By Tyler Skolek
A clean sewer system creates a healthier community. Sewer cleaners are used to efficiently remove blockages and prevent buildup. Breaking up blockages often demands a combination approach that includes the use of a boom.
That means using water jetting to break up the blockage and vacuum technology to suck up the debris that created the blockage. For a combination sewer cleaner truck, this requires the use of a hose reel to manage water jetting and a 6- to 8-inch vacuum hose to enter the sewer to suck the debris through a boom and into a debris tank on the truck.
A boom is a mechanized arm that can extend off a sewer cleaner and be easily maneuvered. It allows the operator to precisely position the suction hose to reach hard-to-access locations and depths common to underground sewer lines and catch basins.
Boom arm options include fully hydraulic, extendable, telescoping and 360-degree rotation that typically come in a variety of lengths to tackle any sewer maintenance challenge.
But choosing the best boom for a given application or situation can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for getting it right.
Consider the application. Booms have multiple applications, most commonly sewer line maintenance, hydro excavation and catch basin cleaning. When removing debris and blockages from a sewer line, the boom is crucial for directing the high-pressure water jet, while simultaneously vacuuming the loosened debris. Choosing the right boom for the job will increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Know the depth of the site. Booms vary in both their reach from the truck and their depth into the ground.
Consider time constraints. In most cases, it takes several minutes to lift additional tubing off the rack to extend a truck's boom. Rapid deployment booms increase operator convenience and reduce set-up and tear-down time.
Get to know the location. Booms are designed to work with the existing landscape and infrastructure. In areas with dense vegetation or tree canopies, a longer boom may be needed to reach the worksite without risking workers and truck safety. In more condensed urban areas, a smaller boom may be the safest option to minimize disturbance.
Ensure operators are properly trained before beginning operation. Operators control the boom using a remote or joystick from the truck's cab. This allows precise positioning of the boom while allowing operators to maintain a safe distance. UI
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tyler Skolek is the product manager for Vactor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Vactor, vactor.com