Understanding Recyclers in Tanker Operations: Functions, Comparisons & Leading Models
What Is a Recycler in Tanker Operations?
In the world of sewer and drainage maintenance, a sewer recycler tanker is a high-performance combination unit that cleans sewer lines by jetting and simultaneously reuses the cleaned wastewater for continuous jetting. These units are purpose-built to reduce water consumption, increase operational time on site, and minimise environmental impact which is important if you are looking to improve your position from an ESG perspective.
Unlike conventional jet vac or vacuum tankers, a recycler filters and reuses the dirty water drawn from the sewer or drain, cycling it back into the system for continued high-pressure jetting. This means significantly fewer refills from hydrants or water bowsers, less downtime, and greater efficiency—particularly in urban environments or during drought conditions.
Differences Between Recyclers, Vacuum Tankers, and Jet Vac Units
| Feature | Recycler | Vacuum Tanker | Jet Vac Combo Unit (MVC/HVC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Jetting and reusing water | Suction of liquids/sludge only | High-pressure jetting & suction |
| Water Usage | Recycled/filtered from jetting | None (no jetting capability) | Fresh water required for jetting |
| On-site Time | Extended – continuous operation | Limited to vacuuming | Medium – requires water top-up |
| Filtration System | Yes (multi-stage) | No | Typically none (unless fitted with recycler) |
| Best Use Case | Long, deep, or heavily silted lines | Septic tanks, interceptors, wet waste | General drain cleaning, grease traps |
Recycler Brands: Bucher vs. KaiserWhale
Bucher Municipal
Bucher is a well-established name in sewer cleaning equipment and manufactures highly advanced Flexline Recycler models. The key distinguishing factor in Bucher’s recyclers is automated filtration, advanced control systems, and custom build options for different environments.
- Recycler RM120 – Compact, efficient, ideal for urban or restricted environments.
- Recycler RM140 – Higher capacity, increased power, designed for longer work shifts.
- Recyvcler RM140 Super – Designed for the most demanding tasks; high capacity, advanced automation, and ergonomic controls.
KaiserWhale
A collaboration between Kaiser AG and Whale Tankers, this line offers robust recyclers that combine Kaiser’s vacuum technology with Whale’s engineering expertise. Their machines are known for durability, high vacuum performance, and powerful jetting—ideal for tough industrial and municipal work.
Comparison Table: Bucher & Whale Recycler Models
| Feature | Bucher Recycler RM120 | Bucher Recycler RM140 | Bucher SuperFlex RM140 | KaiserWhale Recycler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Capacity | ~12,000L | ~14,000L | ~14,000L (with modular options) | ~12,000–15,000L |
| Jetting Pump Power | Up to 250 bar | Up to 300 bar | Up to 300+ bar | Up to 300 bar |
| Vacuum System | Roots blower or liquid ring | Roots blower | Liquid ring (or rotary vane) | Liquid ring/Roots – Kaiser power pack |
| Water Recycling | Yes (automated filtration) | Yes (multi-stage) | Yes (high-speed, automated) | Yes (Kaiser Vacuum Recycling System) |
| Control System | Manual/auto options | Bucher SmartControl | Fully automated touchscreen | Touchscreen with smart diagnostics |
| Build Type | Compact Urban | Standard Mid-size | Heavy-duty Municipal | Industrial Municipal |
| Best Use Case | Urban sewer cleaning | Municipal networks | Deep, long-line cleaning | Industrial or commercial sewers, highways |
Best Applications for Sewer Recycler Tankers
Urban/City Work
- Bucher Recycler RM120 is ideal due to its compact build, manoeuvrability, and sufficient jetting power for city-sized sewer networks.
Municipal Networks
- Bucher Recycler RM140 and KaiserWhale Recycler suit larger city or town councils where long sewer lines need cleaning with minimal water stops.
Heavy Industrial and Highway Drainage
- Bucher Recycler RM140 and KaiserWhale Recycler are both excellent choices. These are built for deep interceptors, heavily silted drains, and operations far from water sources.
Environments with Limited Water Access
- Any recycler unit is preferable over an MVC or standard jet vacs. Their ability to clean and re-filter wastewater continuously gives them a distinct advantage.
Considerations For A Sewer Recycler Tanker
While vacuum tankers and jet vacs are effective in specific settings, recyclers stand out in their ability to sustain long-term, high-performance jetting with minimal resource demand. When choosing between models, consider operational environment, frequency of use, and access to water sources.
- Choose Bucher Recycler RM120 for manoeuvrability and urban settings.
- Choose Bucher Recycler RM140 for more robust municipal jobs.
- Choose Bucher Recycler RM140 Super for deep cleaning and high-demand work.
- Choose KaiserWhale Recycler for unmatched suction power and versatility in industrial and commercial operations.
