The green clean machine
December 1st 2006

Bio-diesel powered heavy duty pressure washers are helping Hydro Power Systems clean up anything from industrial units to The London Eye

When Dr Robert Perryment first saw a machine being used to remove chewing gum from off the sidewalks in downtown San Francisco, he couldn't help thinking that we could do with something similar in the UK. He asked questions and discovered that the magic formulae for removing gum was to be found in the relationship between temperature, pressure, and flow.This rather large pressure washer – for that is all it really was – required no chemicals, relying only on superheated water at pressures of around 3,500 psi.

Perryment says the plastic pressure washers usually seen in this country struggled to stand up to the continual usage required and so six years ago,Hydro Power Systems started importing these machines into the UK.

From city centres, to The London Eye, to major airports, the machines cleaned up.However, Perryment soon found that the same equipment could be used to remove graffiti, clean buildings,'deep clean' distribution centres, and anything that was really dirty.

The machines are diesel powered, both to run the engines and heat the water. But last year fuel costs went through the roof.Having read about the production of bio-fuels from used cooking oil and because HPS regularly cleans leisure centres and have access to many fast food outlets, the company decided to invest in the equipment to process its own bio-fuels.

With no sulphur emissions and virtually no particulates this greenest of green fuels provides greater lubricity and prolongs engine life.

Machine-wise, the only downside is that rubber fuel lines and seals need to be replaced with synthetics.However, beaurocratic red tape is also something of a fly in the ointment.

According to Perryment, the government rewards HPS for its enterprise by making it produce a monthly return whilst at the same time charging 27.01p per litre duty.

Then, because HPS only use it for industrial machinery it has to then claim it back. A lot of paperwork for no real return! Nevertheless, the company is now trialling bio-diesel for use in its vehicles which should make their service even more competitive.

Dr Perryment is now offering consultancy services to local authorities, transport, and bus companies to provide similar facilities where locally sourced waste oil may be turned into a cost effective fuel with few, if any, damaging properties that are found in mineral diesel.

Meanwhile, he says Hydro Power Systems goes from strength to strength – gaining on the way a list of 'blue chip' clients throughout Britain. Its next move is to set up regional offices (HPS is presently based just south of Cambridge). A public floatation or private equity seems the most likely route: While cleaning the streets may not sound the most glamorous of occupations, finding an environmentally method of keeping Britain clean, must be a winner.