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