Rapid water jetting innovation has provided opportunities to operate at higher pressures and in different ways, widening the applications for jetting technology.

This has transformed the ability to clean, prepare and defoul many structures. Since the 1970s, jetting pressures have risen from 8,000psi (550bar) to 60,000psi (4,138bar).

New jetting systems have broadened applications across surface preparation, material cutting and hydrodemolition. Yet bigger is not always better, says Billy Campbell, who has more than 40 years in the water jetting industry.

Billy shared his thoughts to help the Water Jetting Association mark its 40th anniversary. The WJA was founded, at a meeting of contractors and industry representatives in Birmingham, on 9th October 1980.

“Everywhere you looked, people wanted to buy the largest possible water jetting pumps because they thought more power meant better performance,” explains Billy, Industrial Pump Sales Manager with Calder.

“But I quickly realised that was usually not the case. Often, people would get better operational outcomes from pumps with similar pressures but lower flow rates.

“That meant using less expensive pumps, with more tried and tested technology, running them at less power, so they lasted longer, using less water, making it operationally easier.”

A key factor has often been the training of operatives, a key reason Billy champions the work of the WJA, the largest provider of water jetting training, accredited by City & Guilds, in the UK.

He said: “The training and capability of water jetting operatives has a big influence on operational effectiveness and safety. Having the right skills and experience greatly helps operatives and managers make the right decisions, that’s why the WJA’s work is so important.”

Contact the WJA, Tel: 020 8320 1090 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
web: www.waterjetting.org.uk