Automated Water Fed Suggestion System

Which water fed pole system is best for you? Whether you are just trying to learn more information or see which system is right for you, we can easily match you up with a package that fits your needs and budget with just 4 simple questions! Click here to get started. You can also conveniently check your TDS on the same page.

If you need even more personalised help selecting a system consider scheduling a consulting session with John and receive up to $100 off select pure water systems. John is our in-house water fed pole system expert and can answer your questions and help determine what system is right for you!

Are you a beginner to pure water? Click here to watch the introductory Water Fed Pole Video series.

New Unger nLite Video Series

Watch our brand new video series on the Unger nLite Water Fed Poles!  This video series covers a comprehensive overview, unboxing and set up, and a closer look at the Unger nLite water fed poles. We also cover Unger water fed brushes, indoor cleaning and more! Check out all the videos at the link below!

New Waterfed Video Series!

Looking for more information on pure water and water fed poles? Look no further! Check out the brand new Water Fed Pole Video series from WCR! Browse in-depth videos on a variety of topics that cover pure water window cleaning, testing your water quality, understanding different purification methods, water fed pole overview and much more! Check out the videos below!

What's the next step? Check your TDS for free, use our automated water fed pole suggestion system or schedule a consulting session with John Lee, one of the top product experts at WCR and receive up to $100 off select pure water systems. Click here!

Vote Now For Unger Limited Edition

Dave Rogers showing off the merits of the nLite® Unger system.

Unger have just found out that the Unger nLite® Ultra HiMod Carbon Fibre Pole has been shortlisted in the Tomorrow’s Cleaning Awards 2015! Please show your appreciation for the only window cleaning product in the competition. Unger are consistently pushing the window cleaning market with well thought out innovative products that go beyond the norm. With the nlite HiMod carbon fibre pole they have made the most rigid, lightweight  pole on the market which in turn leads to less operator fatigue & chances of muscle strain. The voting for the winner is now open at this link.

nLite® Ultra HiMod Carbon - nLite® is the number one Waterfed Pole system in the professional cleaning market. It delivers super light and stiff poles in 6 material grades. Every pole has a 4 section telescopic master pole and a 2 section telescopic extension pole. This delivers maximum flexibility up to a reach of 20m. Several brushes and gossenecks bring maximum efficiency to the professional cleaning process. Features:

• Made using a complex combination of carefully selected premium carbon fibres delivering unrivalled rigidity
• 30% more rigid than the previous top spec nLite HiMod Carbon Fibre pole!
• Superlight, ideal for working at heights of up to 20m/65ft and higher if local safety regulations allow
• Features UNGER 50th Anniversary logo

Master Telescopic pole. The pole sections are manufactured from an ultra rigid combination of premium carbon fibres to achieve an unrivalled LDR of 74,4. Ultimate strength of Ultra HiMod carbon fibre material: Total tube strength =230 GPa* due to material mix, including 760 GPa* carbon fiber.

Add up to four Extension Poles to clean at heights of up to 20m / 65ft. Base pole section always measures 35mm in diameter, regardless of the number of Extension Poles added.

Extensions for the Telescopic pole. Pole sections are manufactured from an ultra rigid combination of premium carbon fibres to achieve an unrivalled LDR of 80,9. Total tube strength = 230 GPa* due to material mix, including 760 GPa* carbon fiber.

More nLite news here.

Watch the videos below for more information:

The Sky's The Limit For Window Cleaning Systems

There’s no doubt that the professional window cleaning sector will continue to make progress, taking advantage of new technology and innovations in engineering and materials to produce even more adaptable window cleaning systems.

The sky's the limit for window cleaning systems: They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and the window cleaning sector is certainly proving this to be true, using innovative materials, technology and designs to answer client needs.  Jochen Wagener, head of marketing for Unger Europe, reveals how window cleaning systems are adapting and developing to keep pace with key market trends.

The only way is up – if the continuing architectural trend for high-rise buildings is anything to go by. The majority of our most iconic buildings seem to prove the theory that size matters, in terms of height, that is. Whether we are talking about the Shard in London, the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, or the Torre de Cristal in Madrid, the fashion for high-rise, high-tech designs – featuring lots of glass and metal – doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.

Tall buildings, whether new or established, need regular, thorough and effective cleaning to ensure they present a professional face to customers and colleagues. For the highest heights, ‘robotic’ automatic window cleaning systems, operated by remote control and using chemical-free pure water, are gaining ground. However, if a more ‘James Bond’ approach is preferred, abseiling using traditional squeegees is also still widely used. Operatives can also regularly be seen cleaning high level windows from cradles, using small poles, brushes and again pure water.

