Veolia Water Enhances Inspection Efficiency and Safety with Elios
Veolia Water has integrated Elios drones into their operations, significantly boosting the efficiency of their sewer inspections while ensuring the safety of their workforce. This move marks a pivotal shift towards smarter and safer practices in maintaining critical infrastructure.
Key Benefits at a Glance
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Cost Savings Users of Elios drones in sewer networks typically experience a 40% cut in inspection costs per linear meter. This translates to substantial savings over time, making maintenance more sustainable and cost-effective. |
Time Efficiency Elios drones perform inspections twice as quickly as conventional ITV methods, thanks to their ability to operate without pre-cleaning the sewer lines. This drastically reduces downtime and speeds up decision-making processes. |
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Safety First By using drones, Veolia Water eliminates the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments, such as those filled with toxic gases or cramped spaces. This ensures the well-being of workers and reduces liability risks. |
Operational Flexibility The Elios drones offer unprecedented access to previously unreachable areas, allowing for comprehensive assessments of even the most challenging infrastructures. Additionally, the compact design of the drone means quicker mobilization and less equipment needed on-site. |
Introducing Elios 3: A Game-Changer
In 2023, Veolia Water upgraded their drone fleet with the latest Elios 3 model, aiming to streamline inspection procedures while prioritizing worker safety. Julien Maj, a service manager at Veolia Water, describes the Elios 3 as “an irreplaceable tool [...] and a new member within the team that we use every day.†In a recent testimonial video, Veolia Water shared their experiences with Elios drones and highlighted the transformative impact they’ve had on their operations.
Addressing Industry Challenges
As the global leader in water and wastewater management, Veolia Water oversees vast networks of underground sewer lines that play a crucial role in keeping urban areas clean and hygienic. Maintaining these extensive systems poses significant challenges, including blockages, sediment accumulation, structural cracks, and infiltration issues. Left unaddressed, these problems can escalate into costly and hazardous situations, endangering public health.
Traditional inspection methods involve either manual entry by personnel or the use of cameras attached to snakelines. Both approaches come with considerable risks, including exposure to harmful gases, biological contaminants, and unstable water levels. Furthermore, the latter method requires clearing the lines before inspection, which adds unnecessary delays and complicates operations.
A Smarter Approach to Inspections
Recognizing the limitations of conventional techniques, Veolia Water embraced Elios drones early on. These drones navigate obstacles effortlessly, providing clear visuals of sewer interiors without requiring pre-inspection preparation. By leveraging Elios drones, Veolia Water has enhanced its predictive maintenance strategies, catching potential issues before they escalate. The drones’ ability to conduct inspections remotely has also removed the need for risky human interventions, making the process safer and more efficient.
Julien Maj, who manages Veolia Water’s operations at one of their initial pilot sites, emphasized the importance of having a drone that is both user-friendly and adaptable to complex environments. He noted that Elios drones deliver "a structured and organized mapping of our installations," which integrates seamlessly with their Geographic Information System (GIS). This enables real-time visualization of customer assets, enhancing transparency and service delivery. For Julien, the primary advantage lies in improved safety, as drone inspections eliminate the need for workers to enter hazardous locations.
Julien further highlighted the advancements brought by Elios 3, which builds upon the capabilities of its predecessor. Operators find the newer model significantly easier to handle, thanks to its intuitive controls and longer flight duration. The superior imaging quality provided by the 4K camera and LiDAR technology is particularly noteworthy. It generates precise 3D models that align perfectly with their GIS systems and supports georeferencing. Additionally, the Elios 3 has opened up new opportunities in the industrial sector, enabling inspections of assets like aeration tanks and storage basins that were previously inaccessible via traditional methods.
Measurable Outcomes
According to Veolia Water, users of Elios drones in sewer networks enjoy a 40% reduction in inspection costs per linear meter and achieve inspections in half the usual time. Florent Fardel, who leads the network maintenance team, attributes this success to the drone’s ability to function without prior line cleaning. He remarked, “We can now inspect assets without needing to prepare the collectors beforehand, resulting in much faster responses. The contrast between a conventional ITV inspection and a drone-based one lies in setup speed and resource utilization, which are drastically reduced.â€
Moreover, the accompanying software, Inspector, facilitates seamless integration with Veolia’s digital reporting tools, ensuring compliance with standards such as EN 13508. This ensures timely delivery of actionable insights to clients, strengthening client relationships and operational efficiency.
Closing Thoughts
Elios drones represent a paradigm shift in sewer inspections, empowering organizations like Veolia Water to address industry challenges innovatively. By adopting this cutting-edge technology, Veolia Water has not only improved operational efficiency but also ensured the safety of its workforce. The Elios 3 has become indispensable, embodying the spirit of progress and reliability in modern infrastructure management.
For more insights into how drones are reshaping the inspection landscape, visit /sewer-drones.
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