Intelligent Tech set to Transform the Sewer Cleaning Sector

Stage V Engine Regulations

European Stage V engine regulations, which came into force in 2019, have heralded perhaps the biggest change in the industry over recent years. Intended to better regulate and reduce engine emissions, the new rules have forced the reconfiguration of a wide range of popular diesel-powered machines.

Rioned has embraced this shift, focusing on cleaner engines and developing innovative solutions like the eControl Touch, which helps optimise performance and reduce emissions. The eControl Touch's real-time monitoring allows operators to identify potential issues and address them before they lead to increased emissions or engine problems.

Jetters with common-rail engines fitted with DPF filters have recently entered the market, with manufacturers also developing a range of diesel units that operate below the 19kW power threshold. Rioned’s 33kW (44HP) CityJet V1505-CR was launched in late 2020, and the firm has also redesigned its popular Urbanjet model to comply with Stage V regulations.

It’s a change that Marc Soethout says Rioned has embraced: “With our machines, we’ve been focusing more on cleaner engines as the standard pumps and nozzles have tended to remain the same over the last decade.”

Stage V regulations and the growth of ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zones) across European cities have brought about a shift away from high-performance diesel engines, fuelling the development of alternative power sources. But, in an industry traditionally powered by diesel, this change has not always been met with enthusiasm.

The Use of Alternative Power Sources

Although not new sewer cleaning technology, machines operated by PTO (Power take-off) from vehicle engines have seen a resurgence in recent years. Traditionally utilised by larger equipment, advancements in Euro 6 compliant vehicle engines mean this type of power supply can be used in smaller units such as jetting vans.

The same is true for high-performance petrol machines, with intelligent, fuel-injection engines more readily available. Although still somewhat undervalued in the industry, petrol machines are often lighter and more fuel-efficient than their diesel counterparts, whilst still providing an industry-standard performance.

A stumbling block to using petrol has always been that engines run a lot hotter than diesel but developments to dissipate residual heat from the engine have overcome most of these issues.

The Introduction of Electric Jetting Machines

Echoing the car industry, electric and hybrid machines are seen as the next great leap forward in equipment development. Marc Soethout has overseen the development of the eCityJet, the world’s first all-electric high-performance jetting machine, and says that battery-driven machines have been the most important new development in his 21 years at Rioned.

Powered by Lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used in electric vehicles, the eCityjet has the performance and features associated with a conventional jetter but produces zero emissions. Battery operation also massively reduces operational noise, making it ideal for urban areas where noise restrictions may be in effect.  The new electric machine also only weighs marginally more than its diesel counterpart, meaning it can be installed in most commercial vans.

Over the past 12 months, the eCityJet has been put through extensive trials in The Netherlands, and Marc says they have been delighted by the response from those using the machine.

“Of course, we did set the bar high for ourselves,” he says. “But by remaining critical and not making any concessions we have succeeded in creating this innovative product.”

New for 2024: The eFlow One Electric Drain Jetter

The eFlow One is a game-changer in the industry, offering a compact, all-electric jetting machine for smaller contractors and eco-conscious businesses. This innovative solution seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with a space-saving design, making the transition to electricity more accessible than ever before.

Powered by a robust 14 kW electric engine and high-density 17 kW/h battery pack, the eFlow One delivers impressive cleaning power, achieving 150 bar at a flow rate of 50 litres per minute. With an operating range of up to 300 mm and a 400-litre water tank (expandable to 800 litres), the eFlow One tackles a wide range of drain cleaning tasks efficiently.

The eFlow One incorporates Rioned's latest technology for ease of use and operator safety. The RioMote premium remote control system with its LCD screen allows for remote monitoring of essential information and control of the machine from a distance. Additionally, the Battery Management System ensures uninterrupted operation and provides real-time battery status and recharge warnings.

Single-man, Single Resolution Vehicles

New technology and advances in engineering processes have led to more compact and efficient equipment, creating additional space in vehicles for contractors to carry the tools needed to undertake multiple drainage tasks in a single visit. Often known as multi-purpose vehicles, modern jetting vans often carry CCTV survey systems, drain-lining kits, cable machines, rods and other essential tools.

Features like hose reel distance counters and intuitive control panels empower single operators to handle tasks that traditionally require multiple people. This not only saves on labour costs but also streamlines operations and reduces the environmental impact of your cleaning jobs.

Compact jetvac units are also an increasingly common sight on the roads, with units such as Rioned’s 7.5t RioCom offering both powerful vacuum and jetting capabilities comparable with much larger units.

The RioCom is equipped with a Euro 6 compliant direct-injection engine that uses PTO converting power from the low-emission vehicle engine to operate the pumps. Lightweight and highly manoeuvrable, the RioCom is a cost-effective, low-emission single-resolution unit ideal for use in congested city centres and low-emission zones.

Alongside compact multi-purpose vehicles, the use of increasingly sophisticated remote control systems allows a single operator to carry out work that would have previously required two people. Besides the obvious efficiency of single-man operations, the ability to fine-tune the pressure and flow at a distance from the vehicle offers savings on time, running costs and water usage.

Modern remotes, such as Rioned’s RioMote, use FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) to search for the strongest frequencies, creating a bigger transmitting range for use in densely populated areas. New ergonomic designs also make the device easier to hold and operate whilst wearing gloves.

With a larger 7" touchscreen, a robust jog wheel, and built-in sensors, the eControl Touch provides operators with complete system information at a glance. Real-time monitoring of pressure, flow, RPMs, fuel and water levels, and critical component health ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of breakdowns. 

Additionally, in 2016 Rioned introduced the RioMeter hose meter counter. Aimed at contractors who charge per linear metre, or who work on the boundary between private properties and municipal land, the counter provides a highly accurate readout of how many metres the hose has travelled along the pipe.