Professional window cleaners continue to embrace new methods and equipment – with water-fed poles emerging as another popular choice. These poles allow operatives to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work at height.

For many years, window cleaners have had the choice of two types of pole system: telescopic or modular. However, telescopic poles can tend to flex as they are extended, with a subsequent loss of control. They also have some weight issues; for example, a six-section telescopic pole will always have six sections as they cannot be removed – so even if you only need to use four sections to clean to the height required, you are still carrying the weight of six.

Modular systems, although better at extending without weakening rigidity, simply become too heavy as they are extended, and the extensions also add width to the poles making them less easy to handle. They can also take a long time to construct or build up, which is a disadvantage in terms of making the best use of operatives’ time.

This presented the sector with a challenge: how do you create a water-fed pole system that will clean up to 65 feet/20 metres in height, but be both lightweight and easy to control? Along with engineering and design techniques, combining the best features of both telescopic and modular poles, using the right materials is crucial – and more and more options are emerging to provide specific solutions.

Carbon fibre, fibreglass and aluminium are all materials that have brought choice and flexibility to the window cleaning sector, helping to create equipment that offers alternatives to suit the situation or building type. Carbon fibre in particular offers an amazing balance between strength, weight and rigidity. In comparison to steel it is stronger, more rigid, and yet it weighs considerably less.

These ‘next generation’ carbon fibre poles provide a better balance between weight and rigidity. Because the poles are lighter they make the job of a cleaning operative that much easier and more comfortable, putting less of a strain on their bodies and enabling them to clean swiftly and efficiently. The fact that they are lighter also means that the operative is less likely to get tired as quickly, so they can clean a larger surface area than if using a conventional system.

However, just because the poles are lightweight it doesn’t mean that they deliver less in terms of rigidity. Even when extensions are added to increase the length and reach of the system, the poles do not bend or become unwieldy. On the contrary rigidity, and therefore control, is maintained, allowing every corner and crevice to be cleaned thoroughly.

As companies and organisations have become more environmentally aware, an increase in the use of solar panels has also brought challenges for the window cleaning sector. Installing solar panels represents a big investment in both time and money, so businesses need to ensure that they are kept in top condition to reap the expected rewards.

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) says that solar power is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. The two main systems currently in use are:

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels – these convert sunlight into electricity and are available in a variety of formats including cladding, roof tiles, and custom glazing.

• Solar hot water systems – these absorb energy from the sun and transfer it, using heat exchangers, to heat water. A variety of collectors are available, which are commonly mounted on roofs in the same way as PV panels.

No matter where a building is sited, solar panels are exposed to the weather and environmental influences 24/7, 365 days a year. Dust, dirt and other deposits not only look unsightly, they affect the performance of the panels. Traffic fumes and soot can build up quickly, especially on systems that are located near roads, railway stations or on industrial parks where there is a constant stream of trucks, vans and cars.

The orientation of the panels is another factor to consider. Because you are looking to achieve maximum exposure to sunlight, panels should ideally be oriented to the south. When oriented in other directions, a build-up of plants or moss on the surface can result. The angle at which the panels are placed can also have an impact.

It’s widely agreed that if the panels lay very flat, then there will be more deposits to deal with. A steeper angle will help, to a certain extent, but dirt may still have a tendency to collect in lower corners. And although rain removes some of the existing dirt, it also deposits new dirt on the surface.

Soiling that is left on the panels stops sunlight from getting through, meaning that less energy is produced, in some cases resulting in a decrease in efficiency of 30 per cent. This is obviously not acceptable, so regular cleaning should be put in place to ensure you protect your investment.

Water-fed poles have already established themselves as a popular choice with professional window cleaners, because they allow them to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work at height. These pole systems now also lend themselves perfectly to cleaning solar panels, dispensing with the need for ladders or cranes but still cleaning safely and efficiently to help boost solar output.

Cleaning with chemicals also runs the risk of leaving a film on the panels that can prevent the sun’s rays from getting through, so the most effective way to clean is to use pure water. To get to this state the water is processed to remove the minerals and impurities that would otherwise dry and lead to spots and streaks.

Cleaning techniques used on the outside of buildings are now helping to influence how interiors are maintained, and window cleaning equipment is adapting to fulfil a growing need for safe and effective ways to do an ‘inside job’.

Many different businesses and organisations require indoor cleaning systems. From shopping centres, with their central, glass-clad atriums; to museums and galleries that need safe ways to clean around precious exhibits; to manufacturing facilities incorporating roof skylights – indoor cleaning is becoming increasingly important.

Demand is growing for easy-to-use, flexible systems. Companies are looking for more efficient ways to keep their premises clean – and that means efficiencies in both time and money. Methods of cleaning high interior windows that dispense with the need for ladders, but still operate in a safe way, are becoming more popular.

