October 2024 Vol. 79 No. 10
Features
Eliminating pipe obstructions with vibrating nozzles
By Del Williams
(UI) — In sanitary sewer and storm lines, scale, grout, mortar residue and mineral deposits as well as cementitious particulates can accumulate over time and harden to the pipe wall or floor.
As a result, municipalities and contractors conduct periodic maintenance to flush debris and sediment from the lines, breaking up hardened obstructions, to prevent blockage and protect downstream wastewater treatment equipment from excessive loading. If this kind of debris is transported by pipe to clarifiers, digesters, sewer vaults or treatment plants, it can disrupt and overburden the process as it collects and hardens. A similar problem occurs when rain washes debris into the lines prior to treatment.
Although various methods are available to remove tough blockages. Some, like chain cutters, are well suited to cut through obstructions like tree roots but are not specifically designed to dislodge hardened deposits attached to pipe without damage.
Instead, a more effective approach developed by the sewer industry is to use specialized, vibratory nozzles that are specifically designed to quickly and effectively remove hardened deposits without damaging the pipe.
“As a modern vibration style nozzle moves through pipe, it is designed to break up even hardened deposits into tiny pieces that flush out with the wastewater. It’s much faster than a cutter and specifically designed to minimize pipe damage,” says Dan Story, operations manager at KEG Technologies.
In the case of KEG, the OEM’s vibrating rotational nozzle is called the Duce Nozzle. A rotating nozzle can be particularly effective for removing hardened deposits on the floor or wall of sanitary sewer and storm lines. The special nozzle utilizes water driven rotation and vibration to create a unique “jackhammer” action to remove difficult materials such as scaling, grout/mortar residue, tuberculation, or other deposits within pipes. This approach is safer, faster and more efficient than cutting and milling out the material.
Recycled water version
When water conservation is necessary, some models are designed to be used with recycled water and a recycling truck. The use of a recycling truck facilitates up to five more hours of jetting per day since the work crew does not need to retrieve more water every 15-20 minutes. The approach saves water, fuel and vehicle/machine wear.
Although both types of vibratory nozzle can effectively clean hardened materials clinging to pipe, Story advises determining the overall condition of the pipe via camera inspection before use. He also cautions against using the vibratory nozzle in weak or damaged pipe.
“A vibratory nozzle is not recommended for use in clay pipe or in any pipe displaying cracks, fissures, or damage,” says Story, adding that KEG’s product was nicknamed “Duce” as a warning: “Don’t Use in Clay Ever.”
When municipalities and contractors must keep their sanitary sewer and storm lines free of obstructions, using a vibratory nozzle can help operators quickly and effectively remove hardened materials, clear clogs, and restore flow. Compared to more aggressive measures like using chain cutters, the approach can ease line maintenance and minimize incidental damage to pipe.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, Calif.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
KEG Technologies, (864)804-6637, kegtechnologies.net
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