Cleaning Process for Force Mains

Of all the types of piping systems that are cleaned and restored to their maximum flow capacity, force mains usually provide the most dramatic impact.

One method for determining a force main’s efficiency is comparing its current volume of flow energy consumption with previously pumped flow volumes per kilowatt hour of energy used. If the pumps are working properly but the system is now pumping 800 gallons per kilowatt hour instead of 1200 that is was pumping a couple of years ago, it is likely the system has gotten and will continue to get dirty.

The force main system will continue to remain online and in service during the cleaning process.  NO downtime! (The only exception to this, is if it becomes necessary to create an access port into the system. In this case, a brief planned shutdown period may be required or a tapping sleeve and valve may be used.)

Some factors involved in the cleaning process:

• Existing connections to the system, i.e., manifolds, headers, clean outs, modifications of inline fittings and designed access ports are used to enter the system.
• All of the flow and contents of the system are discharged into the normal operating end of the system, i.e., manhole, wet well, other force mains, bar screen, etc. Sometimes special consideration must be given to handling the cleaning load resulting from the cleaning operation
• The cleaning is planned after the station and systems particulars are carefully reviewed and is done with close coordination with the systems management and operators.
• Supplemental flow may be required to augment the cleaning of a force main. Both to insert the cleaning poly pigs into the system and, as required, for systems that do not develop a discharge volume sufficient for the cleaning process.
• The cleaning process is safely multidimensional, therefore it can be used to clean systems of varying inline diameters, typically smaller to larger, as well as enter and exit the system at points with different diameters.
• A properly operating inline plug, check or gate valves pose no difficulties for the cleaning procedure.
• There is no restriction on the length of a system that can be cleaned nor one that has severe changes in its profile.
• The cleaning is always done carefully and incrementally. This allows the systems hydraulic capacity to purge itself and not put the operation of the system in jeopardy or at risk.

As with any job of this importance, it should be left in the hands of skilled professionals, like the people at Professional Pipings Services. Contact them today toll free at 800-780-6098 or local at 813-994-0032 if you suspect your force mains are in need of cleaning. They’ll walk you through a cleaning process designed specifically for you and help you schedule a maintenance routine to avoid reduced flow in the future

Trees offer a lifetime of benefits

We see trees every day and everywhere. Their existence a tribute to their strength amidst the urban jungles of our cities and the sprawl of suburbia  We see them alongside the roads and streets during our commute to work, driving the kids to school or just running errands. We see them standing tall in city parks where people gather to walk their dogs and take their kids to play. Trees can appear as close as those in our yards surrounding or homes and far away as the distant hills of nearby town.

Trees are everywhere, making the work that's required to keep them healthy of high importance.

In order to enjoy the trees in our yards and neighborhoods for a lifetime, action should be taken now.  Just think about taking the opportunities to relax under their generous canopy, reading a good book, having a picnic with friends and family, or taking a long mid-day nap in the shade.

Tree care however, does not have to be a chore. You can easily make it a springtime/summer family activity or hobby. Your trees will thank you for the time spent by providing you with visual and overall property benefits for many years.

It’s time now to begin preparing for the coming warmer spring and summer weather. It’s time to have your tree care needs looked at and tended to so they are healthy and prepared for the next season.

• You can use this basic spring checklist to keep up with your tree care needs this season:
• Inspect trees and shrubs for any injury they may have incurred during the winter months
• Have removed trees that are found to be at critical risk.
• Cut back any diseased, unsafe or dead limbs and branches
• Brace or cable weak limbs in advance of the often severe weather during the summer. You may even consider lightning protection installation on more mature and treasured trees..
• Inspect trees and other foliage for insects and treat as necessary.
• Mulch, fertilize, cut back perennials, prune shrubs, weed bed and plant new trees and shrubs

It's important to understand what needs to be done, how to do the work that goes into tree care and why the effort makes a difference. If you have any questions about your tree care needs, you should contact a local tree service company with professional and certified arborists on staff, like the experts at Mid Florida Tree Service.  Let them determine the next steps to better trees,and better landscapes for you.

Caring for Fruit Trees in Florida

Florida is well known for many things. Sunshine, temperate climate, beach life, theme parks and world famous citrus and strawberries are among a few.

In fact, the Mid-Florida region offers many fruits that grow well in our climate. There are the obvious citrus like Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons but there are also Avocado, Bananas, Figs, Guava, Jackfruit, Loquats, Lychee, Mangoes, Mulberries, Papayas, Peaches, and Tamarind that all grow well in Florida’s temperate climate.

Growing fruit trees can be a valuable asset to home gardeners who want to save money, enjoy health benefits of freshly picked fruit, and like to have a wider variety than is typically found in most grocery stores. Picking your own fruit allows you to enjoy the full flavor that only fruit fresh from the tree can offer. Commercially grown and distributed fruit is often times picked long before it’s ready so it “looks” ripe by the time it reaches the store. This means that the fruit hasn’t fully developed and will be lacking in both flavor and nutrients.

While a lot of trees can take years to grow from seed before producing fruit, there are many options available for getting a harvest much sooner. You might consider buying a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buying mature trees that are already producing. It’s advantageous to take into considering the schedule for mature fruit and plan a garden that will produce nearly year round.

• Some basic guidelines to planting fruit trees are:
• Allow ten to fifteen feet of space between fruit trees.
• Plant where your fruit trees will receive at least six hours of sun a day during the growing season.
• Sun should not be blocked by buildings, fences or other obstacles.
• Plant at least three feet from sidewalks and driveways and six feet away from buildings, as roots will spread wider than the tree crown.

Once you know what kind of fruit you want to grow and have determined that there is enough sun and space, your next step is to select varieties and rootstocks that are appropriate for your situation. The idea is to choose varieties that are suitable for your climate to maximize your success.

After the trees are planted, there will be general maintenance required.  The amount will depend on what kind of trees you have planted.  Watering, mulching to help retain soil moisture, fertilizing, insect and disease control and pruning or removing damaged and dead wood.

Since every tree comes with its own strategy for success, we strongly recommend contacting a professional, like the ones at Mid Florida Tree Service, to assist you in making the most out of each tree. Call them today at 813-986-2258.