A drone river inspection for underground canals

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Drone River Inspection for Underground Canals

Key Benefits at a Glance

Access

With outdated 2D maps as the only guide, the Elios 3 was flown during low tide to access underground canals that had not been entered since their construction. This allowed for a safe and efficient drone river inspection.

Data Quality

The team captured high-quality visual data, including photos, videos, and LiDAR scans, which exceeded the client’s expectations. The mission delivered more than what was initially required without extra effort or time.

Safety

Entering these spaces is extremely dangerous due to fluctuating water levels and strong currents. The Elios 3 provided a safe alternative, eliminating the need for human entry into hazardous environments.

Speed

All data was collected in just one day, whereas traditional methods would have taken days of preparation and equipment setup. The efficiency of the Elios 3 made this possible.
Urban water management involves more than just sewage—it includes freshwater rivers and grey water systems. Rivers are often channeled into canals to make them easier to manage. These can be part of a city's infrastructure, like in Birmingham or Venice, or they may run underground. However, when canals are underground, their condition plays a critical role in determining whether construction work can proceed above ground. Inspecting these spaces, however, is extremely challenging. Divers typically avoid such areas due to unknown risks, and while some aquatic ROVs can reach them, they often struggle with strong currents or get stuck. So, what’s the alternative? IMG_4301 Drones like the Elios 3 are becoming an essential tool for safely accessing complex and confined spaces.

Planning a Drone River Inspection for an Underground Canal

Sater is a water and wastewater management company based in northern France, near Lille. As part of the SARP group, which is under Veolia, Sater has over 30 years of experience and currently employs 115 people. They specialize in inspections in hard-to-reach environments where traditional methods fall short. To enhance their capabilities, Sater invested in the Elios 3, a drone designed for confined and hazardous spaces. This decision proved invaluable during a recent project in Rouen, where they needed to inspect underground canals ahead of a construction initiative.

Inspecting Canals with Drones

At the Marché d'Intérêt National (MIN) in Rouen, a river flows beneath buildings and streets before emptying into the Seine. A new construction project required a thorough assessment of the underground water network. Traditional methods were not viable due to the risks involved. The area is tidal up to the first lock, meaning water levels fluctuate significantly. This added complexity meant the inspection had to be timed carefully. The Elios 3, with its proven track record in similar environments, was the ideal choice. The canal consists of two parallel pipes, each 3 meters in diameter, running for 540 meters. Both needed to be inspected to ensure the safety and success of the project.

Completing a Drone River Inspection Underground

The Sater team used historical charts since no previous inspections had been conducted. They planned the mission during low tide to maximize visibility and minimize risk. Each pipe entrance was only 2 x 3 meters wide, with manholes every 50 meters. Using the Elios 3, the team successfully navigated the entire length of both canals. The drone’s visual camera and LiDAR point cloud ensured safe navigation, even when out of sight. It captured detailed data that would have been impossible to obtain through other means.

Impressing the Municipality with Drone Results

The mission aimed to provide video footage of the pipes’ interiors, but the LiDAR scans offered even greater value. The client was impressed by the accuracy of the 3D model, which provided a clear view of the structures without putting anyone at risk. This project not only met the local authorities’ needs but also showcased Sater’s ability to push the boundaries of drone technology. The success of this mission opens the door to future, more ambitious projects. Without the Elios 3, this kind of safe and efficient data collection would not have been possible.

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