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 power of the Elios 2 drone to ensure complete coverage during sewer inspections. This innovative approach is transforming how wastewater systems are maintained and monitored.

Suez RV Osis is a French company specializing in waste management services, with a strong focus on maintaining and inspecting wastewater infrastructure across the country. Their work involves regular assessments of sewage systems, which are vital for public health and environmental protection.

These inspections take place in both urban and rural areas, covering a wide range of environments—from large city sewer networks to older masonry systems that run directly beneath homes. The diversity of these settings requires inspectors to be adaptable and well-prepared for varying conditions.

Regular sewer inspections are essential for ensuring the functionality and safety of wastewater systems. They help identify issues such as clogging, structural weaknesses, and potential risks that could lead to system failure. These assessments play a crucial role in preventing costly repairs and service disruptions.

French Law Mandates Sewer Inspections in Major Cities by 2026

With a new national law requiring all major cities in France to conduct comprehensive wastewater infrastructure inspections by 2026, the pressure on local authorities has increased significantly. This has led to a growing demand for expert companies like Suez RV Osis to assist in meeting these requirements.

In Toulouse alone, there are over 2,229 miles (3,700 kilometers) of sewer pipes that need to be inspected. The scale of this task highlights the importance of efficient and effective inspection methods. As compliance becomes more urgent, companies are turning to advanced technologies to streamline their processes.

One such innovation is the use of drones, which have proven to be invaluable in overcoming the limitations of traditional inspection techniques. At Suez RV Osis, the Elios 2 drone has become a key tool in their arsenal.

A photo captured by the Elios 2 during a sewer inspection

Traditionally, Suez RV Osis used various methods to inspect sewers, including rolling cameras on carts, floating CCTV systems, or sending inspectors into the pipes manually. However, these approaches come with significant limitations, especially when it comes to safety and accessibility.

Many of the pipes they inspect pose serious risks due to factors like unstable masonry, high water levels, slippery surfaces, and the presence of harmful gases. Because of these dangers, only about 80% of the wastewater systems can be inspected using conventional methods.

Revolutionizing Sewer Inspections with Innovative Technology

To address the remaining 20%, Suez RV Osis has embraced cutting-edge tools such as drones, floating devices, and specialized rovers. As a leader in adopting new technologies, the company has invested heavily in improving its data collection processes and enhancing the efficiency of its operations.

The Elios 2, developed by Flyability, is one of the most effective tools Suez RV Osis uses. It allows inspectors to access dangerous or hard-to-reach areas without putting themselves at risk. The drone's protective cage ensures it can safely navigate through tight spaces and avoid damaging the structure or itself.

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

The Elios 2 not only provides 100% coverage but also significantly increases inspection speed. While traditional methods allow inspectors to cover 400–600 meters per day, the Elios 2 enables them to inspect up to 900 meters daily—nearly doubling their productivity.

Suez RV Osis has also started using Flyability’s Inspector 3.0 software to analyze the visual data collected by the Elios 2. This tool helps pinpoint the exact location of defects, making maintenance more precise and efficient.

How Suez Plans and Executes Drone Missions

While drones are a powerful tool, they are just one part of the overall inspection process. At Suez RV Osis, the team combines drone data with expert analysis to diagnose issues and recommend necessary actions.

A typical "inspection flight" involves several steps:

• Step 1: Planning – Pilots collaborate with local teams to plan the mission, considering access points, safety, and equipment needs.
• Step 2: Flight – During the inspection, the drone pilot works closely with the wastewater inspector to capture all necessary visual data.
• Step 3: Data Processing – After the flight, the collected data is analyzed, often using photogrammetry to create 3D models. This information is then compiled into an official report.

To extend the reach of the drone, Suez personnel often use a range extender, allowing the Elios 2 to fly up to 150–200 meters inside a pipe. This capability makes it easier to inspect longer sections of the sewer system efficiently.

During flights, inspectors look for both structural and functional issues. Structural problems may include cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion, while functional issues might involve sediment buildup or blockages that affect the system's performance.

"The Elios 2 performs exceptionally well in underground structures like sewage systems thanks to its bright LED lighting and high-quality camera," says Phillipe Bonnin. "This combination allows us to conduct thorough and accurate inspections."

Key Benefits of Using the Elios 2

Here are some of the main advantages Suez RV Osis has experienced using the Elios 2:

• Full Coverage – The Elios 2 ensures 100% inspection of sewer networks, leaving no area unexamined.
• Increased Speed – Inspectors can cover up to twice the distance compared to traditional methods.
• High-Quality Imaging – The drone’s powerful lighting and high-resolution camera provide clear visuals for accurate assessments.
• Accurate Data Localization – With Inspector 3.0, defects can be precisely located, helping maintenance teams target repairs effectively.
• Reduced Personnel – A manual inspection typically requires five people, but the Elios 2 allows the team to reduce this number to as few as two.

The integration of the Elios 2 into Suez RV Osis’ workflow has not only improved the quality of inspections but also made the process safer, faster, and more cost-effective. As the demand for sewer inspections continues to grow, the use of drones like the Elios 2 is becoming an essential part of modern infrastructure maintenance.

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