company
SEH (Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.)
industry
Water and wastewater management
country
United States
savings
100% elimination of risky personnel recruitment
Why does SEH use inspection drones?
SEH was commissioned to assess the condition of an approximately 45-meter-long "pipe-in-a-pipe" section. This was an egg-shaped brick channel (60 inches) in which massive deposits and debris had accumulated.
Conventional inspection methods, such as the use of sewer TV cameras (CCTV), were not possible due to the debris in the pipe. A manual inspection would have been the only alternative, but this is extremely expensive and extremely dangerous for employees. The goal was to find a solution that would completely eliminate the need to enter the hazardous area and provide accurate visual data despite the obstacles.
challenges
Massive deposits:
Debris prevented the use of wheeled vehicles (CCTV).
Complex geometry:
An egg-shaped profile made navigation and stable image capture difficult.
High safety risks:
The danger posed by toxic gases, sharp-edged debris, and limited visibility in confined spaces.
Logistical effort:
A manual inspection would have required a team of five, ventilation systems, rescue winches, and extensive protective equipment.
High costs:
The conventional inspection was estimated at approximately $8,800—excluding the necessary debris removal beforehand.
What is the solution with ASIO X?
SEH opted for the ASIO X to inspect the channel completely remotely and eliminate the need for human entry.
Waiver of debris removal
Since the ASIO X flies rather than drives, the debris on the ground was not an issue. The drone was able to inspect the entire section in about an hour without the need for costly clearance work beforehand.
Superior lighting in egg profile
In the complete darkness of the brick canal, the drone's 40,000-lumen lighting system provided illumination far beyond what would have been possible with handheld cameras. Every joint and every potential area of damage was captured with crystal clarity.
Safety through distance
Instead of a five-person team in the danger zone, the drone team consisted of just one pilot and one project manager. Gas levels were monitored and visual documentation was carried out safely from the control point.
Live connection with the customer
Thanks to the screen sharing function, the client was able to follow the inspection in real time. Decisions about the condition of the structure and bulkheads could be made immediately during the flight.
Why the ASIO X was suitable for this application
40,000 lumens on-board light
Crucial for the quality of 4K recordings in light-absorbing brick structures.
multisensor payload
Simultaneous capture of RGB images, infrared data, and gas values for a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
Stability in confined spaces
The drone maintained a stable flight attitude despite the irregular geometry of the egg profile.
No additional software required
Quick evaluation of data immediately after use.
results
100% security
The risk to employees was completely eliminated, as it was no longer necessary to enter the sewer.
More efficient planning
Thanks to the precise 3D data, SEH was able to plan renovation measures faster and more accurately than with traditional reports.
Greater acceptance among customers
The ability to conduct inspections without risky site visits positions SEH as an innovative partner for infrastructure operators.
Experience ASIO X in action
Book a drone demonstration
Integration of drones into industrial inspection processes
The SEH case impressively demonstrates that safety and efficiency go hand in hand. The ASIO X serves not only as a camera, but also as a safety tool that consistently eliminates human risks in wastewater management.
