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. Based in Australia, they work across the country on wastewater, stormwater, and remediation projects in collaboration with engineering and surveying firms. Recently, they adopted the Elios 3 to make underground and confined space inspections safer, faster, and more efficient.

The Challenges Of Water And Wastewater Inspections

Working with sewers and wastewater systems presents unique challenges. Blockages, floods, and aging infrastructure can all complicate operations. When Metrocorp collects data in these environments, they must ensure accuracy while following strict safety procedures.

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

In Sydney, efforts are underway to rehabilitate aging wastewater structures to extend their service life by another 50–100 years. This includes analyzing existing records, mapping unused areas, and planning maintenance and upgrades. However, condition assessments are especially difficult because they often need to be done while the system is still in operation.

Metrocorp has identified four key hazards during sewer inspections:

1. Risk of falling – many assets are deep underground, making falls from height a serious concern.
2. Atmospheric dangers – sewers can contain toxic gases or low oxygen levels.
3. Engulfment risk – sudden water surges can trap workers inside.
4. Tunnel collapse – some structures in Sydney are over 100 years old, increasing the chance of roof or tunnel failure.

To address these risks, Metrocorp uses the Elios 3 drone to collect data from a safe distance. In one recent project, the drone inspected four 17-meter-deep tunnels showing signs of severe deterioration. A team of just three people completed the task in a single day, whereas a traditional method would have required at least seven to ten people and multiple shifts.

Using The Elios 3 For Deep Manhole Condition Assessments

Metrocorp was tasked with assessing an old, deep wastewater access shaft as part of an ongoing inspection program. Traditionally, inspecting a 70-meter-deep shaft involves setting up specialized equipment and sending one person down for a visual check. This approach carries significant risks, including falls, exposure to hazardous gases, and potential injury from falling objects.

The Elios 3 makes underground tunnel inspections safer and more data-rich

With the Elios 3, these risks are eliminated. The drone captures high-resolution images and LiDAR data, which can be analyzed remotely from the office. This not only improves safety but also provides accurate measurements that help asset owners plan rehabilitation strategies.

The Elios 3’s LiDAR payload created a precise 3D point cloud model, which was used by the asset owner to understand the structure better. Additionally, video footage from two flights was used to generate a 3D photogrammetry model, giving engineers a full view of the tunnel's dimensions and internal features.

The entire inspection was completed 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 can go without the same level of scrutiny and delivers higher quality 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 conditions and reduce risk exposure. Metrocorp has seen significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and safety through the use of the Elios 3.

The Elios 3 offers enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and higher quality data, reducing the cost of sewer inspections by up to 40% per linear meter. With the release of the Surveying Payload in 2023, data accuracy and quality have further increased. Learn more about the Elios 3 and its advanced LiDAR capabilities today.