How do you select the right water jetting equipment for surface preparation?

Selecting the right water jetting equipment starts with understanding your specific surface preparation needs, available power sources, and safety requirements. You’ll need to match pressure levels (typically 500 to 3000 bar) to your application, whether that’s coating removal, concrete scarification, or general surface cleaning. Consider factors like portability, duty cycles, and compatibility with international standards to ensure your equipment investment delivers reliable performance across diverse industrial applications.

What factors should you consider when choosing water jetting equipment?

When choosing water jetting equipment, you need to evaluate pressure requirements, flow rates, power sources, and application-specific features that match your industrial needs. Different sectors have unique demands, and matching equipment capabilities to your surface preparation tasks directly impacts both efficiency and safety.

Pressure requirements vary significantly across applications. For general surface cleaning, you might need 500 to 1000 bar (7,250 to 14,500 PSI), while heavy coating removal often requires 1500 to 2500 bar (21,750 to 36,250 PSI). Ultra-high pressure applications for concrete scarification can demand up to 3000 bar (43,500 PSI). Your choice depends on the substrates you’re working with and the level of surface preparation required.

Power source selection plays a vital role in equipment versatility. Diesel-powered units offer excellent portability and independence from electrical infrastructure, making them ideal for remote locations or marine applications. Electric units provide quieter operation and lower emissions, perfect for enclosed spaces or facilities with strict environmental regulations. Hydraulic systems offer precise control and are often preferred when integrating with existing industrial equipment.

Industry-specific requirements shape your equipment selection. Petrochemical facilities often need ATEX-certified equipment for explosive atmospheres, while marine applications require corrosion-resistant materials and compact designs. Manufacturing environments might prioritise automated systems that integrate with production lines, reducing manual labour and improving consistency.

How do you match water jetting pressure to your surface preparation needs?

Matching water jetting pressure to your surface preparation needs requires understanding how different pressure ranges affect various materials and coatings. The right pressure ensures effective cleaning without damaging the substrate, while maximising productivity and operator safety.

Low pressure applications under 350 bar (5,000 PSI) work well for general cleaning tasks like removing dirt, grease, and light deposits. Medium pressure ranges from 500 to 1000 bar (7,250 to 14,500 PSI) handle most industrial surface cleaning requirements, including paint removal and rust elimination. High pressure applications between 1000 to 1750 bar (14,500 to 25,000 PSI) effectively remove stubborn coatings, marine growth, and heavy corrosion.

Ultra-high pressure systems operating from 1750 to 3000 bar (25,000 to 43,500 PSI) excel at concrete scarification, removing thick rubber linings, and preparing surfaces that require specific profiles. These pressures create the surface roughness needed for optimal coating adhesion, particularly important in petrochemical and marine applications.

Substrate materials significantly influence pressure selection. Softer materials like aluminium or composite panels require lower pressures to avoid damage, while hardened steel and concrete can withstand ultra-high pressure applications. The coating type also matters – multi-layer epoxy systems need higher pressures than single-coat paints, and elastomeric coatings often require specialised nozzle configurations alongside appropriate pressure settings.

The relationship between pressure and productivity isn’t always linear. While higher pressures can remove coatings faster, they also consume more energy and may require additional safety measures. Finding the optimal pressure balances cleaning speed with operational costs and safety requirements.

What safety features are important in water jetting equipment?

Important safety features in water jetting equipment include dump valves, pressure relief systems, dead man switches, and protective guards that work together to protect operators from high-pressure hazards. These components form the foundation of safe operation, particularly when working with pressures that can cause serious injuries.

Critical safety components start with the dump valve system, which immediately diverts water flow when the trigger is released. This prevents pressure build-up and reduces the risk of hose whip or unexpected discharge. Pressure relief valves provide additional protection by automatically releasing excess pressure if system limits are exceeded. Dead man switches ensure the equipment stops operating if the operator loses control, a vital feature when working at heights or in confined spaces.

Operator safety considerations extend beyond basic shut-off systems. Ergonomic gun designs reduce fatigue and improve control during extended use, while anti-vibration features minimise the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome. Remote operation capabilities allow operators to maintain safe distances from hazardous areas, particularly useful in petrochemical environments or when removing hazardous coatings.

