Unlock safer, faster, and cheaper sewer inspections

Applications for sewer network inspections with the Elios 3 include assessing pipelines, manholes, pumping stations, culverts, desalination plants, water treatment sites, as well as completing georeferenced surveys, inspecting tanks and water storage, as well as accessing underground canals.

A drone sewer inspection delivers remote access, cutting hazard exposure to staff as well as reducing the complexity of the inspection caused by confined space entry and additional standby safety teams. A drone can gather accurate data for a sewer inspection and provide results in industry-recognized formats in a fraction of the time taken for traditional inspections. Overall, drone sewer inspections are safer, faster, and cheaper per linear meter.

The Elios 3 drone can operate without a GPS signal, making it well-suited for inspecting underground sewers, pipelines, and tanks. It also has a collision-tolerant cage that makes it easy to fly beyond the visual line of sight without fear of collisions taking it out of the air.

Flyability and WinCan have partnered to create a custom integration for Elios drone data with the WinCan platform. You can learn more about it in our webinar.

A NASSCO-compliant report requires visual data to be localized within the pipe in relation to the entry point. Missions with the Elios 3 can provide this data, which can be exported to NASSCO-accepted software such as WinCan and Pioneer to divide the pipeline into segments and catalogue defects. Learn about NASSCO-compliant projects with the Elios 3 in this case study.

The Elios 3 gathers visual data and a thermal sensor that can overlay the 4K video footage. In addition, the drone collects a 3D scan with its LiDAR sensor during flight, which is used for SLAM while in the air and for analysis and 3D modeling post-mission. Additional payloads can be mounted on the Elios 3 for ultrasonic thickness measurement of steel as well as radiation detection and alerts about flammable gases.

The Elios 3 has an additional payload called the Flammable Gas Sensor, which can alert pilots to the presence of over 14 flammable gases.

The first step would be to speak to our sales team to determine your use cases and design the right package for your needs, depending on the frequency of your inspections and size of the pipes you're assessing. Talk to our team to learn more.

We recommend using the Elios 3 drone and its Surveying Payload. This includes retroreflective targets to assist in georeferencing the dataset. We recommend using a total station or system for georeferencing your 3D model. Depending on how you wish to present your results, you may benefit from our Premium Software offering, which includes additional Inspector Online features and capabilities. You may also consider pairing your Elios 3 data with a new or existing WinCan subscription. If you're flying outdoors for the take-off of the drone, ensure you comply with local drone regulations - in some cases, it may be necessary to use a custom tent or cover system so the drone does not take off in open air. Talk to our team for more support.

We have a range extender with a 20-meter cable to boost the Elios 3's signal in sewer missions, which can be used at the point of entry or at another manhole further along the system. In addition, if the drone loses signal, it will automatically initiate "Return-to-Signal" and fly the exact same flight path in reverse to re-establish connection. Learn more about Flyability's automated features on the Elios 3.