Contractors can dramatically speed industrial pipe cleaning and prevent process disruptions and downtime using a variety of high-performance hose nozzles. Although oil, gas, and petrochemical processes vary, in any plant dusts, grease, slag, metals, residues, and cementitious particulates generated during manufacturing can make their way into the wastewater stream, accumulate, and even harden in underground pipelines. As a result, oil and gas facilities conduct periodic maintenance to flush debris and sediment from pipes, including breaking up hardened obstructions, to prevent blockage and protect downstream wastewater treatment equipment from excessive loading.
Fortunately, an assortment of high-performance, stainless steel hose nozzles is available to expedite the removal of any debris buildup. This can help to prevent a range of problems including regulatory fines, process disruption, and unscheduled downtime.
In the industry, there are tiers of nozzles rated for performance and water efficiency: Tier 1 (about 30% efficient), Tier 2 (50-60% efficient), and Tier 3 (75-98% efficient). Low-performance Tier 1 nozzles tend to use only 30% of the available energy, wasting 70% due to excessive turbulence. Tier 2 nozzles are more efficient but still inadequate for tougher jobs. In contrast, the most effective Tier 3 nozzles have tight water patterns that efficiently clean the pipe floor/wall. In addition, the units create a powerful water stream that not only moves debris long distances but also propels the nozzle.
“We rely on the highest-efficiency Tier 3 nozzles by KEG because they provide the two most important things we need: the ability to move the hose and nozzle down the entire length of pipe to the debris location, along with the ability to push the debris out of the line [with water pressure] so we can remove it with the vacuum truck,” says Bill Benner, Senior Project Manager for Ventilation Power Cleaning (VPC), a Seattle, WA-based firm that provides vacuum truck services to remove various industrial debris in the form of solids, liquids, sludges, and slurries.
KEG Technologies, a manufacturer of industrial, sewer and storm lines products including Tier 1 to Tier 3 nozzles, floor cleaners, and chain cutters, is a member of NASSCO, the National Association of Sewer Service Companies.
What sets the most efficient Tier 3 nozzles apart from others in the category is fluid mechanics engineering on a par with the aerodynamics of race cars or jet fighters. In the case of KEG’s Tier 3 nozzles, the high-performance fluid mechanics design leaves little room for power losses and excessive turbulence.
“We use their Tier 3 nozzles essentially everywhere we go. They have a large repertoire of high-performance nozzles that has reliably met our need in every industrial application,” says Benner.
For more information: call 866-595-0515; visit www.kegtechnologies.net.