Telescopic pole systems are smaller and lighter, so they are more easily moved around buildings and between floors than bulky ladders, plus they get the job done quickly, without compromising quality. Systems that use pure water don’t need chemicals, saving both money and helping companies with their ‘green’ agendas; plus re-usable, washable pads mean less waste and more sustainability.

Indoor window cleaning systems means that customers are now able to clean places that were previously out of reach, such as ceilings, escalators, conservatory roofs and elevators. Ordinarily, this would require specialist cleaning and logistics to arrange – increasing financial outlay because of the high cost of hiring equipment such as scissor lifts, and causing disruption to the working day because areas have to be closed off while cleaning takes place – but the latest systems provide a solution to these problems.

Thanks to continuous product development and feedback from clients on their changing needs, great cleaning results are now the norm, and not difficult to achieve when compared to the more traditional glass cleaners and paper towels, used in years gone by.

There’s no doubt that the professional window cleaning sector will continue to make progress, taking advantage of new technology and innovations in engineering and materials to produce even more adaptable window cleaning systems. Whether you need to clean inside, outside, or up on the roof, the 21st century window cleaning sector is rising to the challenges ahead, and providing imaginative solutions that deliver the required results.

The Future For Water Cleaning

Many companies are coming up with cleaning systems that use water only, claiming these to be sustainable since they remove the need for chemicals. But as water supplies dwindle, are such claims justified?

The future for water cleaning: Many companies are coming up with cleaning systems that use water only, claiming these to be sustainable since they remove the need for chemicals. But as water supplies dwindle, are such claims justified? Ann Laffeaty looks at arguments for and against water-based and chemical-based cleaning systems.

Products and systems were once considered to be environmentally-friendly if they minimised the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Manufacturers then began coming up with new, eco-friendly chemicals said to be less aggressive and kinder to the environment. Soon chemicals were dispensed with altogether in certain applications, and systems that used water alone - such as water-fed poles, microfibre cloths and high pressure cleaning machines – began to gain ground.

But the world is now facing a water crisis. A UN report issued this summer claimed that water supplies are falling while demand is growing at an unsustainable rate. In fact the average supply of water per person worldwide is expected to drop by a third over the next 20 years.
So does this mean that water-based cleaning systems are no longer sustainable?

Water-fed pole window cleaning is one of the services offered by facilities management services company OCS. Regional operations manager Michael Chambers admits that such systems require more water than traditional window cleaning methods using a ladder and squeegee.

Many advantages

“However I think the advantages of water-fed pole window cleaning outweigh the disadvantages, both from a financial and sustainability point of view,” he said. “For one thing this method allows you to clean windows 60 ft up, which is much better for the safety of staff than using ladders. Access equipment often runs on diesel, too, which can cause pollution. And traditional cleaning methods use chemicals whereas water-fed systems of course use only water.”

He adds that the extra water used for window cleaning is not wasted in any case. “All the run-off goes into the drains and ends up back in the system,” he said. “The fact that the water is pure means it is more or less equivalent to rainwater.”

High pressure cleaning also uses large quantities of water to remove dirt from indoor and outdoor surfaces. However this is still an eco-friendly cleaning method according to Karcher environmental PR David Wickel.

“The narrow diameter of a high pressure nozzle reduces water consumption considerably in comparison with an ordinary hose,” he said. “Furthermore, mechanical cleaning is an environmentally-friendly alternative to using chemicals, and in many cases leads to better cleaning results in a much shorter time.”

He argues that high pressure cleaning keeps chemical use to a minimum since detergent consumption can be reduced under higher pressure. “Pressure cleaners also have dosing devices that enable detergent to be added precisely and in minimal quantities.”

He claims Kärcher’s high pressure cleaners save up to 50 per cent more water, electricity and time than most other high pressure systems. In some cases, too – particularly in car-washing applications - the water can be recycled.

“With our WRH 1200 eco it is possible to recycle the oily waste water arising from washing engines and vehicle under-bodies with a high pressure cleaner,” he said. “Using this method, fresh water consumption can be reduced by as much as 85 per cent.”

Wickel adds that the company’s scrubber dryers can also be adapted to save water. “When using scrubber dryers with disk brushes, aquamisers –or aprons fitted behind the disks on the brush head - confine the cleaning solution to the area being cleaned,” he said. “This makes it possible to reduce water and detergent consumption by up to 30 per cent.”

