Advances in technology for municipal maintenance professionals took the spotlight at the 28th Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 28 to March 1. The event attracted 11,415 attendees representing 4,688 companies and municipal agencies.
The record total of 562 exhibitors included producers of trenchless pipe rehabilitation systems, waterjetters, vacuum and combination trucks, video inspection technologies and software, and much more. Here is a sampling of products appearing for the first time on the exhibit floor.
High-torque cutter
The Paikert Hydro-Torque impact cutter Model SB150 from NozzTeq is available in sizes from 27 to 36 inches. The cutter, powered by a waterjet, operates at more than 100 gpm and requires no lubrication.
The unit can be completely submerged in water and with no effect on performance. Its impact drill motor enables it to operate in three modes: impact and drill, impact only, or drill only. 866/620-5915; www.nozzteq.com.
Pipe profiler
The Coolvision laser profiler from Aries Industries Inc. detects and records pipe profiles, deformations and dimensional anomalies in storm drains, sewer mains, and water pipes. It projects a laser light ring onto the pipe wall, where a video camera captures the ring image. Deflection measurements are then calculated by a computer and associated software. A variety of descriptive and comparative formats enable complete information reporting.
The unit is mounted on four stainless steel tracking wheels with two distance encoders. It needs to be only approximately centered in the pipe. The profiler is towed behind a pan-and-tilt camera-tractor system, concurrently taking profile readings and a video survey. It also can operate without a tractor and be pulled through the pipe. Profile data is transmitted via TV coaxial cable back to the TV truck. The unit inspects pipes from 8 to 36 inches. 800/234-7205; www.ariesindustries.com.
Bump-free cover
The Bump-No-More manhole cover from I.B. Moore Co. is a custom-thickness cover that replaces an old lid with a lid made to meet grade. Units can be installed in less than 20 minutes with no digging and no machinery and with minimal traffic diversion. Users can select any single or two-toned design from more than 20 color options. The lids are made of highly weatherproof and wear-resistant polyurethane. Each cover is guaranteed to fit within 1/8-inch of grade for up to three years. 859/255-5501; www.bump-no-more.com.
Truck transmission
The PFT-PCH/3000 hydromechanical drive from OMSI Transmissions Inc. is designed for municipal equipment and other applications. It is sized for trucks from 26 to 42 tons. The reduction box has a mounting flange for a hydraulic motor that, when connected to a pump operated by the diesel engine or from the transmission, permits the conversion of the vehicle’s traction from mechanical to hydrostatic. 330/405-7350; www.omsitransmissions.com.
Portable crawler camera
The P350 flexitrax portable crawler system from Pearpoint supports three interchangeable, high-resolution cameras, each with ultra-bright white LEDs. Digital video displays on the command module’s bright 8-inch industrial grade TFT screen. Users can zoom and rotate photos and live or recorded digital video in real-time.
The command module also has Mimic display, an intuitive way of controlling pan and tilt. It stores survey data direct to solid-state Compact Flash cards, so there are no moving parts and files are secure and less vulnerable to shock damage and power outages. The crawlers can operate fully submersed and are water resistant to depths greater than 300 feet. They are made of brass and stainless steel and have 50W or 100W motors. An integrated sensitive inclinometer and the multi-frequency sonde allow users to map pipeline topography. 760/343-7350; www.radiodetection.com.
Quiet jetter
The Warrior waterjetter from Spartan Tool LLC has a fiberglass casing that protects and silences the entire machine. It carries a 300-gallon water tank and delivers 4,000 psi at 8 gpm while staying within all OSHA noise standards, making hearing protection optional. A 180-degree pivoting hose reel and optional 6-function remote control make it easy to operate.
The unit cleans pipes from 3 to 24 inches. Standard hoses include 500 feet of 1/2-inch high-pressure hose, 100 feet of 5/8-inch rubber supply hose, 75 feet of 1/4-inch trap-cleaning hose, and 15 feet of color-coded leader hose. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.
Combination trailer
The O’Brien JVLT Combo Trailer from Hi-Vac Corporation carries a 500-gallon debris tank and 325 gallons of water capacity. The water pump is rated for 4,000 psi at 18 gpm, and the vacuum system can deliver 16 inches Hg. It carries 400 feet of 1/2-inch jetting hose on a reel with 180 degrees articulation.
The unit is powered by a 75-hp water-cooled diesel engine. Simple controls are located on the swing arm of the trailer. The water pump and vacuum blower can operate simultaneously. The debris tank has a 55-degree dump angle and an easy-opening rear door with dual sight-level gauges. 740/374-2306; www.hi-vac.com.
