Golf Bag,Golf Clubs Bag,Best Golf Bags,Custom Golf Bags Shenzhen New Gaopin Sports Goods Co,Ltd , https://www.newgaopin.com
A drone river inspection for underground canals
# A Drone River Inspection for Underground Canals
## Benefits in a Nutshell
| Feature | Description |
|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Access | Using outdated 2D records as our only guide, we utilized the Elios 3 drone to conduct inspections at low tide. This allowed us to safely access underground canals that hadn’t been entered since their construction. |
| Data Quality | Our team captured high-quality visual data through photos and videos, along with a detailed LiDAR scan. This impressed the client, and all data was collected efficiently without exceeding the mission scope. |
| Safety | Sending humans into such environments is nearly impossible due to unpredictable water levels and strong currents. The Elios 3 proved to be the safest and most practical solution. |
| Speed | All data collection was completed within a single day, compared to the multiple days of planning and equipment setup required for traditional methods. |
---
Urban water management encompasses not just sewage but also freshwater sources like rivers, as well as grey water systems. Rivers are often directed into canals to manage their flow effectively. These canals may form part of a city’s infrastructure, like those in Birmingham or Venice, or they might run underground. When they’re underground, the condition of these canals plays a critical role in determining whether construction work can proceed safely above ground. However, inspecting them poses significant challenges.
Traditional methods like sending divers often prove impractical due to unknown variables such as water depth and currents. While some aquatic ROVs can navigate these spaces, they may struggle against strong currents or become stuck. So, what’s the alternative? Enter drones like the Elios 3—innovative tools designed to access complex or confined spaces safely.
---
## Planning a Drone River Inspection for an Underground Canal
Sater, a specialized company located in northern France near Lille, is part of the SARP group, a subsidiary of Veolia. With over 30 years of experience in water and wastewater management, Sater has a team of 115 professionals working across France. Known for tackling complex inspection tasks that conventional methods cannot handle, Sater frequently employs remote-controlled cameras and similar technologies to explore hard-to-reach areas.
Recognizing the value of using drones for safe inspections in water management zones, Sater invested in an Elios 3 drone to expand its inspection capabilities. Recently, Sater deployed the Elios 3 at a project site in Rouen where there was a need to inspect underground canals prior to a construction project. Given the Elios 3’s successful track record in inspecting sewer and water networks, Sater was confident they could deliver the results the client required. They began meticulously planning the drone river inspection.
---
## Inspecting Canals with Drones
At Rouen’s Marché d’Intérêt National (MIN), a river flows beneath the buildings and surrounding streets, eventually emptying into the Seine. Construction plans are underway aboveground, but to move forward, it was essential to assess the condition of the water network and ensure its structural integrity. Traditional inspection methods posed numerous risks, making divers unsuitable for this task. Additionally, this project introduced another challenge: the tides. The Seine experiences tidal fluctuations up to Amfreville-Poses (upstream from Rouen), meaning any inspection must consider precipitation and tidal changes in water levels. Timing was crucial.
The canal system consisted of two parallel pipes, each three meters in diameter, extending from one side of the MIN to the other. Both tunnels needed thorough inspection to meet project requirements.
Despite the variable water levels, Sater’s team knew the Elios 3 could handle the task. They carefully planned the mission to optimize data collection and set the ideal inspection date.
---
## Completing a Drone River Inspection Underground
Lacking updated records, the Sater team relied solely on historical charts to guide their efforts. The mission took place early in April, timed precisely to allow pilots to fly the Elios 3 at the lowest possible tidal coefficient.
Each pipe entrance measured just 2 x 3 meters, with manholes spaced approximately every 50 meters along the canal’s length. In total, the inspection covered 540 meters of underground terrain.
Flying the Elios 3 at low tide, the team successfully navigated both pipes. The drone provided access to previously unreachable areas, capturing the data needed to address a complex problem. A bonus of this mission was the ability to gather both LiDAR and visual data simultaneously.
---
## Impressing the Municipality with Results from the Drone River Inspection
This inspection aimed to deliver video footage of the pipe interiors. However, the LiDAR scans exceeded expectations, surprising the client with their accuracy and detail. The resulting 3D model offered a comprehensive view of the pipes, eliminating the need to expose personnel to risk during the inspection.
The mission not only satisfied the local authority’s requirements but also distinguished Sater from competitors. It also pushed the boundaries of how the Elios drone is currently used, inspiring Sater to pursue even more ambitious projects in the future. Without the Elios 3, collecting this data safely would have been impossible.
In conclusion, this drone river inspection showcased the immense potential of modern technology in overcoming traditional limitations. It’s clear that drones like the Elios 3 are revolutionizing urban water management by enabling safer, faster, and more efficient inspections.