High Pressure Water Jet for Pipe Cleaning

What is High Pressure Water Jet?

High Pressure Water Jet is simply the use of a jet or jets of water. This waterjet is most often used to clean. However, there are so many other uses for high pressure water jetting. Although a garden hose can create a jet of water, this article focuses on high pressure industrial uses for water jetting.

High Pressure Water Jet Applications

There are many industrial uses or applications for high pressure water. Each application requires its own range of pressures and flows. Although the first thing considered with water jetting is usually pressure, the flow of water can be critical to the success of an application.

Perhaps the most common application is cleaning. This application often requires only relatively low pressures. More specialist cleaning such as removing marine growth from offshore structures and ships, or de-scaling the inside of chemical storage tanks may require higher pressures. Other high pressure applications include: surface preparation; hydrodemolition; tube and pipe cleaning; vessel and tank cleaning; and cold, abrasive, and waterjet cutting.

Examples of Specialist Applications

1. For oil industry internal pipe cleaning
   

We use a high-speed rotating cleaning head and match it with our SL-VI 100HP large flowrate pump, which can drive four 0.28mm orifices at a time to work without any pressure. It has high pressure, large flowrate, good cleaning effect and high work efficiency.

2. Marine Growth Removal

Methods for eliminating marine growth include mechanical extraction, abrasive grit or garnet blasting, and high-pressure water jetting. Many operators favor water jetting due to its effectiveness, environmental advantages, and efficiency. The pressure of the water jet can be adjusted to effectively remove marine growth without harming the underlying paint or coating. This approach generates no waste grit, and we provide solutions for wastewater collection and recycling. Various attachments are available to enhance efficiency when dealing with large areas of growth.

3. Concrete Removal

Hydrodemolition, or hydrodem, is the process of removing concrete using high-pressure water. Traditionally, this task was carried out with a jackhammer, exposing operators to harmful vibrations and making it relatively slow, often requiring close proximity to the work area. High-pressure water significantly minimizes vibration exposure for operators. Moreover, hydrodem robots allow for remote operation, improving both safety and productivity. The water pressure is precisely calibrated to remove concrete while preserving the underlying rebar, preparing it for new concrete. Unlike jackhammers, which can create microcracks in surrounding concrete, water jetting is selective, removing only the necessary concrete.

4. Concreteberg Removal

Yes, concretebergs are indeed a reality! Similar to the fatbergs frequently reported in the news, concretebergs can block sewers and drains. Many believe these formations stem from construction sites where poured concrete seeps into sewer systems through existing cracks or those created during construction. Operators insert tubing with a cutting head into the sewer, using water at the right pressure and flow to dislodge the concrete. The alternative typically requires digging down to the sewer to remove the blockage, which can be expensive, especially if other pipes and cables are encountered. If the sewer is located beneath a road, this may lead to road closures or temporary traffic lights, causing additional delays and disruptions.

5. White Line Removal

Conventional methods for removing road markings include grinding and burning. Recently, high-pressure water jetting has become increasingly popular among operators. The pressure and flow can be adjusted to remove paint while preserving the integrity of the road surface. Additionally, there are options for wastewater collection and recycling.

Is High-Pressure Water Jetting Environmentally Friendly?

High-pressure water jetting is often regarded as the most eco-friendly cleaning method in industrial settings. Here are three reasons why:

1. Only Water

Most high-pressure water jetting applications use only water, without any chemicals.

2. Water Recycling

There are options to collect used water for treatment and reuse or safe discharge back to its source. This is particularly advantageous in areas with limited water supplies or frequent interruptions. Even in regions without supply issues, recycling water is the best choice for the environment.

Is High-Pressure Water Jet Safe?

Significant advancements in technology and training over the past two decades have made water jetting one of the safest methods for cleaning, removing, and cutting. Why is water jetting so safe?

1. Remote Operation

Water jetting has traditionally relied on hand lancing. Operators and manufacturers, in collaboration with the Water Jetting Association, have made substantial improvements in hand lancing safety. However, the ultimate goal is to eliminate the operator from the work area, which is now achievable with various accessories that allow for remote control. These tools enhance operator safety and comfort while improving production rates and finish quality.

2. PPE

The proper provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential.

Training

We offer a variety of high-pressure water jetting training courses, as proper, high-quality training is crucial for workforce safety in any industry.

If you are interested in the high pressure waterjet cleaning machine, contact us please.