Unlocking the Full Potential of Recycled Water Trucks with Specially Designed Nozzles
Contractors and municipal operators are increasingly investing in eco-friendly sewer cleaner trucks equipped with water recycling systems. However, many are unaware that using standard jetting nozzles can lead to clogging when recycling water is not properly filtered. This results in excessive downtime as operators must constantly stop production to clean the nozzles, which negates the productivity gains from the vehicle itself.
A better solution is to use specially designed nozzles that allow recycled water with fine particulates to efficiently flow through without clogging. This allows operators to clean 3-5 times more line than standard, up to 12,000 feet per day. By using these nozzles, operators can save time, water, fuel, and reduce wear on their equipment.
According to Dan Story, an experienced trainer and Operations Manager at KEG Technologies, the use of standard nozzles with recycled water can lead to blockages and reduced flow. This is why it is important to use special nozzles that allow complete flow through the orifice, even when particulates are present.
One indication that a nozzle has become clogged is a noticeable increase in pressure and a corresponding reduction in the RPMs of the equipment. To address this issue, KEG Technologies has designed specialized versions of many of their popular nozzles and cutters that allow particulates to pass through without creating an obstruction.
These nozzles are available for various applications such as sewer cleaning, floor cleaning, traction, and cutting. One example is a recycled water truck version of the DUCE, a vibrating rotational nozzle that is engineered to remove hardened deposits from pipes and floors. The nozzle provides a tight water pattern for intense, directed cleaning and propulsion. Any clogging only serves to weaken the hydro-flushing action.
KEG Technologies also offers a recycled water truck version of its SuperNova 4000 cutter with reinforced chains to efficiently eliminate deposits and incrustations of all kinds such as lime, concrete, and extensive root growth in pipes and sewers. The cutter is adjustable for pipes from six inches all the way up to 48 inches.
According to Story, these specialized nozzles are designed to be particularly helpful for recycled water use because they do not run on a shaft in bushings that can cause “lock down” when particulates get lodged in between. Without the shaft, the nozzle internals run smoothly and reliably, enabling greater productivity.
While the initial cost of equipment may be higher, the use of recycled water trucks in combination with special nozzles can potentially triple or quadruple the amount of pipe that can be cleaned per day. The resulting increase in productivity, along with savings in labor, water, fuel, and vehicle wear, provides a fast return on investment.
As more contractors and municipalities become informed about the benefits of using recycled water trucks and specially designed nozzles, the industry is seeing a shift towards this more efficient and eco-friendly option. To unlock the full potential of recycled water trucks, it is crucial to utilize non-clogging nozzles that allow for uninterrupted, high-volume cleaning.