What industries benefit most from high-pressure water jetting?

High-pressure water jetting technology serves multiple industries where traditional cleaning methods fall short. The petrochemical, energy, marine, and manufacturing sectors rely heavily on this technology for their daily maintenance and surface cleaning operations. These industries choose water jetting because it offers superior cleaning power at pressures ranging from 500 to 3000 bar (7,250 to 43,500 PSI), removes stubborn deposits without chemicals, and minimises equipment downtime while maintaining strict safety standards.

Which industries rely on high-pressure water jetting for daily operations?

Four major industrial sectors depend on high-pressure water jetting for their critical maintenance operations. The petrochemical industry leads adoption, using water jetting for refinery equipment cleaning and pipeline maintenance. Power generation facilities employ this technology for boiler tube cleaning and cooling system maintenance. Marine and offshore operations utilise water jetting for hull cleaning and platform maintenance, while manufacturing plants apply it for production line cleaning and surface preparation.

These industries choose water jetting over traditional methods for several compelling reasons. The technology eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, reducing environmental impact and worker exposure to hazardous substances. Operating at pressures between 500 and 3000 bar, water jets can remove even the most stubborn deposits, including hardened scale, rust, and industrial coatings. This cleaning method also preserves the integrity of base materials, unlike abrasive blasting or chemical treatments that can cause surface damage.

The versatility of water jetting makes it particularly valuable across these diverse sectors. Equipment can be cleaned in-place without disassembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and labour costs. The process works effectively on various materials including steel, concrete, and composite surfaces, making it adaptable to different industrial environments and applications.

How does the petrochemical industry use water jetting technology?

Refineries and chemical plants utilise high-pressure water jetting for four primary applications: heat exchanger cleaning, storage tank maintenance, pipeline cleaning, and catalyst removal. Heat exchangers require regular cleaning to maintain thermal efficiency, and water jetting at 1000 to 2000 bar (14,500 to 29,000 PSI) effectively removes scale and deposits without damaging delicate tube bundles. Tank cleaning operations use rotating nozzles to remove sludge and residues, preparing vessels for inspection or product changes.

Pipeline cleaning represents one of the most critical applications in petrochemical facilities. Water jetting removes paraffin, scale, and other deposits that restrict flow and reduce efficiency. The process can be performed without dismantling pipeline sections, maintaining operational continuity. Catalyst removal from reactors requires precise pressure control, typically operating at 500 to 1500 bar (7,250 to 21,750 PSI) to extract spent catalyst material without damaging reactor internals.

Safety advantages make water jetting particularly suitable for petrochemical environments. The process eliminates spark risks associated with mechanical cleaning methods, important in potentially explosive atmospheres. Water jetting also reduces confined space entry requirements, as many cleaning operations can be performed remotely using automated equipment. This approach significantly decreases worker exposure to hazardous environments and chemical residues.

Efficiency gains from water jetting translate directly to improved plant performance. Clean heat exchangers operate at optimal thermal efficiency, reducing energy consumption. Surface cleaning of process equipment extends operational life and reduces the frequency of major overhauls. The speed of water jetting compared to manual cleaning methods can reduce turnaround times by up to 50%, allowing facilities to return to production faster.

What makes water jetting ideal for marine and offshore applications?

Marine vessels and offshore platforms face unique cleaning challenges that water jetting addresses effectively. Hull cleaning removes marine growth and coatings using pressures of 1500 to 2500 bar (21,750 to 36,250 PSI), restoring smooth surfaces that reduce fuel consumption. Deck preparation for recoating requires complete removal of old paint and rust, achieved efficiently through water jetting without creating dust or debris that could contaminate sensitive equipment.

Ballast tank maintenance presents particular challenges due to confined spaces and corrosion concerns. Water jetting provides thorough cleaning of tank internals, removing sediment and scale while preparing surfaces for protective coating application. The process reaches areas inaccessible to manual cleaning methods, ensuring complete coverage. Offshore platforms require regular cleaning of structural members, process equipment, and accommodation areas, all accomplished safely using water jetting technology.

Environmental benefits make water jetting the preferred choice for marine applications. Unlike abrasive blasting, water jetting produces no airborne particles that could harm marine ecosystems. The process captures and contains removed materials for proper disposal, preventing ocean contamination. Many ports and harbours now mandate water jetting for hull cleaning to protect local water quality.

Compliance with maritime regulations becomes simpler with water jetting technology. International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards for biofouling management are met through regular hull cleaning programmes. The process removes invasive species without introducing harmful chemicals into marine environments. Documentation of cleaning procedures using water jetting satisfies port state control requirements and environmental compliance audits.

Why do energy and power generation facilities choose high-pressure water jetting?

Power plants rely on water jetting for four critical maintenance tasks: boiler tube cleaning, turbine maintenance, cooling tower cleaning, and condenser tube cleaning. Boiler tubes accumulate scale and deposits that reduce heat transfer efficiency, but water jetting at 1000 to 3000 bar (14,500 to 43,500 PSI) restores original performance levels. This cleaning method reaches all tube surfaces without mechanical damage, preserving boiler integrity and extending service life.

Turbine maintenance requires precision cleaning to remove deposits without affecting blade geometry. Water jetting provides controlled cleaning that preserves critical tolerances while removing contaminants. Cooling towers benefit from regular water jetting to remove algae, scale, and biological growth that impede airflow and heat transfer. The process cleans fill media, distribution systems, and structural components without dismantling tower sections.

Minimising downtime drives the adoption of water jetting in power generation. Traditional cleaning methods might require weeks of shutdown, but water jetting completes the same work in days. Online cleaning capabilities for certain applications allow partial operation during maintenance, reducing revenue loss. The speed and effectiveness of water jetting enable more frequent preventive maintenance, avoiding costly emergency shutdowns.

Operational efficiency improvements justify the investment in water jetting technology. Clean heat transfer surfaces in boilers and condensers directly translate to improved thermal efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Regular water jetting maintenance extends equipment life, delaying capital expenditure on replacements. The ability to maintain peak performance between major overhauls provides consistent power output and reliability.

How can DERC Salotech help your industry with water jetting solutions?

With over 40 years of expertise in high-pressure water jetting technology, we understand the unique challenges faced by international procurement and technical managers across various industries. Our engineering team in the Netherlands develops customised solutions that meet both metric and SAE standards, ensuring compatibility with your existing operations regardless of location. We’ve successfully deployed equipment in over 55 countries, demonstrating our ability to navigate diverse regulatory requirements and operational conditions.

Our innovative solutions address the specific needs of petrochemical, energy, marine, and manufacturing sectors. The Flexa-Jet Chain Manipulator revolutionises heat exchanger cleaning by providing automated, consistent cleaning patterns that reduce operator fatigue and improve safety. The MagTrack robotic system enables remote cleaning of vertical surfaces and confined spaces, eliminating the need for scaffolding or confined space entry. These technologies operate efficiently at pressures from 500 to 3000 bar, adapting to various cleaning requirements.

Safety and training form integral parts of our comprehensive approach. Through DERC Adviesgroep, we offer certified training courses that ensure your operators maximise equipment potential while maintaining strict safety standards. This training covers equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols specific to your industry applications. We understand that proper training reduces operational risks and extends equipment life, providing better return on investment.

Our commitment extends beyond equipment supply to long-term partnership. We provide ongoing technical support, spare parts availability, and equipment upgrades that keep your operations running efficiently. Whether you need solutions for routine maintenance or challenging cleaning applications, our team works closely with you to develop tailored approaches. Visit our products page to explore our complete range of water jetting solutions designed for your industry’s specific requirements.