The 29th Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International drew an optimistic crowd to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Feb. 25-28.
While the economy may have kept some visitors away, the event drew representatives from 3,780 companies and a total of 8,868 attendees. The prevailing attitude was that the industry will endure, and that no matter what may be happening in the financial sector, there is work to be done in the streets, in homes, and on commercial and industrial properties.
Attendees visited 519 exhibits in more than 500,000 square feet of show space. Education Day seminars and additional seminars during exhibit hours on Thursday and Friday drew full meeting rooms.
There certainly has been no slowdown in manufacturers’ innovation: Attendees discovered the usual wide array of new tools and technologies that make pipe and drain cleaning, maintenance and rehabilitation, and industrial high-pressure cleaning easier and more effective. Here is a look at some highlights from the exhibit floor.
Cleaning power for tubes
The Armadillo tube cleaning system from Aqua Sales operates by remote control to eliminate technician exposure to the high-pressure water stream and limit operator fatigue. The unit is easily assembled on site and packaged for portability. Modular replacement of maintenance items expedites repairs. The system can be configured to accommodate virtually any set-up requirement. Call 218/722-2663 or visit www.armadillocleaner.com.
Vacuuming tools
The GuzzlerGrip line of industrial vacuum nozzles from FS Solutions is designed to enhance operator productivity and reduce fatigue. Handles are positioned for ease of use based on in-plant testing with cleaning professionals. Harnesses are designed to distribute nozzle weight optimally. Angled nozzle ends improve access to the material being vacuumed.
Tools include shovel-headed nozzles that vacuum material as it is loosened, backbone and long-reach versions for hard-to-reach locations, a pit-cleaning nozzle for vacuuming liquids from pits, and an easy-lift designed to relieve strain from long hours of vacuuming. Call 800/822-8785 or visit www.fssolutionsgroup.com.
Compact hydroexcavation
The Hydrodig vacuum excavator from Hydrodig USA LLC comes mounted on a 4-wheel-drive for maneuvering around congested sites, accessing back alleys, and significantly reducing ground disturbance and site restoration. It can be used for a wide range of hydroexcavating applications, including pipeline and utility exposure; posthole digging; slot trenching; catch basin, manhole and culvert cleanouts; and curb box water valve repairs. Call 403/748-2110 or visit www.hydrodig.com.
Simple inspection package
The Gen-Eye The Pod video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners is an integral camera system that combines camera, reel and monitor. The 5.6-inch LCD screen is mounted on a gooseneck with 355-degree swivel that lets the operator adjust to the optimum viewing angle.
A video-out connection lets users record to an external device. The system, for inspecting 2- to 4-inch lines, includes a mini-reel with 125 or 175 feet of push rod, a color mini-camera, 512 Hz transmitter for camera location (optional), a frame and reel with drag brake and reel lock, and an LED dimmer control. Call 800/245-6200 or visit www.drainbrain.com.
Testing lines
The hydrostatic line tester from Cam Spray helps identify defects in pipes. The unit includes a 10.5 gpm/560 psi diaphragm pump driven by a 5 hp Honda GC engine. It has an easy-to-operate regulator and controls, a panel-mounted stainless steel line and bleeder valve, and dual pressure gauges.
The water system includes a 20-gallon tank, garden hose hookup, and overflow hose and tank bypass. The heavy-duty frame is powder-coated and has 13-inch pneumatic tires and swivel casters with brakes. The toolbox has quick couplers and adapters. A remote valve and gauge assembly allows for testing of lines away from the machine. Call 800/648-5011 or visit www.camspray.com.
Down in size
The Elite-D DVD-R recording system from Ratech Electronics has a 15-inch high-resolution, flat LCD screen, a Panasonic DVD recorder, and an 80-gigabyte fast hard drive. The recorder is accessible from the front of the unit. Users can burn video on the fly while performing inspections, just as on videotape, but with far greater capacity.
The control unit is designed with all operating functions top-mounted for ease of use. The panel includes a camera test terminal for easy analysis of problems. The compact camera measures 1.375 inches in diameter and 1.85 inches long and inspects 2- to 12-inch pipes. A 512 Hz transmitter is built in. Illumination comes from high-intensity LED lights with polycarbonate cover. Call 800/461-9200 or visit www.ratech-electronics.com.
Digital inspection
The DCB 10 digital inspection camera from MyTana Manufacturing Co. Inc. has a 12-inch touch screen, built-in microphone, full text writing capabilities and 11 on-screen touch-and-drag icons for identifying and locating problem areas. The camera head includes a built-in transmitter with adjustable, touch-screen lighting. Offering either battery or AC operation, the unit measures 15 inches high, 15 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep. Call 800/328-8170 or visit www.mytana.com.
High-pressure cleaner
Global-design high-pressure waterblast machines from Jetstream of Houston are available in pressures from 11,600 to 40,000 psi. They are designed to deliver high power in a compact footprint. Features include Deutz Euro 3 engines, integrated charge pump, air compressor, water recirculation tank, pneumatic water inlet and discharge bypass valves, and safety protection for inlet water temperature and flow.
The units have full sound-attenuated and weatherproof enclosures with forklift access and four-point lifting lugs. The control system lets users run to a preset pressure, monitors the pump and engine systems for faults, monitors filter conditions, and reports issues to the operator with full diagnostic data and suggested remedies. The system can detect broken hose lines and blocked nozzles, protecting the operator and the equipment. Call 713/462-7000 or visit www.waterblast.com.
Advance in nozzles
Nozzles from USB-Sewer Equipment Corp. include Advanced Optimized 3D Hydromechanics for high cleaning efficiency and safety. The hydromechanics are designed and engineered from one part, and the channels are manufactured from single-piece material. This eliminates the risk of nozzles bursting at welding or bonding seams and extends nozzle operating life.
In operation, pressurized water from the hose connection is distributed among the channels, oriented toward the jetting direction and redirected at the lowest possible point, ensuring high stability of pressurized water. Precise 3-D manufacturing of the interior reduces friction losses, increases hydraulic pressure, and enhances effectiveness and performance. Call 866/408-2814 or visit www.usbsec.com.
Into small spaces
The SeeSnake microDrain inspection system from RIDGID lets contractors inspect in places previously too small to reach. The small-diameter, tight-turn-radius camera head can pass through many toilet traps and through 1 1/4-inch lines. Multiple monitor capability lets operators use the system with a SeeSnake monitor or the microEXPLORER digital inspection camera.
The system includes 30 feet of 0.33-inch cable. It weighs 8.6 pounds and can be easily stowed in a truck and carried to the jobsite. Call 800/769-7743 or visit www.ridgid.com.
Tank cleaning tool
The Torus 3D tool from StoneAge Waterblast Tools is designed for cleaning tanks in a full range of configurations. It handles pressures from 5,000 to 22,000 psi with a simple change of manifold and inlet coupling. Three manifolds handle flows from 17 to 80 gpm and can be easily interchanged.
While the tool is operating, the user can easily adjust the magnetic rotation speed to suit different applications. The operator simply adjusts a dial to decrease speed for difficult applications, and increase speed for easier jobs. The unit comes with two sets of arms – 2 inches and 8 inches. Longer extensions are available. Call 866/795-1586 or visit www.stoneagetools.com.
Looking deep
The RD100 portable ground-penetrating radar system from Pearpoint/Radiodetection, an SPX Company, simplifies location of buried infrastructure. Using radar technology, it creates and displays an image map of underground features. Technicians can see a pipe or cable in its topographical context, making it easier to locate and excavate utilities.
The unit displays the subsurface map in real time on a high-contrast 7.25-inch color LCD screen. Integrated digital color and gain enhancements let operators maximize locate quality. Advanced digital filtering helps operators eliminate unwanted signals and improve accuracy. One-touch image recording helps technicians document findings. Images are saved to compact flash cards that can be copied to a PC using an inexpensive third-party card reader.
The device has an ergonomic handle and all-terrain wheels for easy operation across any surface. The battery pack is portable and weatherproof. Selectable depth lets users survey utilities buried up to 26.5 feet. Call 877/247-3797 or visit www.pearpoint.com.
Down the hole
The Panoramo SI (shaft inspection) system from RapidView IBAK North America lets users inspect manholes and other structures up to 50 feet deep and from 16 inches to 10 feet in diameter in less than three minutes. The user sets up over the shaft, lowers a special camera to the bottom, and raises the camera back to the surface. There is no confined-space entry.
Once the camera has captured visual and geometric data, the user can analyze them using special software. Features include an “unfolded” sidewall view for visual measurement and a 3-D model for verifying diameter and defects. Users can view any manhole feature anytime and from any angle. Call 800/656-4225 or visit www.rapidview.com.
Comprehensive pipe surveying
The Infrastructure Technologies (I.T.) version of WinCan pipe survey software from WinCan America is a comprehensive collection, analysis and reporting application that is simple and fast to install. As a full computer-based digital solution, it eliminates hardware such as overlay or digital capture devices.
The workflow is designed to be simple to use, from creation of an asset or inspection to full synchronization and project management tools. A free viewer requires no registration and can be played on any computer with Windows Media Player. An open access database policy adheres to recognized industry software design standards.
Integration modules are complete for GBA, Cityworks, Cartegraph, Hansen and others. New, comprehensive GIS solutions work directly with ESRI products by tying assets to inspections, plotting visuals on maps for filtered data inside I.T., importing GPS data, and more. Call 505/341-0109 or visit www.wincanamerica.com.
Inspection on the go
The Portable Inspection System from Cobra Technologies is designed to let users inspect anywhere with the full functionality of a truck-based system. The unit operates all Cobra crawlers with straight-line or pan-and-tilt and zoom cameras. It can be installed in a pickup truck, Jeep, Humvee or ATV, providing access to locations not easily reached with conventional equipment.
The console contains a CD/DVD writer, crawler control, pan-tilt-zoom camera control, and the Cobra data logger. It operates on 100 V AC power. Case dimensions are 22 inches high, 19 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. A portable reel is installed on a lightweight hand cart. It is designed to hold up to 800 feet of 7/16-inch cable. It has an electric rewind gear motor with electric clutch and speed control. Call 800/443-3761 or visit www.cobratec.com.
Locating for all materials
The Innspector 07 locator from Subsurface Instruments locates utilities of virtually any material to depths of 10 to 12 feet. The self-contained unit weighs less than 2.5 pounds and requires no setup clamps or cables. It works in clay soils and is unaffected by moisture or salinity.
The unit can locate metallic or nonmetallic pipes and cables and almost any object – including septic tanks; graves, vaults and skeletons; buried walls and foundations; concrete storm sewer pipes, rebar in concrete, and water pipes in concrete floors. Call 920/328-8066 or visit www.ssilocators.com.
Hydraulic compactor
The SP48 hydraulic compaction unit from Trench Grader can compact trenches up to 30 inches wide and 42 inches deep. Equipped with a hydraulic vibrator for maximum compaction, the unit is designed for pipeline installation or wherever soil compaction is needed. It attaches to any skid-steer and can pivot seven degrees in either direction for use on slopes. Call 888/697-2225; www.trenchgrader.com.
