Air scouring is a process of cleaning mains and it is used widely in the cleaning of water & sewer mains.
Air scouring is a non-abrasive and most cost effective system to clean water mains. An average of 4km and up to 8km of water mains can be cleaned in a six hour period using existing fitting e.g. valves and hydrants. After isolating a section of water main the existing water is removed with high velocity and low pressure air. A controlled amount of water is then added which creates slugs of water. The air and water mixture creates a vortex which removes sediment and biofilm from the pipe. All pipe types can be air scoured .Air scouring is effective for mains up to and including 300mm.
Removing sediment and biofilm buildup from potable water mains can help increase flows and improve water quality. Customer complaints for discoloured water & lower pressure are often the first indication of a need for action. Reduced chlorine residuals are also an indication of a need to clean the system.
Water Quality Testing
As part of our air scouring we offer pre and post water quality testing. This includes Free and Total chlorine and Turbidity testing. These tests help identify any changes to the chlorine and turbidity levels in the water and allows the water authority to make changes if required. We also offer RPM testing, RPM testing gives an indication of how dirty a section of water main is.
H & S Maintenance use modern and state of the art machines, to ensure reliability and quality of work.
Benefits of Air scouring
- Most cost effective
- Provides clean mains, improves water quality and provides better flows.
- Eliminates discoloured water
Potable Water
Air Scouring creates a combination of air and water which dislodges bio-films & silt from pipes & fittings. This results in a cleaner water system producing less dirty water complaints and reduces the amount of chemicals required in the reticulation system.
Bore & River Water
These mains have a high degree of sediment in them which air scouring removes, resulting in better flows, higher quality of water and a dramatic decrease in dirty water complaints.
Sewer Mains
Air scouring removes build-up of waste in mains thus increasing dramatically the flow through mains. Best used in rising sewer mains, 100% increase in flows has been achieved.