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

Key Benefits At A Glance

Metrocorp Technologies has been delivering complex infrastructure projects across Australia for over three decades. Their expertise spans wastewater, stormwater, and remediation work, often in collaboration with engineering and surveying firms. Recently, they've adopted the Elios 3 to make their underground and confined space inspections safer, faster, and more efficient.

The Challenges Of Water And Wastewater Inspections

Inspecting sewers and wastewater systems is inherently risky. Underground networks can be outdated, prone to blockages, or flooded, making it difficult to gather accurate data while maintaining safety. Metrocorp must follow strict protocols to ensure that every inspection is both safe and informative.

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

In Sydney, there's an ongoing initiative to rehabilitate aging wastewater infrastructure to extend its lifespan by another 50 to 100 years. This involves analyzing existing records, mapping unused areas, and planning future upgrades—all while the system remains operational.

Metrocorp has identified four main hazards during these inspections:

1. Risk of falling from height due to deep access points.
2. Hazardous atmospheric conditions like low oxygen or toxic gases.
3. Engulfment risk from sudden water surges.
4. Potential for roof or tunnel collapse in old structures.

To address these challenges, Metrocorp turned to the Elios 3 drone, allowing them to collect essential data remotely and safely.

During a recent project, the Elios 3 was used to inspect four rock tunnels, each about 17 meters deep, showing signs of severe deterioration. A team of just three people completed the inspection in one day, whereas a traditional method would have required seven to ten workers over multiple shifts.

Using The Elios 3 For Deep Manhole Condition Assessments

Metrocorp was tasked with assessing a 70-meter-deep wastewater shaft as part of a broader inspection program. Traditionally, this involved setting up specialized equipment and sending one person into the shaft for a visual inspection—a process that posed significant risks.

The Elios 3 provides safer, high-quality data for underground tunnel inspections

The Elios 3 not only eliminates the dangers of working in confined spaces but also delivers precise data that can be analyzed remotely. Using the drone, Metrocorp captured measurements and created a 3D LiDAR model, which was later used by the asset owner for rehabilitation planning.

By combining video footage from two flights, a 3D photogrammetry model was generated. This model gives engineers a clear view of the structure’s dimensions, helping in decision-making and future maintenance planning.

The entire inspection took under 30 minutes—saving three hours compared to traditional methods. “Entering a high-risk asset in Sydney usually takes weeks of planning,” said Metrocorp. “The Elios 3 goes in quickly and collects better data without the same level of scrutiny.”

Using The Elios 3 For Sewer Inspections

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

The Elios 3 has significantly improved safety standards, increased efficiency, and provided higher-quality data. It can reduce the cost of sewer inspections by up to 40% per linear meter. With the release of the Surveying Payload in 2023, the accuracy and detail of the data collected have also improved dramatically.

Discover more about the Elios 3 and how it's transforming the way we inspect underground infrastructure.