At Suez RV Osis, inspectors are leveraging the power of the Elios 2 drone to achieve complete coverage during sewer inspections. This innovative approach is transforming how wastewater systems are maintained across France.

Suez RV Osis is a French company that specializes in waste management and environmental services. Their work involves maintaining and inspecting critical wastewater infrastructure, ensuring that it remains functional and safe for communities.

As part of their routine operations, Suez RV Osis conducts regular inspections of wastewater systems throughout France. These inspections take place in both urban and rural settings, ranging from large-scale city networks to older, masonry-based systems that run beneath homes.

The variety of environments requires inspectors to be adaptable and equipped to handle different challenges. Whether it's navigating tight spaces or dealing with hazardous conditions, the team at Suez RV Osis ensures that every system is thoroughly checked.

These inspections are vital for several reasons:

• Identifying blockages caused by sediment or debris buildup
• Evaluating the overall functionality of the system
• Detecting structural weaknesses that could lead to collapse

France’s New Law Drives Increased Sewer Inspection Efforts

With a new national law requiring all major cities in France to complete wastewater infrastructure inspections by 2026, the need for efficient and accurate inspection methods has never been greater. Suez RV Osis is at the forefront of this effort, helping cities meet compliance requirements.

In Toulouse alone, over 2,229 miles (3,700 kilometers) of sewer pipes must be inspected. The scale of this task is massive, requiring significant resources and coordination. As a result, companies like Suez RV Osis are turning to advanced technologies to improve efficiency and safety.

A picture taken by the Elios 2 during a Suez sewer inspection

Traditionally, Suez RV Osis used methods such as rolling cameras on carts, floating CCTV equipment, or sending personnel into the sewers. However, these approaches have limitations, especially when it comes to safety and accessibility.

Many of the pipes they inspect pose serious risks, including the potential for collapse, high water levels, slippery surfaces, and exposure to harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide. Because of these dangers, only about 80% of the infrastructure can be inspected using conventional techniques.

Pioneering Innovation in Wastewater Inspection

To address the remaining 20%, Suez RV Osis has embraced cutting-edge technology, including drones and specialized rovers. Among the tools they use is the Elios 2 from Flyability, which allows them to access hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently.

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

The Elios 2 is designed to withstand collisions with walls and obstacles, making it ideal for navigating confined and fragile spaces. Its durable design prevents damage to both the drone and the surrounding structures, ensuring safer and more reliable inspections.

[Related read: 8 Key Benefits of Indoor Drones for Sewer Inspections]

Using the Elios 2, Suez RV Osis can now inspect up to 900 meters per day—more than double the rate achieved with traditional methods. This increased speed, combined with high-quality imaging, has significantly improved their ability to maintain and monitor wastewater systems.

The team also uses Flyability’s Inspector 3.0 software to pinpoint defects found during inspections. By creating precise location data, they help clients target maintenance efforts accurately, reducing unnecessary digging and saving time and resources.

How Suez Plans and Executes Drone Missions

While drones are a key tool, they are just one part of the process. At Suez RV Osis, the focus is on collecting and analyzing visual data to diagnose issues and recommend solutions.

A typical inspection flight involves three main steps:

• Step 1: Planning and Preparation – Pilots work with local teams to plan the flight, considering access points, safety, and equipment needs.
• Step 2: Flight Execution – During the flight, the drone captures detailed video footage, working closely with the wastewater inspector to ensure all necessary data is collected.
• Step 3: Data Processing and Reporting – After the flight, the data is analyzed, and reports are generated to meet regulatory standards and guide maintenance actions.

For longer inspections, Suez often uses a range extender to fly the Elios 2 up to 150–200 meters inside a pipe. This allows for comprehensive coverage even in complex or extended sewer systems.

During flights, inspectors look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, corrosion, or root intrusions, as well as issues like sediment buildup that could affect system performance.

"The Elios 2 performs exceptionally well in underground structures due to its bright LED lighting and high-resolution camera. This combination provides clear visuals, enabling us to conduct thorough and accurate inspections," adds Phillipe Bonnin.

Key Benefits of Using the Elios 2 for Sewer Inspections

By integrating the Elios 2 into their workflow, Suez RV Osis has seen numerous advantages:

• Full Coverage – The drone ensures 100% visibility in even the most challenging sewer environments.
• Increased Speed – Inspections are completed faster, allowing for more infrastructure to be reviewed daily.
• High-Quality Imaging – The drone’s powerful lighting and camera provide detailed images for accurate assessments.
• Accurate Data Localization – Inspector 3.0 helps pinpoint exact locations of defects, improving maintenance efficiency.
• Reduced Personnel Needs – With fewer people required for each inspection, the process becomes more cost-effective and safer.

As the demand for efficient and safe sewer inspections continues to grow, Suez RV Osis is setting a new standard with the use of advanced drone technology. Their commitment to innovation not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances public safety and environmental protection.

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