Manual, automated, or semi-automated programmable tank cleaning nozzle systems, devices and methods for providing safe and efficient methods for breaking up oil, tar, chemical, radioactive, hazardous, or any other liquid, solid, or sludge waste inside storage tanks, ballast tanks, floating roof tanks, void tanks, rail tank cars and the like with nozzles which utilize fluid jets to break up, liquefy, and motivate tank material. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle incorporates two degrees of freedom and can be mounted to existing booms, robotic arms, gantry systems, rigid beams, manways, or any other rigid structure. The programmable tank cleaning nozzle can be a standalone, independent unit or integrated into new designs and/or existing systems. Simplified programming and user interface allowing an operator to remotely operate the system without the need for a camera system. The system is hydraulically controlled and can work in the presence of flammable vapors and dust.

A nozzle assembly includes a hollow nozzle body having a central bore and a plurality of ports extending through the body from the central bore; a switching valve assembly disposed in the central bore that directs fluid flow to ports upon application of fluid flow above a predetermined threshold to the inlet and direct fluid flow to different ports upon fluid flow having subsequently dropped below the predetermined threshold and then exceeding the predetermined threshold; and a flow insert configured to replace the switching valve assembly for directing flow through all of the ports when switching functionality is not needed. This flow insert may be made of a low pressure material such as a polymer.

In the case of a pipe cleaning and/or inspection nozzle, an available camera module can be coupled to a plurality of pipe cleaning and/or inspection nozzles in a simple and cost-efficient manner, and that a secure reliable coupling of the electrical lines is attained. An extension sleeve is inserted, which comprises a high-pressure line section comprising a sleeve loop contact. The sleeve loop contact is fastened in the extension sleeve with a sleeve insulator insert and runs so as to transition into an inner power/signal line within the extension sleeve all the way into an outlet section in the direction of the longitudinal axis. At least one outlet opening is recessed out of the outlet section, and the outlet section opens out into a coupling section, at which means are provided so that the coupling section can be fastened to a camera adapter.

A nozzle camera system and method that can be used to inspect the interior of a pipe. The system comprises a nozzle main body, a video camera, a controller and a user interface (UI). The nozzle main body serves as a housing for the video camera and for a jet former configuration. The jet former configuration comprises at least one liquid intake port and at least one liquid flow channel. The liquid intake port has a connection for connecting the jet former configuration to a liquid conduit that supplies liquid to the nozzle main body. The liquid intake port is in fluid communication with the liquid flow channel for supplying liquid via the liquid flow channel to one or more jet ports. The controller is in communication with the video camera and the UI is in communication with the controller and includes at least a display system that displays video images captured by the video camera.

Apparatuses and methods for cleaning accumulated sediment from storm drain conduits and other large-diameter conduits are disclosed. A nozzle assembly is arranged to deliver a high-volume flow of water at a pressure high enough to loosen sediment from the interior of a conduit and to propel the nozzle assembly and an associated nozzle feed hose upstream within a conduit being cleaned. Water from the nozzle assembly flushes the sediment downstream and is then collected, partially cleaned, and reused in the nozzle assembly. Mud and clay may be left in the water to increase its specific gravity and viscosity. A self-contained portable and mobile system includes a tank and apparatus for removal of high concentrations of entrained or suspended solids, and a pump and conduits for delivering a high-volume flow of water, containing quantities of suspended solids, to the nozzle assembly.

An apparatus for cleaning waste collection systems of solid materials. The apparatus is capable of cleaning waste systems in two known ways. First, a pumping method uses normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from a collection point up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. Second, a vacuum system may be used to move the slurry from the waste system to the waste container. The vacuum system creates a negative pressure differential, causing material to be pulled through a vacuum tube and into the waste container. When the container becomes substantially full of solid particles, it may be emptied at a dumpsite.

Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is deployed.

Apparatus and a method for cleaning accumulated sediment from storm drain conduits and other large-diameter conduits. A nozzle assembly is arranged to deliver a high-volume flow of water at a pressure high enough to loosen sediment from the interior of a conduit and to propel the nozzle assembly and an associated nozzle feed hose upstream within a conduit being cleaned. Water from the nozzle assembly flushes the sediment downstream and is then collected, partially cleaned, and reused in the nozzle assembly. Mud and clay may be left in the water to increase its specific gravity and viscosity. A self-contained portable and mobile system includes a tank and apparatus for removal of high concentrations of entrained or suspended solids, and a pump and conduits for delivering a high-volume flow of water, containing quantities of suspended solids, to the nozzle assembly.

A high pressure jetting system includes a recirculating unit connected to an isolated section of a water supply system which remains under system pressure. The recirculating unit includes a filter unit and a pump unit generating a circulating flow of water. A first pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a first hydrant to the recirculating unit and a second pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a second hydrant to the recirculating unit. A camera unit including a camera and drogue chute enters through the first apparatus and travels in a flushing flow direction to the second apparatus. The drogue chute is then removed from the camera. The camera then couples to a jetting unit having a jetting head and hose and re-enters through the second apparatus. The jetting unit emits a plurality of water jets to move in a counter-current flow direction and remove material from the water mains.

A high pressure jetting system for use with a water supply system includes a recirculating unit to connect to an isolated section of the water supply system. The isolated section remains under water supply system pressure. The recirculating unit includes a filter unit and a pump unit capable of generating a circulating flow of water. A first pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a first hydrant to the recirculating unit and a second pig launch and recovery apparatus couples a second hydrant to the recirculating unit. A jetting unit including a jetting head is coupled to a jetting hose. The jetting unit enters the closed circuit through the second pig launch and recovery apparatus and travels within the isolated section. The jetting head emits a plurality of water jets to assist removal of material from an inner surface of the water mains and pipes.