Debris and Ice Blockages in Pipes

Ice blockages or debris blockages in water, sewer and storm pipes can be challenging task. Mainly because there are often occurred in pipes with smaller diameter or pipes that have low flow. The distance for nozzle to travel, combined with pulling the hose, can be a challenge.

In the December newsletter we will discuss the option to help break those ice blockages and any other debris blockages. Let’s face it the winter months are upon us around the country (well most of the country).

What nozzle to use? There are many options of nozzles available, choosing the right nozzle to do the job is what we will discuss. First, we need to establish what the blockage is Ice or Debris. Then we need to consider the size of the line that the blockage is in, finally what type of jetting unit are we going to use. Once these parameters are determined, then we can move on to the type of nozzle.

We also will need to take into consideration the design of the nozzle. For example, a nozzle with front penetrating jets will work against the thrusting rear jets. So, it is important to select the correct nozzle that balances the thrusting power against the penetrating power, this will also minimize the hose line loss pressure and allow the nozzle to travel up the pipe. The other point is we need to consider is the efficiency of the nozzle in comparison with water usage and fuel usage, let us not forget the amount of time the operators and equipment are onsite.

Let us look at the nozzles that can be used to break that blockage. All the nozzles we will discuss in this section are Tier 1 nozzles that have drilled orifices and are available in sizes from 1/8” to 1-1/14”. The Fir® series or the Global Ice™ and Chisel nozzles are good nozzles to break open that blockage. The Fir nozzle are designed like a step drill and is shaped like a Christmas Tree, with one jet in the front and six jets to the rear, which are arranged with three jets on each of the steps and are offset from the next step. As the penetrating jet open the blockage and the rear jets push it forward allowing the rear jets to widen the blockage and eventually open the line. As for the Global Ice™ is designed in a spherical shape with smooth side and a shorten design, The nozzle has three front jets that are angled is such a way that they come to a point where they intersect to create a concentrate point to open the blockage. The rear thrusting jets can vary in number depending on the size of the nozzle, they can be either four or six jets. The smooth design also allows the nozzle to travel around bends and prevents it from become hung up on offsets. The Chisel nozzle is designed to cut through the blockage with their forward jets and sharp pyramid shape once the forward jets open the blockage the cutting edge of the nozzle slices through the blockage along with the rear thrusting jet continue to clear the line.

As we move on in this discussion, we move to Tier 2 nozzles. These nozzles have replaceable inserts and a flow path that directs to water through the nozzle, creating less turbulence inside the nozzle. The Multi-Global is a variation of the Global Ice. The major difference is that is has replaceable inserts and has four jets in the front, three of which are angled and one in the center. All four jets come together at a concentrated point to open the blockage, and they have six rear jets. The Chisel nozzle has four jets in the front and six to the rear and is the same design as the Tier1 nozzle with it sharp pyramid shape, except it has replaceable inserts. All these nozzles are available from 1/2" to 1-1/4”.

For blockages in larger diameter pipes the up to 24”, we suggest the Fir®Pointed or the Global™ SP.

The Global is the same design as the Multi-Global® with four front jets and six rear jets. This nozzle is ideal for opening a blocked line. The weight of the nozzle keeps it on the bottom of the pipe and its length prevents it from turning inside the pipe.

The Fir® Pointed is the basic same design as the Fir Nozzle, with the exception it is a Tier 2 nozzle and has replaceable inserts and is longer and heavier to keep in on the bottom of the pipe. It can also be used with a centering sled to raise it up in the pipe to center it powerful front jets to break open the blockage.

All the above Tier 2 nozzles can be used with either clean water or recycle water by simply changing the insert from Stainless Steel to Ceramic.