PHS Washrooms offers a number of products designed to save water including flush control systems for toilets and urinals, and a water saver system for taps. When attached to a siphon in the toilet cistern, the Flush-wiser WC Flush Control can reduce the amount of water flushed by up to three litres according to marketing manager Keri Reynolds. “This can be adjusted to suit each cistern, taking into account cistern size and performance in order to make optimum
savings without compromising on hygiene,” she says.

Reduction in wastage

The PHS SaverTap is designed to make existing taps work more efficiently by preventing them from being allowed to be left to run. “This reduces water wastage by up to 80 per cent,” says Reynolds. “Using water more efficiently is a smart way for businesses to save energy and money, while also delivering on commitments to cut energy and resource wastage.

“The washroom is somewhere that energy-saving schemes can easily be put into action by installing products that are economical with water, yet still deliver the best performance and hygiene standards. As well as the financial benefits, by demonstrating your company’s water efficiency you may attract new, more environmentally-aware customers and employees.”

Nilfisk-Advance has developed a cleaning system said to cut water consumption by 50 per cent and reduce the need for detergents by between 35 and 100 per cent. The company’s Ecoflex System allows the operator to vary the quantity of detergent used and also to switch between chemical-free cleaning and water-only cleaning.

“The Ecoflex System enables the operator to select the right blend of pad pressure, water and detergent for any given task,” says group corporate responsibility manager Ulla Riber. “This means the decision on how to balance the use of detergent and water is managed at the point of cleaning which allows the operator to achieve the best possible results.”

The company also offers the Nilfisk-Advance Cyclone 4500 system which collects and filters waste water. All contaminants are removed and contained and the clean water is recycled and reused.

Needs protecting

“Water is a main component for delivering the highest standards of effective cleaning - but it is a natural resource and we all need to protect it,” says Ruber.

“There is no doubt that water will be high on the agenda in our industry in years to come. Both we and our customers see potential in developing products that provide equal or enhanced cleaning efficiency while using less energy, less water and less detergent. We want to take a key position in this development.”

Ecolab also aims to reduce the use of water during cleaning. However senior marketing communications manager Nick Burchell feels that water alone is rarely a substitute for chemicals in any case.

“If you want to remove limescale you will need an acid-based product, and if you want to disinfect a surface you will require a QAT-based or chlorine bleach product,” he said.

Chemicals are also sometimes required even when cleaning with microfibre, according to Burchell. In a 2005 laboratory study carried out by Ecolab, two surfaces were charged with pathogens and cleaned using different methods - one with microfibre plus chemicals and one with microfibre and
water alone.

“There was a significant log reduction when chemicals were used,” said Burchell. “Also the fresh smell associated with a chemical clean is often important. Patient studies in the UK have shown that if a hospital smells clean, patients feel that it must be clean. Cleaning methods that use water alone do not generate this clean smell.”

Ecolab offers a mop impregnation system for hospitals designed to be ergonomic for the cleaner while minimising the use of water and chemicals. The Vario Maxx Healthguard system is said to reduce water and chemical consumption by up to 80 per cent while also facilitating the task of hospital cleaning.

“We design our trolleys around the workforce and take into account how people use them,” said Burchell. “A calculation is made as to how many microfibre mops are required to clean each bay and ward, and these mops are then lined up in a box on the trolley ready for use.

“The mops are then moistened in a bucket that contains a powerful concentration of detergent plus two litres of water at most. This solution is absorbed by the mops so that they become only damp, with no wringing required.”

Ecolab also offers a rinse-free product for manual and machine cleaning that is said to save water. Magic Maxx contains a blend of active cleaning agents to create what Ecolab calls 'super-wetting technology'.

Diversey corporate communications director Rafael Echevarria agrees that besides any sustainability issues, water alone is not always an effective cleaning medium. “With a chemical-free system it is not necessarily the amount of water that is the issue,” he said. “The water will need to be hotter which gives rise to safety and environmental issues. Also more abrasion may be required which could lead to damage to the cleaning surface or the user. And when using water alone it may take significantly longer to clean which will lead to productivity and cost issues.”

He argues that chemicals play an important role in hygiene-critical environments such as kitchens and washrooms. “Although water alone could be used in these areas, the germs would have to be physically removed by microfibre or through thermal disinfection,” he said.

Scientific assessment

“Very few microfibre systems have been scientifically assessed for their ability to remove harmful bacteria. As regards thermal disinfection, you would have to use either very high temperatures for relatively long contact times, or steam. This may be fine in a closed system such as a laundry machine, but elsewhere there will be some environmental impact regarding how the water is heated, damage to materials and personal safety.”

He says it is misleading to categorically claim that water-only systems are more sustainable than those that use chemicals. However he adds that a sustainable cleaning regime should successfully balance both water and chemical use.

