Hi this might be a stupid question but im new to pumping and have noticed a few posts about injures from cleaning out. I am working on a line pump doing Shotcrete and we always use compressed air to clean the line i am told its unsafe but we do it anyway. So i wanted to ask if theres another way to clean the line? I have asked the boss but he says this is the best way to do it.

Thanks

Water,Take off your hose from back end.Leave the mud in it,and all the hoses connected.Clean your hopper and valve out.Have a couple balls that fit in your size hose say 2'' hose 2 1/2 in ball.Put a ball in end of hose at pump.Connect back up,fill hopper with water.Then start pumping slow and watch the end of the hose ,you will see the mud running out.You have to keep water level up above the valve so you don't suck air,that's a bad thing.

I looked to see where you are from cleaning out with air is a common  way of cleaning out as long as you stay in control and learn to right way since water is scarse TWT concrete pumping is good at it, most of us in the USA  use water because it doesn't compress, if you use air keep everyone clear of the end.

I agree with rusty. We call it water wash and with the mixer 90% of the time youll have enough and if not find a plastic barrell and fill it up with a little water from each load that way when you get done you can drain it in your hopper. Make sure the barrell is high then your hopper aka on your truck or pump. Good luck

When I used to operate a line pump. I always blew hoses out with air. The key is to go very slow, always have one hand on the relief valve and make sure you can see the end of the hose. Once the concrete starts flowing faster, relieve all the pressure. If the sponge has not come out, then slowly put more air into the system until the ball falls out the end. Just be very careful and make sure everyone is away from the discharge area.

I would go with the water wash if possible... But if your gonna use air why not make yourself a ball catcher just to be a little safer! Just need a weld on end for whatever size hose ur using and some steel round bar and an hour or so and ur all set and it will be a bit safer than just blowing it out the end.

Cheers Guys

Very Helpfull

Normally I am a blow out guy. But some times the job ask for another approach. 50 meter of 3" hose of the backend through a building, no control of the whole line. Disconnected the hose of the reducer and sucked the ball back for of side clean out. And then putted a ball in the hose and the blew out cap to my waterpump, I have a

Switch for my waterpump on my remote so I can walk the line to see the concrete come out.

use a wet soft sponge and put some truck wash or detergent on it and have someone follow the line if possible and make sure the end hose is a single ended but water wash ifs best if u can