Yorkshire deploys virtual sewer inspection tools

Yorkshire Water has rolled out sewer survey technology to identify blockages in its network before they lead to problems.

The company used a 360 degree video with analytic tools to remotely survey hard-to-reach manholes, pumping stations and shafts, making it safer and faster than traditional surveying techniques.

The work is part of the company’s wider smart wastewater pilot project to optimise and improve its underground assets and minimise the risk of environmental harm.

The survey work focused on Holbeck in Leeds, and Ilkley, which is home to the country’s first designated bathing site. Designation requires the water company to invest in improving water quality in the area near the location.

The work will map and examine the condition of the sewer network, with information and data then used to identify sewer blockages and clear them before they become a problem.

The tool from Subterra feeds back 3D measurements of manholes and shafts and interactive 360-degree video of the inspection, which can viewed remotely to help technicians understand any faults and then carry out necessary repairs.

Thomas Ogden, waste networks technical specialist at Yorkshire said: “The technology is quicker and safer than traditional methods and, most importantly, it provides crystal clear interactive video and measurements which can be shared and analysed remotely so the right fix is carried out first time.”

He said the company plans to expand its use of the tool to other areas of the business to better manage and maintain infrastructure.

Through an analytics platform technicians can inspect, tag and report the condition of the sewer networks using the interactive video, with telemetry providing accurate distance and locations of videos so future work can be carried out efficiently.