Picote is an innovator and manufacturer of unique solutions for the trenchless rehabilitation of small diameter pipes, DN32 to DN300. International product sales were launched in 2012, with Picote receiving the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) Product of the Year award with the Smart Cutter™ later that year.
Picote presented its in-house lining method and a Finnish market paper in 2013 at the No-Dig Show in Sydney. From the outset, the company identified Australasia as an attractive potential market for the products. Picote partnered with local equipment suppliers and relationships developed quickly with Australian contractors who provided useful feedback for adapting the range for the market.
Since then, Picote’s portfolio of products and solutions has multiplied. Picote’s milling machines power all tools for reinstatements, high-speed pipe cleaning, descaling, root clearing, collapsed liner removal, concrete removal and the Picote Brush Coating™ System. Picote also offers a range of high quality cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining equipment for efficient installations.
Here are some of the latest innovations from Picote that will be hitting Australian shores soon, available from Picote resellers.
Battery Power
The Picote Mini Cleaner and Mini Miller are now available as cordless, battery-powered models, making quick work of cleaning, descaling and root removal.
The Battery Mini Cleaner operates inside DN32 to DN70 pipes and the Battery Mini Miller inside DN50 to DN100 pipes, both with capabilities to reinstate connections in DN50 and DN70 pipes.
The upgraded Battery Mini Miller and Battery Mini Cleaner models are designed for use in the same way as the plug-in models. The difference is that the clutch, motor and power supply have been designed to provide the best cordless experience and much more power.
The battery can provide three hours of continuous work and can be upgraded to the high-output version, which extends for four hours. It has also been designed so that a user can charge the battery while the product is still in use.
Not only is it convenient, but it is also easier to transport and operate too, regardless of power outlet locations or availability. Featuring stepless speed control, both models run at 800-2200rpm and can navigate multiple or tight 90-degree bends. The Battery Mini Cleaner can even pass through DN50 P-Traps. The dedicated brushless motor on both models is a powerful new addition, making work even more efficient.
Both the Battery Mini Cleaner and Battery Mini Miller are equipped with useful safety features: protective outer shaft casing (so that the cable is safe to hold), shielded operator presence foot control, electric safety clutch and emergency stop.
The Battery Mini Cleaner comes with a cleaning package for DN32 to DN40 pipes depending on your requirements. Both Millers can be upgraded to +C versions with integrated colour camera to track progress while you work.
Advances in CIPP equipment
The new Hybrid Midi Roller is designed for wetting out CIPP liners from DN50-200. This lightweight and compact unit can be powered by the integrated battery or plugged in and charged during use. It can be mounted on a separate work surface or combined with the Midi Roller Wet Out Station.
The Midi Roller is a hybrid unit, with variable speed and bi-directional controls. The built-in high-performance battery has around 10 hours of working time, which allows the operator to work anywhere without access to electricity.
The belt features a silicone surface and rubberised upper wheel. It is also lightweight, compact and easy to transport, weighing in at 18 kg. The Wet Out Station is an innovative and practical addition to the Midi Roller, with no additional power source needed.
Two machines in one
The new Picote Midi Cleaner bridges the gap between the Mini Miller and the Super Midi, with one machine offering DN50 to DN150 cleaning and descaling capabilities. This machine is also suitable for reinstatements in DN50 to DN100 pipes, and for brush coating from DN50 to DN200.
Offering the strength of a larger 10 mm shaft with the flexibility of a thinner outer casing, the Midi Cleaner has a reach of 23 m, which can be extended by 10m with a shaft extension. It is designed to navigate multiple 90-degree bends, even inside DN50 pipes.
With a wide range of training and technical support available, Picote launched the Picote Institute in 2018 to provide access for customers to a huge wealth of resources, including free online courses. Subscribe for free by visiting www.picoteinstitute.com.
For more information visit the Picote Solutions website.
This article appeared in the ASTT 30th Anniversary Edition.