Sewer Inspections by Drone: How Suez RV Osis Uses the Elios 2 to Achieve 100% Coverage in Wastewater Infrastructure

At Suez RV Osis, inspectors are leveraging the Elios 2 drone to ensure complete coverage during sewer inspections. Here’s how they’re doing it.

Suez RV Osis is a French company that specializes in waste management and wastewater infrastructure services. Their work involves inspecting and maintaining underground systems that are vital for public health and environmental safety.

As part of their routine operations, Suez RV Osis conducts regular inspections of wastewater systems across France. These inspections take place in both urban and rural areas, where the infrastructure varies greatly in age, condition, and complexity.

The variety of environments means that inspectors must be prepared for a wide range of challenges. From massive city-wide sewer networks to older, masonry-based systems running directly beneath homes, each site presents unique obstacles.

These inspections are essential for maintaining the integrity of the wastewater systems, helping to:

• Identify clogs caused by sediment or debris accumulation
• Assess the current functionality of the system
• Detect structural issues that could lead to collapses

French Law Mandates Wastewater Inspections in Major Cities by 2026

With a new national law requiring all major cities in France to complete wastewater infrastructure inspections by 2026, the need for efficient and effective inspection methods has never been greater. This legislation has placed significant pressure on local governments, prompting them to seek expert support from companies like Suez RV Osis.

In Toulouse alone, there are over 2,229 miles (3,700 kilometers) of sewer pipes that must be inspected. The scale of this task demands large teams and substantial budgets, but it also highlights the growing importance of advanced technologies in the field.

Advancements in Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) technology have played a key role in transforming how these inspections are conducted. At Suez RV Osis, innovation is at the core of their approach, ensuring they can meet evolving regulatory requirements while improving efficiency and safety.

A photo captured by the Elios 2 during a sewer inspection

Traditionally, Suez RV Osis used a range of manual and mechanical methods to collect visual data inside sewers. These included rolling cameras on carts, floating CCTV units, or sending inspectors into the pipes manually. However, these approaches had clear limitations, especially in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas.

Manual inspections pose serious risks, including the potential for collapse due to aging masonry, high water levels after heavy rain, slippery surfaces, and exposure to harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide. As a result, only about 80% of the sewer network can be inspected using traditional methods.

Revolutionizing Sewer Inspections with Innovative Technologies

To address the remaining 20%, Suez RV Osis has turned to cutting-edge tools such as flying drones, floating devices, and specialized rovers. As a leader in adopting new technologies, the company has invested heavily in improving its inspection processes through innovation.

One of the key tools in their arsenal is the Elios 2 drone from Flyability. Designed for confined spaces, the Elios 2 features a protective cage that allows it to safely navigate tight and hazardous environments without risking damage to itself or the surrounding structures.

"We've been using Flyability's Elios drones since they first came out, and we've found them perfect for sewer inspections," says Philippe Bonnin, Drone Development Manager at Suez RV Osis.

The Elios 2 enables Suez to achieve full coverage of its sewer networks, significantly increasing the speed of inspections. While traditional methods allow for about 400–600 meters of inspection per day, the Elios 2 can cover up to 900 meters daily—boosting efficiency by 50% to more than double the previous rate.

Suez has also started using Flyability’s Inspector 3.0 software to identify defects in the footage collected by the Elios 2. By generating sparse point clouds, the software helps pinpoint exact locations of issues, allowing maintenance teams to dig precisely where needed and avoid unnecessary excavation.

How Suez Plans and Executes Drone Missions for Sewer Inspections

While drones are a powerful tool, they are just one part of the broader inspection process at Suez RV Osis. The team focuses not only on collecting data but also on analyzing it to diagnose problems and provide actionable recommendations.

A typical "inspection flight" involves three main steps:

• Step 1: Upstream Planning – Pilots collaborate with local teams to plan the mission, considering access points, safety protocols, and equipment needs.
• Step 2: Flight Execution – During the inspection, the drone pilot works closely with the inspector to capture all necessary visual data.
• Step 3: Data Analysis and Reporting – After the flight, the data is processed, often using photogrammetry to create 3D models. This information is then compiled into official reports that meet national standards.

To reach deeper sections of the sewer system, Suez often uses a range extender, allowing the Elios 2 to fly up to 150–200 meters within a pipe.

During the flight, inspectors look for signs of structural damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion, as well as functional issues like sediment buildup or blockages.

"The Elios 2 performs exceptionally well in underground structures like sewage systems thanks to its powerful LED lighting and high-quality camera. This combination ensures clear visibility and accurate analysis during every inspection," adds Philippe Bonnin.

Key Benefits of Using the Elios 2 for Sewer Inspections

By integrating the Elios 2 into their workflow, Suez RV Osis has experienced several key benefits:

• Full Coverage – The Elios 2 enables 100% inspection of sewer networks, leaving no area unexamined.
• Increased Speed – Inspections are completed faster, with the Elios 2 covering up to twice the distance of traditional methods.
• High-Quality Imaging – The drone’s advanced lighting and camera provide detailed visuals for accurate decision-making.
• Precise Data Localization – With Inspector 3.0, defects can be located accurately, reducing the need for guesswork during repairs.
• Reduced Personnel – A smaller team is required for inspections, sometimes as few as two people, compared to five for manual checks.

The use of the Elios 2 has not only improved the efficiency and accuracy of Suez RV Osis’ inspections but also enhanced safety and compliance with modern regulations. As the demand for reliable wastewater infrastructure continues to grow, the integration of drone technology is proving to be a game-changer in the industry.

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