“Around 1.5 billion people live in river basins where water is physically scarce, while another billion live in river basins where water is economically scarce,” he said. “Water management and conservation is critical to any regime - cleaning or not. The water-only/chemical balance can be extremely complex and the only certain answer is: whatever the answer, it doesn’t apply to everyone.”

The Unger HiFlo nLite Water Fed Pole Unveiled

.

ISSA Interclean Show: This morning the HiFlo nLite, the new evolutionary waterfed pole system from Unger has been unveiled at ISSA Interclean Show in Amsterdam. The Unger stand has been crowded from the moment of opening with visitors keen to find out more about the new range of super-light Poles and innovative Brushes. The nLite Brushes are available with up to 10 jet locations. Click to enlarge pictures.

 

Quick Overview: 

BRUSHES: Superlight Brushes feature high quality polyester bristles designed to get into the smallest corner and help with scrubbing actions. Whereas conventional brushes usually only have two jets, HiFloTM nLite Brushes feature up to ten quick release Jets, making it much easier to control the water flow and rinse surfaces.

GOOSENECKS: Strong carbon fibre Gooseneck attachments enable you to achieve any working angle, keeping weight to a minimum.

CLAMPS: The Clamps, which adjust Pole height or attach the Extensions Poles, are simple to operate – no fiddly allen key-type devices needed – and easily adjustable to ensure the right tension.

MASTER POLE: The four section Master Pole cleans up to a height of 6,63m/22ft, but taller locations are easily reached by adding two-section Extension Poles to the base of the Master Pole.

EXTENSION POLE: These extensions, each adding another potential 3,41m/11ft of reach but crucially not adding anything to the width and feel of the Pole, always measuring 35mm in diameter – an optimum size that fits easily into the hands of the professional for quick and comfortable cleaning.

Poles, weights, material, click to enlarge.

Detail:

MASTER POLE - 4 SECTION TELESCOPIC POLE. (DIAMETER: 26MM/29MM/32MM/35MM)
The diameter of the Pole section you are holding stays at maximum diametre of 35mm, irrespective of the number of extensions. The diameter of the first section of the Master Pole (holding the Gooseneck and Brush) is 26mm. Wider than industry average, it increases the rigidity of the Master Pole overall, reducing flex usually associated with smaller diameter, thinner tubes. This results in greater stability and control of the Brush, facilitating more efficient cleaning with less effort.
Durable plastic Endcap prevents accidental damage to the end of the Pole and features a side apeture for the Hose to exit when used inside the Pole. All Poles, regardless of the grade, are compatible with each other. For instance, combining a Carbon Master Pole with a Hybrid Extension Pole will deliver a great performance at a lower cost than an all-Carbon System, with only a slight increase in weight and deflection.
LENGTH 6.63m/22ft - 4 sections. Section 1 - 26mm, Section 2 - 29mm, Section 3 - 32mm, Base Section - 35mm.
ENDCAP Durable plastic prevents accidental damage to end of the Pole. Features side aperture for Hose.
MATERIAL 3 grades of Pole material: Hybrid (Glassfibre/Carbon), Carbon and HiMod Carbon.
PRINT Complete specifications, including new Length Deflection Ratio for measuring Pole rigidity.

Window Cleaning resource gets the new poles. Click to enter.

EXTENSION POLE - 2 SECTION TELESCOPIC POLE. (DIAMETER: 32MM/35MM)
Yellow visual warning area at the top of the Extension Pole helps to avoid unintentional separation from the Master Pole. All Poles, regardless of the grade, are compatible with each other. For instance, combining a Hybrid Extension Pole with a Carbon Master Pole will deliver great performance at a lower cost than an all-Carbon System, with only a slight increase in weight and deflection.

LENGTH 3.41m/11ft - 2 sections. Section 1 - 32mm, Base Section - 35mm.
MATERIAL 3 grades of Pole material: Hybrid (Glassfibre/Carbon), Carbon and HiMod Carbon.
APPLICATION Add on up to 4 Extension Poles to Master Pole to reach the required height.
COLOUR Yellow visual warning area at the top of Extension Pole helps to avoid unintentional separation from the Master
PRINT Complete specifications, including new Length Deflection Ratio for measuring Pole rigidity.

CLAMPS: Easy and fast one handed operation. Convenient Unger logo shaped screw for adjusting the tension of the Clamp without tools. Yellow Clamps identify the next Modular component to prevent unintentional separation. DESIGN    Easy and fast one handed operation. Intelligent Clamp design combined with consistent strength of the tube section along its length enable you to lock the Pole at any height without the risk of damaging or crushing the tube. Sheltering flanges are built-in to protect the Lever from catching on objects, such as gutters and sills, which would otherwise result in accidental collapsing of the Pole.
FUNCTION - Secure the Hose along the length of the Pole using the Clips to avoid tangling, tripping and catching on objects.
SCREW - Convenient Unger logo shaped screw for adjusting the tension of the Clamps by hand without tools.
COLOUR - Yellow Clamps, identifying the next Modular component (Extension Poles, Goosenecks and Endcap), are designed to open in the opposite direction (left to right) to prevent unintentional separation.