International safety standards provide frameworks for equipment compliance across global markets. CE marking indicates conformity with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. ATEX certification becomes relevant for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, common in oil and gas facilities. Understanding these certifications helps procurement managers ensure equipment meets regulatory requirements across different operational territories.

How do you calculate the right capacity and power requirements?

Calculating the right capacity and power requirements involves assessing your project scope, expected duty cycles, and productivity targets to determine appropriate pump specifications. This calculation ensures your equipment can handle continuous operation without overheating or premature wear.

Pump capacity directly relates to your cleaning efficiency and project timelines. For continuous industrial operations, you’ll need pumps rated for 100% duty cycles, while intermittent use allows for smaller capacity units. Calculate your flow rate requirements based on the number of operators, nozzle configurations, and desired cleaning speed. A single operator might need 15 to 30 litres per minute, while multi-gun setups require proportionally higher flow rates.

Power source selection depends on site conditions and availability. Electric motors offer consistent power and lower operating costs where three-phase power is available. Diesel engines provide flexibility for remote locations but require fuel logistics and produce emissions. Hydraulic drives integrate well with existing hydraulic systems on vessels or mobile equipment, offering variable speed control and compact installation.

Nozzle selection significantly impacts performance and power requirements. Smaller orifices increase pressure but reduce flow, while larger nozzles provide more coverage at lower pressures. Fan jets work well for surface cleaning, while rotating nozzles concentrate power for stubborn deposits. Matching nozzle configuration to your pump capacity optimises cleaning effectiveness while managing power consumption.

Why does equipment versatility matter for your operations?

Equipment versatility matters because it allows you to handle diverse surface preparation tasks with a single system, reducing capital investment while maintaining operational flexibility. Multi-functional equipment adapts to changing project requirements without requiring multiple specialised units.

Interchangeable accessories transform basic water jetting units into comprehensive surface preparation systems. Quick-connect fittings allow rapid switching between hand lances, surface cleaners, and automated tools. Adjustable pressure settings enable the same pump to handle delicate cleaning tasks at low pressure and aggressive coating removal at high pressure. This adaptability proves particularly valuable for contractors serving multiple industries or facilities with varied cleaning requirements.

Modular systems offer exceptional flexibility for growing operations. Start with a basic pump unit and add capabilities as needs evolve – automated crawlers for tank cleaning, rotating equipment for pipe interiors, or specialised attachments for unique applications. This approach spreads capital investment over time while ensuring each component integrates seamlessly with existing equipment.

Versatile equipment supports operational efficiency by reducing downtime between different tasks. Instead of maintaining separate units for each application, operators can reconfigure a single system in minutes. This reduces maintenance complexity, spare parts inventory, and training requirements while maximising equipment utilisation across diverse projects.

How can DERC Salotech help you select the perfect water jetting solution?

We can help you select the perfect water jetting solution by combining over 40 years of expertise with a comprehensive understanding of industrial surface preparation challenges. Our approach starts with understanding your unique operational requirements before recommending equipment that delivers optimal performance for your specific applications.

Our product range spans from manual systems for flexible operations to advanced robotic solutions like the MagTrack system for automated surface preparation. We engineer each solution at our Netherlands headquarters, ensuring exceptional quality control and the ability to meet both metric and SAE standards. This flexibility proves invaluable for international operations requiring equipment compatibility across different regions.

Our global support network extends across 55 countries, providing local expertise backed by comprehensive technical knowledge. Through our subsidiary DERC Adviesgroep, we offer certified training programmes that ensure your operators maximise equipment capabilities while maintaining the highest safety standards. This combination of equipment excellence and operator competence delivers measurable improvements in productivity and safety.

We take a consultative approach to equipment selection, analysing factors like your typical applications, site constraints, and future growth plans. Whether you need a versatile unit for varied surface cleaning tasks or specialised ultra-high pressure equipment for demanding applications, we’ll guide you toward solutions that balance performance, reliability, and return on investment. Visit our products page to explore our complete range of water jetting solutions and discover how we can optimise your surface preparation operations.