High-pressure water jetting—also referred to as hydrojetting or high-pressure pipe cleaning—is a technique for removing scale and rust from pipes, valves, fittings, and other metal surfaces. It’s also used to clean the inside of tanks and vessels.
High-pressure water jetting uses pressurized water (typically at least 5,000 psi) to remove contaminants from industrial equipment. This method can be used on any type of piping system, including copper, steel, cast iron, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and others. The process involves directing a stream of high-velocity water through a nozzle onto the surface being cleaned. A typical high-pressure water jetting system includes a pump that delivers water under high pressure to an injector, which then directs the water into a hose with a nozzled end. The operator holds the hose in one hand while using the other hand to direct it against the area to be treated. The operator must use care when operating this device because the force of the water can cause serious injury if not handled properly.
How does high-pressure water jet work?
High-pressure water jetting works by forcing a stream of water through a narrow opening. As the water exits the opening, it expands rapidly, creating a powerful shock wave. The shock wave travels down the length of the hose, striking objects along the way. If the object is hard enough, such as a valve stem, the shock wave causes the material to break apart. When the water strikes soft materials like scales and rust, however, the impact creates only minor vibrations. These vibrations are absorbed by the surrounding soil and rock, leaving the surface relatively undisturbed.
Why use high-pressure water jet?
High-pressure jetting has several advantages over conventional methods of cleaning:
• It’s faster than most chemical treatments.
• It doesn’t require chemicals.
• It requires less time to complete than many other methods.
• It leaves behind virtually no waste.