BRUSHES: Superlight Brushes feature high quality polyester bristles designed to get into the smallest corner and help with scrubbing actions. Whereas conventional brushes usually only have two jets, HiFloTM nLite Brushes feature up to ten quick release Jets, making it much easier to control the water flow and rinse surfaces. SIZES    27cm, 40cm, 60cm
TYPES: Rectangular, Radius, Solar
BRISTLES: Lightweight, solvent resistant polyester. Unflagged single strands, ideal for efficient cleaning of the glass.
BRUSH BODY: Plastic porous core with smooth solid skin on the outside – cutting edge engineering ensures structural stability and lighter weight than solid block manufacturing.
JETS: Quick release Jets. Interchangeable Pencil or Fan design - mix and match depending on the type of the surface you clean, e.g. 2 Fan Jets + 2 Pencil Jets.
JET TYPES: Pencil Jets for Hydrophilic Glass, Fan Jets for Hydrophobic Glass
JET POSITIONS: Up to 10 different Jet locations, depending on the Brush size. Hundreds of spray patterns possible – use two, four, six or all ten locations at one time, changing between Fan and Pencil Jets as you need!
PRESSURE GUIDE: Adding more Jets allows you to clean larger areas quicker and better. The number of Jets you can use depends on the level of water pressure – the higher the water pressure, the higher number of Jets you can use at one time.

Brushes, types, sizes & weights. Click to enlarge.

The Brush can be rotated by 180° and secured in the new position, using the built-in adapter. Changing the position of the Brush will also change the location of the outer Jets row – this option provides greater flexibility and control over cleaning and rinsing different surfaces, angles and structures.

HYBRID: Glassfibre/carbon composite Pole. Excellent rigidity and value. Recommended for working at the height of up to 10m/35ft. Ultimate strength of Material: 65 gPa.

CARBON: 100% carbon Fibre Pole. Superior rigidity, lightweight pole. Recommended for working at the height of up to 16m/53ft. Ultimate strength of Material: 100 gPa.

HIMODULUS CARBON: The ultimate in rigidity, superlight pole. Recommended for working at the height of up to 20m/65ft and higher. Ultimate strength of Material: 180 gPa.

Gpa (gigapascal) is a unit of measure of stiffness material.

LDR / RIGIDITY CALCULATION: The Length Deflection Ratio (LDR) has been developed by the Unger Research and Development Team to provide a quantifiable way of measuring the perfect balance between length and rigidity of waterfed Poles. The LDR formula accurately measures the deflection (or the rigidity) of the Pole when fully extended, with a 5kg weight attached to the centre of the Pole. This simulates the average force applied to the Pole in operation. The resulting number reflects the rigidity of the Pole: the higher LDR number - the greater the rigidity (or stiffness) of the Pole.

DEFLECTION VALUES BY MATERIAL: The key factor affecting rigidity of the Pole is the material it is made of. The chart below explains the LDR of the 3 grades of material used in the HiFloTM nLite range: Hybrid, Carbon and HiModulus Carbon.

MAINTENANCE GUIDE: LOOKING AFTER YOUR HiFloTM nLite SYSTEM. These combinations offer the most cost-effective options with optimal rigidity.

REGULAR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE: Carefully wipe each Pole section with a microfibre cloth once a week, slightly dampened with pure water. Keep the Hose clean to prevent dirt and grit transfer onto the Pole. Clean your Brushes regularly in a bucket of pure water, using a microfibre cloth, to prevent the build up of debris.

WORKING WITH THE POLE: Do not over-extend the Pole to prevent separating the sections. Keep control of the sections when collapsing the Pole - do not let the upper section drop into a lower section, as this may damage Clamps and injure your hand. Always use the Endcap to protect the end of the Pole from accidental damage.

ADJUSTING CLAMPS: Tighten or loosen the Clamps using the Unger logo shaped screw to adjust the level of tension and hold of the Pole. Do not overtighten the Clamps as this will cause excessive wear to the Pole section. Replacement Clamps are available and easy to install thanks to unique self-locking design - no glue is required. Each Clamp and Lever is marked with the relevant Pole section diameter for making spare part ordering easy.

