Unconventional Inspections, Extraordinary Results

RAVAN AIR, a cutting-edge technology company, continues to make significant strides in the field of infrastructure inspection.

A recent project, undertaken for a government municipality, involved mapping 300-linear feet of a challenging 60-inch brick combined sewer and storm pipe to collect LiDAR data.

This particular pipe posed unique challenges due to its age and partial water and dirt fill. Built circa the 1930s, this aging brick pipe, while in functional condition, showed proof of roots breaking through and other potential defects that the city needed to understand with total clarity.

The solution? Not a simple one, as other inspection companies turned away from the seemingly impossible task.

Overcoming Obstacles with Drone Innovation

To tackle this complex task, RAVAN AIR employed a creative and unconventional approach: a modified remote controlled (RC) buggy, or truck, equipped with a deconstructed underground drone (Flyability’s Elios 3). This ingenious solution allowed the team to navigate the challenging environment with precision and efficiency.

Key Challenges and Solutions

• Water Interference: The presence of water in the pipe caused significant splashing, which could disrupt the drone’s sensors and impair data quality. To mitigate this issue, the team removed the drone’s protective cage, reducing its overall height and minimizing water exposure.
• Limited Battery Life: The demanding conditions and the need for extended operation time required careful battery management. By operating the drone in handheld mode, the team was able to maximize battery life and capture valuable data.
• Navigating Complex Terrain: The pipe’s intricate geometry and the presence of obstacles necessitated precise maneuvering. The modified RC truck, equipped with hand-crafted styrofoam flotation devices, provided the necessary stability and control to navigate the challenging environment.

Benefits of Drone-Based Inspection

• Enhanced Safety: By utilizing drones for inspection, RAVAN AIR significantly reduces the risks associated with traditional inspection methods, which often involve confined space entry.
• Improved Efficiency: Drone-based inspections offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution, as they can cover larger areas in less time.
• Accurate Data Collection: Drones equipped with advanced sensors, such as LiDAR, can capture detailed and accurate data, enabling precise assessments of infrastructure conditions.

RAVAN AIR’s innovative approach to sewer inspection demonstrates the potential of drone technology and lateral thinking to revolutionize infrastructure maintenance and repair. By overcoming the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and complex environments, the company is paving the way for safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

About RAVAN AIR

RAVAN AIR is based in Conneaut Lake, PA, and offers a full line of underground, aerial and above ground inspection services serving the oil and natural gas, landfill, utility and construction industries. RAVAN AIR is constantly looking at innovative ways to transform manual, time consuming tasks into an automated, time-saving mission. RAVAN AIR was created by and for people in the natural gas industry.