Inspectors at Suez RV Osis are leveraging the Elios 2 indoor drone to ensure comprehensive coverage in their sewer inspections. Here's how they're accomplishing this task.

Suez RV Osis, headquartered in France, offers waste management solutions across the region. Their operations span both urban and rural areas, requiring inspectors to adapt to diverse environmental conditions.

As part of their responsibilities, Suez inspectors conduct regular assessments of wastewater systems nationwide. These assessments are critical for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure, aiding in identifying blockages, assessing overall functionality, and detecting structural issues that could jeopardize the entire system.

For instance, in Toulouse alone, there are over 2,200 miles of sewer pipes that need evaluation, a daunting task that necessitates significant resources and manpower.

Recent legislative changes in France have further increased the urgency for thorough inspections, mandating all major cities to complete these evaluations by 2026. This has pushed municipalities to seek expertise like that offered by Suez RV Osis.

A photo captured by the Elios 2 during a Suez sewer inspection

Traditionally, inspectors relied on various techniques to gather visual data, such as deploying cameras on carts or floating CCTV cameras. However, these methods have limitations, particularly in hazardous environments where human entry poses risks.

Due to these challenges, only around 80% of the wastewater systems managed by Suez can be inspected safely using conventional methods.

Innovative Solutions for Comprehensive Inspections

So, how does Suez overcome the remaining 20%? By embracing cutting-edge technologies like drones and specialized vehicles. Suez RV Osis stands out in adopting advanced tools for efficient inspections, investing heavily in technological advancements.

One such tool is Flyability’s Elios 2, which enables inspectors to remotely assess dangerous areas without risking injury. Equipped with a protective cage, the Elios 2 can bump into walls or obstacles without damage, preserving fragile structures prone to collapse.

“We’ve been using Flyability’s Elios drones since their introduction. They’re ideal for sewer inspections.”

- Philippe Bonnin, Drone Development Manager at Suez RV Osis

The Elios 2 enhances coverage and speeds up inspections significantly. With traditional methods, Suez teams could inspect approximately 400-600 meters daily, whereas the Elios 2 boosts this figure to up to 900 meters per day, improving efficiency by 50% or more.

Additionally, Suez is testing Flyability’s Inspector 3.0 software to accurately mark defect locations in footage collected by the Elios 2. Sparse point clouds generated by the software help identify precise maintenance spots, streamlining repairs and reducing unnecessary excavation efforts.

Strategic Planning for Drone Operations

While drones play a vital role, they’re only one component of Suez’s inspection strategy. The real value lies in analyzing collected data to diagnose faults and recommend necessary actions.

A drone operator guides the Elios 2 inside a sewer during an assessment

Each inspection flight involves several stages:

• Preparation phase: Pilots collaborate with local teams to map out the mission, considering factors like accessibility and safety.

• Flight execution: Operators work closely with inspectors to capture all essential visuals.

• Data processing

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