Eight benefits of high-speed cleaning with Picote Solutions equipment

The benefits of high-speed cleaning with Picote Solutions’ range of equipment have a global history that is now being seen in Australia and New Zealand. Here are eight reasons why trenchless professionals should take note.

Picote Solutions redefines pipeline rehabilitation solutions by providing reliable and multi-use high-speed machines and tools for operators working in small-diameter pipes.

The Finnish forerunner in trenchless technologies has focused on the renewal of pipes using inexpensive, sustainable, and minimally disruptive methods.

Most importantly, through its high-speed Millers and tools, Picote Solutions has developed equipment that is both safe and effective for cleaning without the risks of traditional mechanical cleaning equipment.

Thames Water contacted Picote Solutions with safety concerns and issues regarding the removal of concrete from their sewer network that was currently being undertaken with a combination of Ultra High Pressure and High-Pressure Water Jetting.

The project involved cleaning a 27m DN 150 clay pipe located in a narrow access lane leading to a construction site. The pipe was full of concrete of various depths ranging from 40 per cent to 100 per cent.

“This innovative feature also allows the operator to fix a CCTV camera behind the cutting head and monitor the whole process.”

Prior to Picote Solutions’ involvement, a 7.5 tonne (T) Jetvac was being deployed to the site twice daily over a prolonged period to avoid flooding, whilst remedial works using ultra-high pressure were being used to remove around 0.5m per day.

With several potential risks to the operator due to incorrect technique and aerosol spray, Thames Water wanted to implement a safer option which could be provided by Picote Solutions Miller range.

“Our Maxi Miller range has built-in safety features including non-rotating outer casing, foot switch operation and safety clutch,” said Picote Solutions director of technical client services Richard Swan.

“This innovative feature also allows the operator to fix a CCTV camera behind the cutting head and monitor the whole process.”

Thames Water was also keen to minimise the risk of the pipe collapsing, often associated with high-pressure methods of cleaning, and the potential risk to the surrounding area from flooding and water contamination.

Due to the site layout, the team forged a plan to place the Picote Maxi Miller at the upstream manhole and the Picote Maxi Power+ Miller at the downstream manhole, both affixed with Picote tools and powered by Picote Generators.

Once Picote Solutions was engaged, there was a major reduction in cleaning and labour time with the works being completed in three days, with the rate of cutting and removal varying depending on the consistency, hardness, and level of cementitious material.

The project was disrupted by external construction site traffic requiring access down the narrow lane throughout the day, however, due to the small footprint of the equipment and site, and the portability of the machines, this did not pose any issues.

Significant environmental savings were also made by the team using the equipment, who managed to complete the works in three days versus the 44 days that the existing equipment would take.

This method also demonstrated much lower water usage than other pipe cleaning methods, which can rely on water from potable water mains creating risks of cross-contamination of water courses and possible flooding.

Overall, there was less disruption to traffic, and pedestrians and a vast reduction in costs from labour, fuel, and excavation.

“Our high-speed cleaning machines rotate at speeds between 500 to 2900 RPM and can be operated indoors or outside, without the need for large amounts of water…”

Picote Solutions high-speed cleaning machines are being used in sewage systems worldwide for general cleaning works, clearing blockages, removing build-up of fats, oils and grease, concrete, root cutting, cutting / trimming intruding connections, cutting out re-bar and descaling.

With options from DN 32 – DN 300, and specially developed tooling, Picote Solutions is now seeing their machines being moved into other industries such as chemical, process, oil and gas as more operatives see the benefits of high-speed cleaning.

“Our high-speed cleaning machines rotate at speeds between 500 to 2900 RPM and can be operated indoors or outside, without the need for large amounts of water”, said Richard Swan.

“On almost every conceivable metric, Picote Solutions has raised the bar for delivering some of the best cleaning equipment with innovation and reliability combined.”

With servicing, stock and official Picote training available locally through Pipe Core, there are numerous reasons to grow businesses with the addition of Picote Solutions equipment.

In 2021, Pipe Core became the official reseller of Picote Solutions’ equipment after demonstrated success on difficult jobs around the world.

In 2022, Picote Solutions extended its range with battery operated solutions for domestic plumbers.