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Confined Space Robotic Suction Cleaning of Culverts: Case Study

Written on 04 April, 2025

McBreen Enviro UK was tasked with cleaning 8 culverts, each approximately 2.7m in diameter and 60m long.

The project required robotic suction cleaningand vacuum technology with the assistanceof a confined space team to ensure safetyand efficiency.

Objectives:

  • Minimise labour and confined space exposure: Reduce the amount of time spent working in hazardous confined space environments.
  • Protect culvert integrity: Ensure no structural damage occurred during the desilting process.
  • Enhance safety: Use robotic technology to reduce manual labour and improve safety during the operation.
  • Reduce project duration: Complete the cleaning process quickly and efficiently to limit operational downtime

Works Completed

Before commencing works, our team created two openings in the culverts to allow for forced ventilation, ensuring safe conditions for both technicians and equipment. These openings allowed for the efficient lowering of personnel and tools into the confined space.

Upon arrival at the site, our team began work immediately using the Lombrico Gerotto ROV, operated remotely to enhance safety.

  • Silt Removal: Each culvert contained approximately 800mm of silt. Over the course of the project, the team cleaned 10-15m of the culverts daily.
  • Robotic Cleaning: The Gerotto ROV was used to perform the cleaning remotely, reducing the need for workers to enter confined spaces, minimising risk and improving efficiency.
  • Structural Integrity: Special care was taken to ensure the structural integrity of the culverts was maintained throughout the cleaning process, preventing any damage to the existing infrastructure.
To efficiently manage the waste removal, the DISAB vacuum unit was used to extract the debris from the culverts. Once the vacuum was filled with waste, it was safely transported to a licensed waste disposal facility. The waste removal process was carefully managed to ensure environmentally responsible disposal.

Results:

  • Enhanced Safety: Robotic cleaning significantly reduced the need for confined space entry, ensuring safer working conditions for all personnel.
  • Improved Efficiency: The use of robotic technology and remote operations allowed the team to clean the culverts faster, reducing overall project duration.
  • Cost-Effective: The use of robotics reduced the amount of manual labour required, translating into cost savings and fewer risks of accidents.
  • Structural Protection: The integrity of the culverts was maintained, and no damage was caused during the cleaning process.
The Lombrico Gerotto ROV was instrumental in ensuring the project’s success, and the use of robotic suction cleaning technologies can be applied across a wide range of industries.
Learn more about our Gerotto Mini Excavators here
gerotto

Project Success

The successful completion of this project in Stratford, London demonstrates McBreen Enviro UK’s ability to deploy cutting-edge technology to tackle challenging confined space cleaning projects while improving safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

This case study further demonstrates McBreen Enviro UK’s commitment to providing complete end-to-end solutions. From initial diagnosist through to a fully sustainable outcome. Our rapid response, combined with advanced technology and skilled personnel, underscores our dedication to delivering excellence in every project. 

If you have an issue that needs inspecting then we are here to assist you. Connect with our team today by calling 01905 959013 or you can email us at sales@mcbreenenviro.co.uk

About McBreen Enviro UK

McBreen Enviro UK, established in 2024 as part of the McBreen Group, leverages over 17 years of specialized drainage experience from McBreen Environmental, Ireland’s largest nationwide drainage company.

We offer comprehensive drainage and waste management services, employing cutting-edge trenchless technologies. Our teams deliver innovative and sustainable solutions across the UK.

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McBreen Enviro UK is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge environmental solutions. Trust us to deliver reliable infrastructure for new developments and existing systems alike.

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