Urban water management involves not only wastewater, but also freshwater in the form of rivers and graywater. Rivers are channeled into canals to facilitate their management. These may be part of city infrastructure, as in Birmingham or Venice, or the water may be piped underground. However, when they are underground, the condition of the canals may affect whether construction work can be done above ground, but inspections are difficult. Divers are often unable to penetrate these spaces safely due to a number of unknown factors. Some aquatic ROVs can reach these spaces, but may not be able to withstand the currents or may become trapped inside.
So what is the alternative?
Drones such as the Elios 3 supplied to Aesse Misure, pictured here, are rapidly becoming a popular tool for more secure access to complex or confined spaces.
As specialists, we frequently perform inspections in complex environments where traditional inspection methods are ineffective. With proven experience in the inspection of sewer and suspended water systems, we are able to achieve the results required by the client precisely through the use of the drone.
Inspecting channels with drones
This type of inspection involves numerous hazards that make it impossible to use divers or other verification methods.
Benefits
Access
Using old 2D maps as the only guide, the drone is able to access culverts that were probably not explored by construction. This allowed safe river inspection with drones.
Data quality
The team obtained clear visual data, including photos and videos, as well as a LiDAR scan that impressed the client. Data collection was completed well beyond the scope of the mission without any additional work.
Security
Sending people into this environment is virtually impossible, as the variable water levels and strong current make it unsafe for human access. Elios 3 was the only viable solution.
Speed
The entire data collection was completed in one day, rather than requiring several days of planning and equipment installation as would be necessary with the traditional method of collecting these data.
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The Elios 3 drone pilot navigates using the visual camera and LiDAR point cloud when the drone is out of sight, making sure to bring the drone back safely
At low tide, the team flew the Elios 3 inside each pipeline. The drone made it possible to reach normally inaccessible areas and obtain the data needed to solve a complex problem. An added benefit of of the project was the ability to collect both LiDAR and visual data during the mission.
Impressing the municipality with the results of drone river inspection
The objective of this mission was to provide the client with video images of the inside of the pipes. However, LiDAR scans were also shared with the client, who was pleasantly surprised by the additional information. The 3D model was accurate and clear, providing a complete visualization of the pipes without exposing personnel to risk during inspection.
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LiDAR scanning of the drone flight helped the team clearly visualize the area. Although only a visual inspection was needed, this map can be used for future planning and updating existing data.
For companies and administrations seeking to optimize their maintenance and control processes, AESSE Misure offers a modern and efficient approach in line with the latest technological developments in the industry.
Contact our technical support for a personalized consultation