HOSE MANAGEMENT: The new Hose management system focuses on user safety and convenience - fit the Hose inside of the Pole or secure it along the length of the Pole, using removeable Hose Clips. Whichever option you choose, the Hose is kept under control to eliminate any potential safety risks.

Nanotechnology, Fullerenes & Bucky Balls - Window Cleaning Future?

What does this mean to the window cleaner? Water fed pole membranes & filters will last longer, but at what cost? Nanotechnology has already appeared as window films in both hydrophobic & hydrophillic coatings - and yet we know so little. Today & today only - WOOT are offering Limited Edition Green Buckyballs 216 Piece Magnetic Set – 2 Pack for $29.99 - science in your hands!

Even our water fed poles resemble the carbon nano-tubes.. read on..

Researchers at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina have shown that buckyballs could prevent bacteria and other contaminants from attaching to water pipes and the membranes used to filter water in filtration plants. When bacteria attach to these surfaces, they attract other organics that eventually form a film that both blocks and contaminates the water within. Preventing this buildup using buckyballs could limit or prevent membrane replacements, reducing costs and making water safer at the same time.

A team at Duke's Environmental Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory led by Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Claudia Gunsch and post doctoral fellow So-Ryong Chae, has been experimenting with the buckyballs. Buckyballs, or systems with 60 carbon atoms arranged in a lattice of pentagons and hexagons much like a soccer ball, are the most common nanoparticles, also known as buckminsterfullerenes.

In addition to preventing attachment to the membranes, the buckyballs also appear to inhibit the ability of the bacteria to fuel their activities with oxygen. This reduces the number of bacteria available for attachment, further lessening the impact of the bacteria on water systems. The researchers say they do not fully understand why this is the case, but all experiments so far have yielded consistent results.

The bacterial attachment, called biofouling, is one of the most common problems in membrane-based water filtration plants. The pores in the membranes are so small that they can get clogged very easily, limiting throughput considerably. The difference seen in membranes operating with buckyballs versus those without was significant; treated membranes had about 20 bacteria colonies after three days while untreated membranes had too many colonies to count.

All experiments to date have been conducted with Escherichia coli K12, a strain of bacteria widely used in laboratory settings. The next step is trying the buckyballs with other types of bacteria and with mixed environments of multiple bacteria that more closely mimic real world situations. The longevity of these coatings must also be tested. Additionally, the Duke team plans to build its own miniature filtration plant for more intense testing.

The winning Aquaduct Mobile Filtration vehicle was designed to help people living in developing countries, who often do not have access to clean water. As the rider peddles, the peristaltic pump draws the water from the storage tank and through the filter. The filtered water is then transferred to the clean tank. The clean tank is a closed removable container which can be simply taken into the home

TFOT has previously reported on the Aquaduct Mobile Filtration bicycle that filters water as you pedal it. We have also reported on other technology based on buckyballs and other fullerenes including buckypaper composites with all of the properties of carbon nanotubes, an 80-atom buckyball made of Boron atoms instead of carbon, and ultralong carbon nanotubes developed at the University of Cincinnati.

Buckyballs for water treatment systems: Microscopic coal particles of the fullerene family called buckyballs could help to maintain cleaner water pipes. In the course of time, water membranes and pipelines accumulate bacteria and other microorganisms for water treatment. As bacteria are joining these surfaces attract other organic matter, creating a biological film that grows over time. The results obtained in the laboratory by a team from Duke University show that buckyballs might be able to prevent this coating, known as biofouling. The only alternative to this system is expensive, involves digging up the pipes, and replaces the membranes. Biofouling is one of the problems of higher costs associated with water treatment systems based on membranes. A group of engineers from Duke University says that buckyballs hamper the action of bacteria and other microorganisms accumulated in membranes that treatment plants use to filter water. Due to this property, these nanoparticles could solve one of the most expensive problems in water treatment. These membranes have small quickly coating pores that would be covered quickly. If the half-life time of membranes increases it would cause a significant reduction in the cost of these systems. The membranes treated with buckyballs present a lower bacterial layer than untreated ones.

Buckyballs Could Keep Water Systems Flowing:  Microscopic particles of carbon known as buckyballs may be able to keep the nation's water pipes clear in the same way clot-busting drugs prevent arteries from clogging up. Engineers at Duke University have found that buckyballs hinder the ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to accumulate on the membranes used to filter water in treatment plants. This attribute leads the researchers to believe that coating pipes and membranes with these nanoparticles may prove to be an effective strategy for addressing one of the major problems and costs of treating water.

