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

 

Key Benefits At A Glance

Metrocorp Technologies has over 30 years of experience delivering complex projects and achieving outstanding results for their clients across Australia. They specialize in wastewater, stormwater, and remediation projects, working closely with engineering and surveying firms. Recently, they adopted the Elios 3 drone to make underground and confined space inspections safer, more efficient, and more reliable.

The Challenges Of Water And Wastewater Inspections

Inspecting sewers and wastewater systems is inherently risky due to the complexity of underground networks. Blockages, floods, and aging infrastructure pose significant challenges. Metrocorp must collect critical data while strictly following safety protocols to protect their team.

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

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

Metrocorp identified four main hazards when inspecting sewers:

1. Risk of falling from height due to deep access points.
2. Hazardous atmospheric conditions, including toxic gases and low oxygen levels.
3. Engulfment by flowing water or wastewater during storms.
4. Potential for tunnel or roof collapse due to aging infrastructure.

To address these dangers, Metrocorp deployed the Elios 3 drone, allowing them to collect data from a safe distance without exposing personnel to risk.

In a recent job, the Elios 3 inspected four rock tunnels, each about 17 meters deep, showing signs of deterioration. A team of just three people completed the work in one day. In contrast, a traditional method would have required 7–10 people over multiple shifts.

Using The Elios 3 For Deep Manhole Condition Assessments

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

The underground tunnel inspections with the Elios 3 reduce safety risks and provide high quality data

This approach exposed workers to significant risks, including falls, hazardous gases, and falling objects. By using the Elios 3, these risks were eliminated, and high-quality data was collected for analysis back at the office.

The Elios 3 also provided precise LiDAR data, which was used to create a 3D point cloud model. Additionally, video footage from two flights was converted into a photogrammetry model, offering detailed insights into the structure’s dimensions and condition.

Only two flights were needed to map the entire 70m shaft, completing the inspection in under 30 minutes—saving 3 hours compared to traditional methods. “Entering a high-risk asset in Sydney can take weeks of planning. The drone goes quickly and gathers better data,” said Metrocorp.

Using The Elios 3 For Sewer Inspections

The use of drones in sewer inspections is becoming increasingly common due to their ability to operate in harsh environments and reduce human exposure to danger. Metrocorp saw major improvements in efficiency, safety, and data quality through the use of the Elios 3.

The Elios 3 has significantly enhanced safety standards, improved operational efficiency, and delivered high-quality data. It can reduce the cost of sewer inspections by up to 40% per linear meter. With the Surveying Payload introduced in 2023, the accuracy and quality of data have been further improved.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR capabilities today.

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