Trailer jetter
The Sewerjet 700 waterjetter from John Bean Sprayers requires only one operator and is designed for easy towing behind most pickup trucks. It includes a 700-gallon corrosion-resistant black polyethylene tank and a curbside fillup with a standard 2.5-inch fire hydrant fitting. One operator can guide the hose, control the reel, operate the engine, and observe progress from a workstation at the rear of the unit.
The jetter carries 600 feet of 3/4-inch or 800 feet of 1/2-inch hose. Power comes from a 4-cylinder, 93-hp Ford water-cooled gasoline engine or a 4-cylinder John Deere water-cooled 80-hp diesel engine. The 3-piston pump delivers 40 gpm/2,000 psi. 800/241-2308; www.johnbeansprayers.com.
Manhole nozzle
The Alphajet nozzle from USB Sewer Equipment Corp. cleans lift stations, manholes and other structures before rehabilitation. It is actuated by water from the pressurized hose of a jetter truck. Two stainless steel driving nozzles rotate the cleaning head as two oscillating nozzles clean the pipe surface. No lubrication is required. The nozzle operates at 30 to 60 gpm and 2,000 psi. Threaded, replaceable nozzle inserts are available. 770/984-8880; www.usbsec.com.
Traffic signal
A traffic safety blanket from Milwaukee Rubber Products Inc. holds magnetically to a truck tailgate or other ferrous metal surface and provides clear instructions to motorists. The unit has 36 red LED bulbs hidden inside a waterproof clear cap mounted in arrows with reflective surfaces. The lights can be seen from 2,500 yards away. Grommets on four sides can be used to help secure the unit in strong wind.
The device has four lighting modes: arrows flashing in sequence, all arrows flashing simultaneously, all arrows continuously on, and reflectors only (lights off). 262/781-7888; www.milwaukeerubber.com.
Dewatering system
The IFRS 36 Separator from Accent Manufacturing Inc. separates bulk inorganic materials from wastewater and acts as the front end of a waste dewatering system. Materials are injected through an 8-inch line and pushed through a set of flighting, leaving the solids to be discharged and the liquids to be conveyed for further processing via polymers or another technique. 604/850-7799; www.accent manufacturing.com.
Inspection crawlers
Steerable pipe crawler packages from RoboProbe Technologies Inc. include a crawler unit, camera with LED lighting, 500 feet of video cable, and a manual cable reel. The units are for use in 8- to 36-inch lines. The steerable units have dual-motor drive and variable speed and can accomplish runs up to 1,000 feet. 888/598-1645; www.roboprobe.com.
Dual-mode camera
The OmniSTAR Probe camera from RS Technical Services Inc. can be used as a push camera or as a crawler-mounted mainline camera. The unit has 12 high-intensity LEDs, 270-degree pan viewing, and 360-degree continuous camera head rotation. Designed to fit 3-inch and larger lines, it can be mounted on single-conductor push rod or on any RS Technical transporter. 800/767-1974; www. rstechserv.com.
Manhole lining system
The Monoform manhole liner forming system from Infratech provides a no-dig approach to manhole rehabilitation. An ABS plastic interior forming system allows ready-mixed concrete to be poured to restore structural integrity and reduce infiltration.
Concrete is poured into the annular space between the form and the manhole structure. The system is set up to conform to the inside dimensions of the existing manhole. It is available in 40-, 36-, 32- and 26-inch barrel sizes. Custom 60- and 48-inch diameters for lift stations are available. The forms can be used with a variety of chemical-resistant coatings. 800/533-4244.
Lifting systems
Bumper cranes from Sto-Away Power Cranes mount to the back of a service vehicle and help in lifting equipment out for service. The units replace the vehicle’s rear bumper and attach to the truck frame.
Cranes come pre-tested and with all necessary hardware. They occupy no bed space and need no reinforcing or suspension modifications. One person can unfold a crane from the step bumper in less than 10 seconds and can safely lift 1,000 to 3,000 pounds with the push of a button. 800/622-9797; www.stoaway.com.
Hydrant tester
The Fire Flow Pro system from Hurco Technologies Inc. allows one person to test fire hydrants for the necessary volume and pressure for firefighting. The system uses wireless radio frequency technology, allowing the operator to collect critical pressure data and GPS location from the test hydrant. All computer and electrical components are protected in waterproof carrying cases. The system provides detailed flow reports for use at the scene of a fire. It meets NFPA recommendations. 800/888-1436; www.gethurco.com.
Efficient belt press
The Model 3DP belt filter press from BDP Industries uses Independent Gravity Zone Technology to improve solids loading rate and cake solids. Separate gravity and pressure zones allow optimization of the porosity of the filter belt fabric and belt speed. Increased belt speed means a thinner cake is applied to the belt. Resistance to filtrate flow is reduced exponentially with reduction in cake thickness. 518/695-6851; www.bdpindustries.com.
