Understanding the Tier classifications
To make it easier to understand the flow technique in different flushing nozzles, there is a classification system.
The classification are from the basic series Tier 1, to the more advanced and high flowing nozzles in Tier 4.
Tier 1 pipe cleaning nozzles was designed around 1950. Tier 1 types of nozzles are normally called standard or conventional nozzle and the thrusting jets are normally angled between 20-40 degrees from the cleaning hose inlet.
Tier 1 nozzles have no internal water conductive design, just a hollow chamber, and the jet outlet holes are drilled in the nozzle material. The turbulence in a Tier 1 nozzle creates a pressure drop in the nozzle of 35-55 %, the reason for the substantial drop is the that the water basically must turn on itself somewhere between 140-160 degrees in order to exit the nozzle.
Tier 1 nozzles are still very common, mainly because of the low purchase cost. They do have their place when it comes to simple and easy pipe cleaning, clogged pipes or when a smaller sized nozzle is the only option to enter a pipe.
Tier 2 pipe cleaning (storm, sewer) nozzles have no internal water conducting design but are equipped with replaceable jet orifices. Tier 2 types of nozzles are normally called standard nozzles.
The interior design of a Tier 2 nozzle is a hollow chamber, same as Tier 1. Correctly designed replaceable jet inserts improve the performance. With jet inserts of good design, the pressure drop in the nozzle is around 20-30%.
Tier 3 pipe cleaning nozzle was firstly designed by one of the founders of AquaTeq®, already 1973. He quickly realized the waste of lost energy by using a Tier 1 or Tier 2 nozzle and therefore designed the GOBLIN® series – the Tier 3 nozzle was born.
Tier 3 pipe cleaning (storm, sewer) nozzles have water-conducting designs and are equipped with replaceable jet orifices for easy adaptation to different pump capacities.
Tier 4
1983 The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency a granted money for a scientific test to set fort what was the important factors for cost efficient pipe cleaning. One of the founders of AquaTeq® was invited.
Pipes were built above ground. For each test the lines were filled with 400 kg sand, gravel and stones divided over the length of the pipe. Different nozzles were tested to determine the nozzle designs impact on cleaning time and total water consumption.
This was the first time the Tier 4 - AquaTeq® High-End design was introduced. The JAWS® was born.
AquaTeq® High-End cleaning nozzles have an advanced water inner conductive design, reducing turbulence inside the nozzle. Compared with Tier 3, Tier 4 - AquaTeq® High-End nozzles have double efficiency in terms of total water and fuel consumption and time spent cleaning the pipe.
The JAWS® nozzle has been the no. 1 cleaning nozzle worldwide for many years. The past 10-15 years we have added the JAWS®RC, BL SWIPER®, C-RAY®, MANTA® and will shortly introduce the SWEAGLE® in the Tier 4 group of nozzles.