needs.

It took just 30 minutes to complete the inspection, saving three hours compared to the traditional method. “Entering a high-risk asset in Sydney can take weeks of planning,” said Metrocorp. “The drone can go without the same level of scrutiny and provides higher quality data.”

Using The Elios 3 For Sewer Inspections

The use of drones for sewer inspections is becoming increasingly common due to their ability to withstand harsh environments and reduce risk exposure. Metrocorp experienced significant improvements in safety, efficiency, and data quality through the use of the Elios 3.

The Elios 3 has brought substantial benefits, including enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and high-quality data. It can reduce the cost of sewer inspections by up to 40% per linear meter. With the release of the Surveying Payload in 2023, the availability of even more accurate and detailed data has increased.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR capabilities to learn how it can transform your next inspection project.

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