Municipalities face an ongoing challenge when maintaining large diameter sewer pipes. As time passes, mud, sludge, sand, and gravel can accumulate along the bottom of the pipe, restricting the smooth flow of water. If left unresolved, pipe blockages can cause water to overflow into streets, basements, and public areas, while also driving up long-term maintenance expenses.
To avoid these issues, utilities have traditionally relied on Venturi nozzles to effectively clear sediment and debris from the bottom of sewer lines. This specialized attachment operates on the Venturi principle, which states that when fluid passes through a narrowed section (channels in the nozzle), its velocity rises while its pressure drops. By harnessing the flow of water already in the pipe, the nozzle increases pressure and produces a high-velocity stream strong enough to break apart and dislodge accumulated material.
Unfortunately, Venturi nozzles are widely acknowledged to perform below expectations. Although the nozzle vigorously churns water within the pipe, the collected debris at the bottom often does not get fully dislodged and vacuumed out.
Recognizing this shortcoming inspired KEG Technologies to design a more effective methodology for cleaning the bottom of large diameter pipes. This involved improving the effectiveness of the nozzle by changing the angle of the skid it rides on so the churning water can be directed at the collected debris.
KEG Technologies, a member of NASSCO (the National Association of Sewer Service Companies), recently demonstrated its Venturi nozzle and redesigned skid to wastewater maintenance crews and municipal sewer operations teams in Orange County, California. The County was in the process of drafting specifications to define the optimal approach for cleaning out large-diameter pipes before putting the project out for contract.
Not only did the test validate the effectiveness of the new design, it also yielded further insights into how to refine the skid design to make it easier to maneuver within the pipe.
Today, KEG pairs its skid with its Venturi nozzles, which are ideal for industrial sewer pipes of 18” to 36” in diameter. In doing so, the nozzle can increase the flow rate of vacuum trucks from 60-100 gallons per minute (GPM) to approximately 400 GPM to break up and dislodge heavy debris before suctioning it from the pipe.
For more information on Venturi nozzle and skid tools, call 866-595-0515; fax (866) 595-0517; or visit KEG Technologies online at https://kegnozzles.com/.