An inaccessible culvert at an open-cut mine in Australia was finally surveyed using the Elios 3, completing the task in under a day. This breakthrough inspection demonstrated how advanced technology can transform mine safety practices.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Introduction: Leveraging Drones for Mining Safety

Mining operations worldwide adhere to stringent safety standards to safeguard workers, whether in open-pit mines or underground excavations. Ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure, such as culverts, is paramount. Culverts play a dual role in mines, channeling water and providing structural support. When a culvert fails, it can lead to severe consequences like subsidence or landslides. Therefore, thorough inspections are vital. However, these tasks can be hazardous and technically challenging, especially since many culverts lack sufficient access points for traditional inspections. The Elios 3 has emerged as a game-changer, offering a safer alternative to manual entry and navigating obstacles like water or confined spaces.

Client Requirements: The Elios 3 for Culvert Inspection

Azure Integrity, a leading drone service provider in Adelaide, Australia, recently acquired the Elios 3, building upon their experience with the Elios 2. Their team has been deploying the drone across various sites in the region, from mining equipment to railway infrastructures. One notable assignment involved a large open-cut mine in Queensland where a culvert had never been inspected using drones. Concerns over recent mining incidents heightened the need for rigorous culvert maintenance. The culvert in question measured 80 meters in length, 3.5 meters in height, and 1.5 meters in width. An energy breaker at one end restricted access for personnel and crawlers alike due to limited space and accumulated water. Moreover, the water depth was uncertain, ruling out the use of floating inspection tools. These challenges made the Elios 3 the ideal solution for this complex inspection. Beyond fulfilling the technical requirements, this project also served as a proof-of-concept for Azure Integrity's capabilities. The goal was to conduct a detailed visual inspection of the culvert, leveraging the Elios 3's advanced cameras to capture high-resolution imagery.

Solution: Customizing Drone Inspections with the Elios 3

Upon arrival at the mine, the Azure Integrity team swiftly launched the Elios 3. Moving over stagnant water proved straightforward, allowing the drone to cover significant ground rapidly. However, halfway through the inspection, the team encountered an unforeseen complication: a colony of bats occupying part of the culvert. Despite the pilot's best efforts to guide the bats to the exit, they remained reluctant to leave their dark haven during daylight hours. Fortunately, the Elios 3's adaptability shone through—by rescheduling the inspection for nighttime, when bats are typically active hunters, the team could proceed unimpeded. Equipped with a powerful lighting system capable of illuminating up to 16,000 lumens, the Elios 3 ensured clear visibility regardless of the time of day. The drone successfully completed the remaining 30 meters of the culvert inspection, capturing every detail required for analysis. Back on the surface, the collected footage was processed using Flyability’s Inspector 4 software. Engineers reviewed the data to assess the culvert's structural condition and identify potential maintenance needs. This systematic approach streamlined decision-making and enhanced operational efficiency.

Conclusion: Transforming Mining Operations with Drone Technology

Azure Integrity delivered exceptional value to their client by showcasing the Elios 3's versatility and reliability. By adapting to the unique conditions of the culvert, the team underscored the immense benefits of incorporating drones into mining workflows. Quick deployment, combined with real-time adjustments, minimized downtime and maximized productivity. Furthermore, the Elios 3 eliminated the risks associated with human entry into confined spaces, ensuring both personnel and site safety. At the Queensland open-cut mine, Azure Integrity not only gained access to a previously unreachable area but also demonstrated the power of innovative solutions in enhancing overall site safety. The client expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, while the bats returned to their habitat undisturbed post-inspection. This project highlights the transformative potential of drone-based inspections in mining. As Azure Integrity continues to refine its offerings, they remain committed to supporting clients in achieving safer, more efficient operations. Whether through adapting to changing circumstances or delivering precise data, the Elios 3 stands as a testament to the future of industrial drone applications.

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