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IS 11387:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for requirements for high-pressure jetting machine for sewer cleaning. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, construction, components, and performance of high-pressure water jetting machines used for cleaning sewer lines. It covers key components like the water tank, high-pressure pump, engine, and hoses. The code also outlines safety features and testing procedures to ensure the machine's effectiveness and operational reliability.
Requirements for high-pressure jetting machine for sewer cleaning
! Ensure the chosen machine meets the minimum pressure (8.5 MPa) and flow rate for the intended application, as specified in Table 1.
! The water tank capacity is not fixed by the standard; it must be agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier based on the vehicle chassis and operational needs.
! Verify that all safety features, especially the pressure relief valve and emergency stops (Clause 7), are present and functional before deploying the machine.
EN 1829-1:2010CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
High-pressure water jet machines - Safety requirements - Part 1: General requirements
Covers safety design for the high-pressure system, but not overall machine performance or capacity.
WJTA Recommended PracticesWaterJet Technology Association (WJTA), USA
LowCurrent
Recommended Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment
Focuses on safe operation and procedures, indirectly influencing machine safety features, but not manufacturing specifications.
AS/NZS 4233.1:2013Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
LowCurrent
High pressure water jetting systems - Part 1: Safe operation and maintenance
An operational code of practice, similar to WJTA, not an equipment manufacturing standard.
Key Differences
≠IS 11387 is a prescriptive standard specifying materials (e.g., mild steel for tank), capacities, and component types (e.g., triplex plunger pump), whereas modern international standards are performance-based, focusing on safety outcomes regardless of the specific materials or design used.
≠International safety standards like EN 1829-1 mandate specific safety features like 'dead-man' type triggers that immediately stop the jet when released and non-isolatable pressure relief valves. IS 11387's requirements for controls and safety valves are more general.
≠IS 11387 specifies both pressure (100-140 kg/cm²) and flow (200-300 l/min) ranges, defining the machine's performance. International standards typically do not specify performance parameters, leaving them to be defined by the manufacturer and application requirements.
≠The Indian standard includes requirements for the entire vehicle-mounted unit, including the chassis and power take-off (PTO) arrangement. In contrast, EN 1829-1 focuses solely on the high-pressure water jetting system itself, irrespective of how it is mounted or powered.
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the same fundamental system components: a high-pressure pump, a power source (engine/motor), a water tank, high-pressure hoses, and specialized nozzles.
≈The requirement for a pressure relief/safety valve to protect the system from over-pressurization is a common and critical feature in both IS 11387 and all relevant international standards.
≈Both the Indian and international standards emphasize the need for high-pressure hoses to be appropriately rated for the machine's maximum working pressure, with a defined safety factor.
≈The basic principle of using rear-facing jets on the nozzle for propulsion and forward/side jets for cleaning is a common concept underlying the equipment's function, regardless of the standard.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Operating Pressure
100 to 140 kg/cm² (approx. 98 to 137 Bar)
Not specified; defined by manufacturer based on application. Safety systems must match the machine's Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP).
EN 1829-1:2010
Water Flow Rate
200 to 300 litres/minute
Not specified; a function of pump selection and application requirements.
EN 1829-1:2010
Water Tank Material
Mild steel conforming to IS 2062
No specific material mandated; must be compatible with the fluid and service conditions. Polyethylene or stainless steel are common.
General Practice / EN 1829-1:2010
Pump Type
Horizontal triplex plunger pump
Not specified, but triplex plunger pumps are the de-facto industry standard for this application.
General Practice
Pressure Safety Device
A suitable spring-loaded safety valve shall be provided.
Mandatory pressure relief device, must be sealed or tamper-proof after setting, and cannot be isolated from the pump.
EN 1829-1:2010
Hose Safety Factor (Burst vs. Working Pressure)
Implied by reference to IS 636 and IS 3549, which typically have factors between 3:1 and 4:1.
Minimum safety factor of 2.5:1. Hoses must comply with standards like EN 853 to EN 857.
EN 1829-1:2010
Operator Control Device
A control valve for directing the flow to the hose reel.
A 'triggering device' (e.g., dead-man gun or foot pedal) that immediately and reliably stops the high-pressure jet when released.
EN 1829-1:2010
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Working Pressure8.5 MPa (85 kg/cm²)
Minimum Water Flow Rate (Typical)125 litres/min
Pump Type SpecifiedPositive displacement reciprocating plunger pump
Minimum High Pressure Hose Length120 m
Minimum Engine Power (Typical)40 kW
Hose Inner Diameter20 mm or 25 mm
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Performance Requirements of High Pressure Jetting Machine
What is the minimum working pressure specified for a sewer jetting machine?+
A minimum working pressure of 8.5 MPa (or 85 kg/cm²) is required as per Table 1.
What type of pump is specified by this standard?+
The standard specifies a positive displacement reciprocating plunger pump (Clause 5.3).
Is there a minimum water tank capacity mentioned?+
No, the capacity of the tank is to be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier (Clause 5.2.1), though typical capacities range from 4000 to 8000 litres.
What are the key safety requirements for the machine?+
Key safety features include a pressure relief valve, an unloader valve, an emergency engine stop control, and proper guarding for all rotating parts (Clause 7).