Drones have revolutionized the way we inspect and monitor various structures and spaces. Their ability to access hard-to-reach areas and provide high-resolution imagery has made them increasingly popular in industries such as agriculture, renewables, energy, and construction. In recent years, drones have also been used to inspect confined spaces, including sewages, which were previously inaccessible to humans due to the associated risks and challenges.
In this article, we will explore how drones are being used to inspect confined spaces, specifically in the context of sewage systems.

There are several methods for inspecting sewage systems, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here are some of the most common methods used for sewage inspection before drones became a viable option:

1. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection: This method involves using a camera mounted on a crawler or a pushrod to inspect the inside of the sewer pipe. The footage is transmitted to a monitor for analysis.
2. Sonar inspection: This method involves sending a sound wave through the sewer pipe and measuring the reflection to create an image of the inside of the pipe. It is useful for identifying blockages and other obstructions.
3. Laser profiling: This method involves using a laser to create a 3D image of the inside of the sewer pipe. It is useful for identifying the shape and size of the pipe and for detecting any deformities or obstructions.
4. Smoke testing: This method involves introducing smoke into the sewer pipe and observing where it escapes. It is useful for identifying leaks and other defects in the pipe.
5. Dye testing: This method involves introducing a dye into the sewer pipe and observing where it flows. It is useful for identifying the direction and speed of flow in the pipe.
6. Ground penetrating radar (GPR): This method involves using radar to create an image of the subsurface, including the sewer pipe. It is useful for identifying the location and depth of the pipe.

Nowadays drones are rapidly becoming the standard when talking about sewage inspections and in fact, they have several advantages over traditional inspection methods, such as:

• Increased safety: Inspecting confined spaces can be dangerous for humans, especially if there are toxic fumes or the risk of collapse. Drones can safely access these areas without putting human operators at risk.
• Greater efficiency: Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time and cost of inspections. This can be especially important in large cities where there are many kilometers of sewer pipes to inspect.
• High-quality data: Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos of the inside of sewer pipes, providing detailed information on their condition. This data can be used to identify potential problems before they become more serious, reducing the need for costly repairs.
• Maneuverability: Drones have great freedom of movement and can navigate around obstacles & maneuver in tight spaces, making them ideal for inspecting complex sewer networks.

Confined space drones have the ability to capture high-quality data from hard-to-reach areas, providing valuable data for inspection and analysis. Here are some typical outputs generated by confined space drones:

As technology continues to improve, we can expect drones to play an increasingly important role in inspecting confined spaces, such as sewers. If you’re not ready yet to buy such a drone or would like to test its capabilities first there’s the service option for the sewage area and other industries where all the work is done by a DSP (Drone Service Provider), like Skyline Drones (România), that organizes, flyes and processes all the data and you receive only the final results.

Currently, confined space drones are used in a variety of industries such as oil & gas, agriculture, public safety, maritime, energy, infrastructure & utilities, and mining.

For those that it makes sense, confined space drones are available for purchase, also from Skyline Drones (România), allowing for safe and efficient inspections in a variety of industries. Details about how such a purchase might benefit your area of expertise can be found at the contact details below: