A pump may provide the power, but the waterjet nozzle is the point of the spear in pipe and vessel cleaning. The design of the nozzle itself, along with features like rotation and speed control, help nozzles deliver optimum performance in specific applications. Here are several examples of recent innovations in nozzle technology.
Tank-Cleaning Tool
The Torus 3D tank-cleaning tool from StoneAge Inc. can handle from 5,000 to 22,000 psi with a change of the manifold and inlet coupling. A choice of three manifolds can control flows from 17 to 80 gpm. The manifolds bolt on and off for quick adaptation to different applications.
A direct replacement for both the Hurricane and Cyclean 3D tools, the Torus also has a magnetic speed control that can be dialed up or down for optimum results. The design is based on simplicity. The unit is easily repairable in the field. It has very few parts and can be assembled with common hand tools. 866/795-1586; www.stoneagetools.com.
Multiple Applications
Advanced Pressure Systems offers a wide line of waterjetting nozzles from 10,000 to 40,000 psi for applications including line-moling, lancing, shotgun cleaning, surface preparation and tank cleaning. Offerings include the 40,000-psi APS pancake nozzle, 10,000- to 40,000-psi carbide blade nozzles, button tips, hard-hitters, fan-tips, line mole inserts, thrusters, and multi-groove, penetrator and evaporator nozzles. Drilled nozzles are offered with custom drill patterns to fit flow and pressure requirements. 877/290-4277; www.advancedpressuresystems.com.
Optimized Cleaning
NozzTeq Inc. offers the BL Swiper nozzle for pipes from 8 to 18 inches. The construction is designed to optimize the cleaning effect by using both the water flow from the jets and airflow in the pipe. The water flow, through the pressure in the jets, creates a jet stream, which in turn creates thrust through a number of air channels.
The number of air channels is equal to the number of water jets (i.e., a nozzle with four water jets has four air channels). The channels are placed in the center of the nozzle so that the total force generated (both air and water) is used to clean. When the water pressure is increased, the thrust power also accelerates, decreasing the total cleaning time. 866/620-5915; www.nozzteq.com.
Attacking Large Blockages
RPN rotating water jet nozzles from NLB Corp. are designed to clear large blocked pipes (up to 50 inches) in a single pass. The self-propelled nozzles clear blockages horizontally, vertically and in tight elbows, rotating at up to 500 rpm to maximize the force of 24,000 psi waterjets.
The nozzles have variable rotation from 50 to 500 rpm and full speed control. They are field-repairable with a simple kit. The RPN2420 is designed for pipes from 6 to 10 inches. It operates at flows up to 20 gpm and has five sapphire nozzles positioned for peak efficiency, one in front and four on the sides. The body is precision-machined of stainless steel for long life and weighs 3 pounds.
The RPN2460 is a higher-flow (60 gpm) rotating nozzle for pipes from 11 to 50 inches. It has six high-cohesive nozzles and weighs 8 pounds. 248/624-5555; www.nlbcorp.com.
Tank Cleaners
Automatic 3D Tank Cleaners from Hammelmann Corp. remove deposits in-cluding hardened materials from internal tank walls at pressures up to 26,000 psi and flows of 150 gpm. Applications include internal cleaning of autoclaves, vessels, Euro containers, reactors, agitator vessels, holding tanks and drying towers.
They can also be used for decontamination, disinfection (with chemical additives), and cleaning of large-diameter pipes. The units operate using high-pressure water – no other energy source or extra cleaning material is necessary. The nozzle arms rotate with the reaction force of the waterjets emitting from the nozzles mounted at each end. The rotational motion is transferred via a built-in drive and reduction gear, which in turn rotates the cleaner around its vertical axis. By rotating in two axes, the waterjets can reach all parts of the tank interior. Speed of rotation is controlled by an adjustable induction brake magnet. 800/783-4935; www.hammelmann.com.
Varied Spray Patterns
Nozzle kits from Aqua Mole Technologies offer a wide variety of spray patterns for numerous jetting applications. Available in NPT thread sizes from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch, each kit is custom-drilled to match any pump flow and pressure. Kits are packaged in a polyurethane box with an orifice tip cleaner. All kits have labels to help identify nozzles and patterns. 877/457-2782; www.aquamole.com.
Drain Cleaners
US Jetting Inc. has added two items to its RPD family of drain-cleaning nozzles. The Chisel and Egg Head nozzles are based on the two-piece RPD design format. Each has four forward jets for fast, broad penetration of blockages and four rear jets for propulsion.
A two-piece RPD design enables thorough cleaning of internal jet passages. Internal machined conical water passages reduce friction. The nozzles are available as individual items or in a combination pack with one base and two interchangeable nozzle heads. They can be configured to operate at 8,000 psi at 25 gpm. 800/538-8464; www.usjetting.com.
Punching Through
The steel Lance Nozzle from Sewer Equipment Co. of America is designed to penetrate extremely hard obstructions more effectively than standard nozzles with forward jets. The nozzle’s forward lance tip gets beyond the blockage with high force, after which the water jets can do their normal cleaning job. The nozzles are available for 3/4- and 1-inch hose. 800/323-1604; www.sewerequipment.com.
Cleaning with Rotation
The BackJet rotating nozzle from ENZ USA Inc. cleans with a unique arrangement of waterjets. Instead of cleaning with the head, it uses its rotating body to achieve high cleaning power. The six-jet thrust part draws the tool over long distances and quickly transports the dissolved deposits back. It is designed to be easy to handle and virtually maintenance-free. Working pressures are up to 2,900 psi. 630/692-7880; www.enzusainc.com.
Fit the Application
Pineapple-type line mole nozzles from Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems operate at pressures from 10,000 to 20,000 psi for use with flex lances. The devices come in a variety of nozzle patterns to suit specific applications. These nozzles use stainless steel or tungsten carbide jet nozzle inserts to achieve the ideal flows and pressures. 281/448-5800; www.waterjetting.com.
Large-Pipe Cleaning
Waferline cleaning head modules from Jetstream of Houston are designed for thorough cleaning of large-diameter pipes (greater than 4 inches). The modules can be used singly, or several may be combined for complete blast coverage. Each module has two 1/4-inch NPT threaded holes at 30 degrees, two at 45 degrees, and 1/2-inch NPT connections at the front and rear.
The nozzles install nearly flush to prevent hang-up when the cleaning head is retracted. The lightweight modules weigh 15 ounces and are made of hardened stainless steel. Assembled components may be towed through pipe using the towing eye/plug, or nozzles may be arranged to self-propel the assembly through the pipe. The Waferline modular head can be used in place of high-pressure hose couplings to assist in moving hose through pipe. 847/741-5370; www.waterblast.com.
Floor Cleaners
Floor-cleaning nozzles from KEG Technolo-gies Inc. are designed for cleaning large-diameter pipes and are especially well-suited for storm sewer lines. Units come with five to 14 jets and in sizes to clean pipes from 6 to 40 inches and up. Steel or ceramic inserts are available. 866/595-0515; www.kegtechnologies.com.
Eight Jets
The Grand Slam Nozzle – 3D from USB-Sewer Equipment Corp. for all-around sewer cleaning is designed to clean and move material effectively with eight rear jets that provide powerful traction. The nozzle provides two different angles of rear jet incidence (12 and 18 degrees). It reduces water consumption and can be used with recycled water. The nozzle has Advanced Optimized 3D Hydro Mechanics, replaceable threaded ceramic nozzle inserts, and stainless steel construction. Units are rated for flows from 50 gpm (3/4-inch hose connection) to 120 gpm (1 1/4-inch). 770/984-8880; www.usbsec.com.
High Stability
The Lindhorst Gre-nade nozzle from Ad-vanced Infrastructure is designed for cleaning larger lines. It has 10 rearward dual-angle jets to maximize cleaning and minimize streaking. Its massive size (3 by 6 inches) provides stability in large pipes. An aggressive jet design creates vortex vacuum action for maximum finish cleaning. 310/532-9050; www.advancedworld.com.
Removing Residue
Rotating blaster nozzles (slow rotators) from Shamrock Pipe Tools Inc. combine drive and brake jets to control the rotational speed and apply full hydraulic pressure to the cleaning task. The nozzles are designed to eliminate residue from sewer lines, enhancing the use of video inspection and pipe-lining equipment. Several styles are available to optimize results in specific applications, and all require minimal maintenance.
The nozzles, with no forward jet, are self-rotating and thrusting. They are made of heat-treated stainless steel and polished and ground for maximum service life. Replaceable carbide jet inserts are available. Use of a pipe skid is recommended. Fixed, 18-degree rear-thrust jets advance the nozzle in a corkscrew motion through clogged pipes. 225/275-7696; www.shamrocktools.com.
Clearing Grease
The 1-inch, 17-degree aluminum grease nozzle from Cloverleaf Tool Co. has a front jet and six replaceable rear jets. Units are available in configurations from 35 to 80 gpm and 1,200 to 2,000 psi. 941/739-0707; www.cloverleaftool.com.