"Just as plaque can build up inside arteries and reduce the flow of blood, bacteria and other microorganisms can over time attach and accumulate on water treatment membranes and along water pipes," said So-Ryong Chae, post-doctoral fellow in Duke's environmental and civil engineering department. The results of his experiments were published March 5, 2009 in the Journal of Membrane Sciences. "As the bacteria build up on these surfaces, they attract other organic matter, creating a biofilm that slowly builds up over time," Chae continued, "The results of our experiments in the laboratory indicate that buckyballs may be able to prevent this clogging, known as biofouling. The only other options to address biofouling are digging up the pipes and replacing the membranes, which can be expensive and inconvenient."

A buckyball, or C60, is one shape within the family of tiny carbon shapes known as fullerenes. They are named after Richard Buckminster Fuller, the inventor of the geodesic dome, since their shape resembles his famous structure. "Biofouling is viewed as one of the biggest costs associated with membrane-based water treatment systems," said Claudia Gunsch, assistant professor of civil engineering at Duke's Pratt School of Engineering and senior member of the research team. "These membranes have very small pores, so they can get stopped up quickly. If we could increase the time between membrane replacements by 50 percent, for example, that would be a huge cost savings."

According to Chae, the addition of buckyballs to treatment membranes had a two-fold effect. First, treated membranes showed less bacterial attachment than non-treated membranes. After three days, the membranes treated with buckyballs had on average 20 colony forming units, the method by which bacterial colonies are counted. "In contrast, the number of bacterial colonies on the untreated membrane was too numerous to count," Chae said. Chae also found that the presence of the buckyballs inhibited respiration, or the ability of the bacteria to use oxygen to fuel its activities. "As the concentration of buckyballs increased, so did the inhibition of respiration," Chae said. "This respiratory inhibition and anti-attachment suggests that this nanoparticle may be useful as an anti-fouling agent to prevent the biofouling of membranes or other surfaces." Gunsch said the mechanisms involved are not well-understood.

But what are the risks?..

Caution flag raised on buckyballs; harm to the environment possible: Buckyballs, described by some scientists as "the perfect molecule" and a hallmark of Rice University research, may cause more havoc in the environment than researchers originally thought. A team of researchers at Rice and Georgia Tech universities has found that the ultra-tiny, soccer-ball-shaped buckyballs, contrary to what they had thought, do in fact dissolve in water, a finding that suggests they could pose a risk for wildlife and water supplies.

The new results compound concerns raised by earlier studies that found buckyballs can cause brain damage in bass and harm human cells. Discovered nearly two decades ago at Rice, buckyballs are among a handful of new materials, far smaller than human cells or even DNA, driving the nanotechnology revolution. "This doesn't mean that we should put a halt on nanotechnology," said Joseph Hughes, an environmental engineer at Georgia Tech and the study's lead author. "Quite the opposite."

No scientists or government regulators have called for stopping the research and commercialization of nanotechnology, a rapidly expanding field of specialized materials that encompasses everything from novel medical approaches to bulletproof vests. Nor are many likely to call for a ban now.

What the new findings should do, researchers say, is increase pressure on the federal government to further regulate the production and handling of buckyballs and potentially other nanotechnology materials, such as carbon nanotubes. "I don't view this new research as something that's very scary," said Kristen Kulinowski, executive director of Rice's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology. "But it may highlight the need for caution."

'Buckyballs' have high potential to accumulate in living tissue: Research at Purdue University suggests synthetic carbon molecules called fullerenes, or buckyballs, have a high potential of being accumulated in animal tissue, but the molecules also appear to break down in sunlight, perhaps reducing their possible environmental dangers. Buckyballs may see widespread use in future products and applications, from drug-delivery vehicles for cancer therapy to ultrahard coatings and military armor, chemical sensors and hydrogen-storage technologies for batteries and automotive fuel cells.

"Because of the numerous potential applications, it is important to learn how buckyballs react in the environment and what their possible environmental impacts might be," said Chad Jafvert, a professor of civil engineering at Purdue. The researchers mixed buckyballs in a solution of water and a chemical called octanol, which has properties similar to fatty tissues in animals. Jafvert and doctoral student Pradnya Kulkarni were the first to document how readily buckyballs might be "partitioned," or distributed into water, soil and fatty tissues in wildlife such as fish. Findings indicated buckyballs have a greater chance of partitioning into fatty tissues than the banned pesticide DDT. However, while DDT is toxic to wildlife, buckyballs currently have no documented toxic effects, Jafvert said.

"This work points out the need for a better understanding of where the materials go in the environment," he said. "Our results show they are going to be taken up by fish and other organisms, possibly to toxic levels. This, however, indicates only the potential of buckyballs to bioaccumulate. They could break down in the environment or in an organism once taken up." Researchers do not yet know whether buckyballs will break down in the environment or will be metabolized by animals, which would reduce the risk of accumulating in fatty tissues.