When municipal sewer or storm lines become blocked, the trouble typically begins with a growth of tree roots. Blockages can also occur due to accumulated hard mineral deposits, grease, silt, or debris.
Although high-powered nozzles with forward penetrating jets can sometimes dislodge partial obstructions, resolving the worst cases requires the use of special heavy-duty chain cutter nozzles that can remove even a “wall of roots.”
But when the job needs to be even more aggressive, contractors can add cutter blocks to the chain. These hard-metal attachments are designed to take the abuse that would otherwise fall on the chain while chipping away at the toughest material.
According to Dan Story of KEG Technologies, adding the blocks provides an option for harder deposits while staying with the same chain cutter, rather than switching to a completely different tool.
“When you’re out in the field and you run into a tougher job than you planned for, you can put the blocks on the chain, you take care of what is in that line, and you keep going,” says Story.
Chain Cutters
For the toughest blockages, chain cutter nozzles utilize high-efficiency water pressure to generate the torque needed to cut through thick root masses. When high-pressure water enters the chain cutter nozzle chamber, it drives the cutting chains to rotate at high velocity, generating sufficient torque to reduce the risk of stalling or seizing.
As an example, the SuperNova 4000 Chain Cutter from KEG Technologies has a high speed, high torque, water driven design that can eliminate heavy root blockages as well as scale, rust, mineral deposits, hardened grease, and even protruding taps such as concrete and cast iron.
“Cutter blocks can wear out quickly or work loose from the chain in tough pipe in really tough applications, so the new style cutter blocks are built to lock onto the chain at three points and are made of harder material,” says Story.
Made from AR400 steel, the blocks now come in two pieces per block and attach using the chain manufacturer’s own master links. As a result, the blocks remain secured and effective despite the punishment of cutting through hardened material.
For more information: call 866-595-0515; visit kegnozzles.com; or write to KEG Technologies Inc. at 6220 N. Pinnacle Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303.