Hans-Ruedi Hinni, former municipal water supply responsible in Suhr (AG), gave the company’s name and invented an apparatus for revision of hydrants under water pressure. With the acquisition of all right attending to this patent in the year 1990, the foundation of economic activity was given.

The range of services on offer in the domain of hydrants maintenance and revision has been completed by the supply of spare parts for all models of hydrants, used in Switzerland.

In spring 1995, the entry in the market of new hydrants took place with, an internationally patented invention of a hydrant which is height adjustable in the below-ground portion, a new conception of the predetermined breaking point, the variable equipment of outlets with storz connectors 55/75 as well as an anti-corrosion enamel coating.

In addition to the hydrants and services, the LORNO control system with automatically generated alarm messages (leak detection in the water supply network, unlawful water usage- and filling levels of hydrants) as well as the DBH (Data Base Hinni for the easy asset management of hydrants and gate valves) are proposed. Since may 2007 the control of gate valves (VACO) represents a new field of business.

Business facts per end 2008

Milestones of Hinni-innovations

1982

• Development and patent application for a sluice-apparatus for revision of hydrant under water pressure, by Hans-Rudi Hinni, former municipal water supply responsible in Suhr, resident in Seon

1990

• Foundation of the Hinni AG
• Acquisition from Hans-Ruedi Hinni of the patent and sluice-apparatus for the revision of hydrants under high pressure water.
• Definition of procedure for:
  • control and maintenance of hydrants (Hyko)
  • revision under water pressure (Revo)
• Manufacturing of spare parts for hydrant-models from 1896 upward
• Recycling of hydrants

1995

• first above-ground hydrant with 2 Storz connectors 55/75 (changeable, with 3“ thread) with SVGW-approval
• first below-ground portion hydrant adjustable in height with SVGW-approval
• first in height adjustable main valve rod
• use of GGG (ductile grey cast iron) and enamel coating of the water conducting surfaces: entry bend, below and above ground portion of hydrants
• hitch bolt with predetermined breaking point – new concept of hydrants predetermined breaking point
• spare parts in brass and INOX – compatible with hydrants from 1935 upward
• all gaskets are replaceable

1996

• First one outlet above-ground hydrant (OT6006) with one single Storz 75 connector

1998

• Change from NBR- to EPDM gaskets

2001

• Below-ground portion of hydrants with double shutoff device (in- and demounting possible under high pressure), radially sealing main valve, water return security and no rest water, with SVGW approval

2002

• Modular hydrants numbering system
• Outlet cap with countersink square bolt

2004

• Market entry with branch software DBH (data Base Hinni)
• Underground hydrant, adjustable in height and with double shutoff device.

2005

• Intelligent monitoring system of the water supply network by, leak detection in the hydrant network, control of water usage and filling levels
• Leadership in the hydrant-manufacturing market in Switzerland

2006

• Entry bend with BLS as restrained socket joint
• Above-ground hydrant in-and outside enamel coated

2007

• Introduction in Switzerland of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as material for gaskets
• Blasting-apparatus to free the drain, under high water-pressure
• Mounting above-ground hydrant as installation help and/or construction site makeshift solution

2008

• Equipment of standard  below-ground portion with radially sealing gaskets
• Apparatus for exchange of drain cartridge on below-ground model 5000 under high pressure
• Dismantling of spindle bearing below extension, under high pressure
• Linking of data Base Hinni DBH and GIS

2009

• Hydrant Top, completely enamel coated, with new locking mechanism and new design