A drone river inspection for underground canals
Access With outdated 2D maps as the only reference, the Elios 3 was deployed during low tide to enter underground canals that hadn't been accessed since their construction.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 a detailed LiDAR scan, which exceeded the client's expectations. All data was collected efficiently without extra effort or time. Safety Entering such an environment is extremely dangerous due to fluctuating water levels and strong currents. The Elios 3 provided the only safe and practical solution for this type of inspection. Speed All necessary data was collected in just one day, avoiding the weeks of planning and setup required by traditional methods. This significantly reduced project timelines and costs. Food Drying Machine,Seasoning Fluidized Granulating Dryer,Food Fluidized Bed Drying Granulator,Xylitol Vibrating Fluidized Bed Dryer Jiangyin Longchang Machinery Manufacturing Co,Ltd , https://www1.jylongchanggrinderline.comDrone River Inspection for Underground Canals
Key Benefits at a Glance
Planning a Drone River Inspection for an Underground Canal
Sater is a French company based in northern France, part of the SARP group under Veolia. They specialize in water and wastewater management and have over 30 years of experience. With a team of 115 employees, they work on various projects across France. As experts in complex environments, Sater has long used remote-controlled cameras and similar tools to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Recognizing the benefits of using sewer drones, they acquired the Elios 3 to enhance their capabilities.
Recently, Sater used the Elios 3 to inspect underground canals in Rouen ahead of a construction project. With a proven track record in similar inspections, the team was confident in the drone's ability to deliver accurate results.
Inspecting Canals with Drones
At the Marché d'Intérêt National (MIN) in Rouen, a river flows beneath buildings and streets before joining the Seine. A construction project was planned above ground, but first, the condition of the underground water network needed to be assessed. This involved checking the structural integrity of two parallel pipes, each 3 meters in diameter, running from one side of the site to the other.
The inspection was complicated by the tides of the Seine, which affect water levels up to the first lock near Amfreville-Poses. Timing was crucial—only during low tide could the team safely fly the Elios 3 into the tunnels.
Conducting the Drone River Inspection Underground
The Sater team had no recent records to guide them, as the canal had never been inspected before. They planned the mission carefully, choosing the right time to ensure the lowest possible tidal level. Each pipe had small openings of about 2 x 3 meters, with manholes every 50 meters. The entire canal system stretched 540 meters underground.
During low tide, the Elios 3 was flown inside each pipe. Using its visual camera and LiDAR, the team navigated even when the drone was out of sight, ensuring it returned safely. The drone reached areas that were otherwise inaccessible and provided all the data needed for the project.
Impressing the Municipality with Drone Results
The primary goal was to provide the client with video footage of the pipes’ interiors. However, the LiDAR scans added significant value, offering a precise 3D model of the area. The client was impressed with the quality and detail, which helped them plan future projects without risking personnel safety.
This successful mission not only met the local authorities’ needs but also demonstrated Sater’s commitment to innovation. The Elios 3 proved to be an essential tool, enabling safe and efficient inspections that would have been impossible with traditional methods. It's clear that drones are reshaping how we approach urban water management.