The Latest in Hydrodemolition and Water Jetting Equipment
Published: 15/1
This year’s special feature on hydrodemolition equipment covers hydrodemolition news, information about new equipment for water jetting, and how extremely high-pressure water can be used in different industrial processing systems.
While there has been little in the way of hydrodemolition product developments during the past year, there’s no shortage of information about the value of using hydrodemolition as an alternative method for removing damaged concrete. In some applications, hydrodemolition is an unbeatable approach that only removes damaged concrete and provides a perfect surface with good adhesion for new pouring. Another form of hydrodemolition is water jetting, which is mainly used in heavier applications that also includes graffiti removal.
More than just a lance
Aquajet’s Super Lance system features elbows, lance extensions, and various nozzle options. Designed for maximum control over concrete removal depth, operators can achieve the ideal result with numerous configurations. The system enhances Aquajet’s hydrodemolition robots, with each element serving an important purpose to help contractors solve problems. Elbows help operators navigate tricky obstacles, while lance extensions can be stacked to create the correct length required for the application.
The Super Lance System is based on Aquajet’s standardized Aqua Cone® that makes several configurations possible. Aqua Cone features unique elbows compatible with all hose adapters that can be stacked to go around obstacles as needed. It also offers several nozzle types, lances, lance extensions, as well as dual and triple nozzle heads, all to provide contractors with greater versatility.
Aqua Cone is also compatible with Aquajet’s ceramic nozzles engineered for extreme durability. The dual and triple nozzle heads are designed for shallower removals, dispersing the waterjet impact across multiple points. They also work with lances, lance extensions, and Aquajet Rotolances at multiple points, allowing coverage of more surface area in each pass. This allows an operator working with a very powerful high-pressure pump, for example, to effectively execute a shallower removal of 1-2 in (25.4- 50.8 mm).
Another feature is Aquajet’s LFD® (Laminar Flow Director) concept, which eliminates turbulence before water enters the nozzles. This ensures operational efficiency comparable to using two or three separate lances, maintaining a smooth flow and optimize the water jet’s performance. Utilizing multiple nozzle heads eliminates the need for the robot to move at high speeds or reduce pump power.
So how many nozzles are needed?
A single nozzle concentrates all power into a single impact point, providing the most effective and fast concrete removal. With a scattered oscillation pattern, it excels in deeper cuts of 2 in (50.8mm) or more. A dual nozzle divides water jet power into two impact points, narrowing the oscillation pattern. It is ideal for shallower removals where the robot’s automatic speeds may fall short in smoothing the cut surface, with typical depths of approximately ? to 3-1/8 in (20 to 80 mm). A triple nozzle further divides water jet power, covering three times more area for consistently smooth cuts, even at shallow depths of approximately 3/8 to 2 in (10mm to 50.8 mm).
Jetstream introduces combination manifold
Jetstream of Houston, LLP, is a manufacturer of industrial high-pressure water blasting equipment, parts and accessories. The manufacturer is now introducing a combination manifold for its 4200 Series UNxTM bareshaft pump, which enables pressure transitions within minutes. The new setup streamlines conversions in the field for contractors who require different operating pressures for various applications.
John Schaer, new products engineering manager at Jetstream, says the combination manifold design was born from customer feedback. The company found more contractors wanting an easier way to convert lower pressure pumps to 20,000psi (1,378 bar). While conversions between 10,000 (689 bar) and 15,000psi (1,034 bar) have always been quick and easy with Jetstream pumps, conversions to 20,000psi have required changing the manifold and valves. “With the new design, fewer parts are needed for the changeout, saving time and money,” Schaer adds.
The new combination manifold is designed for safe and easy transition between lower and higher pressures by simply changing the gland nut, packing, plunger and fittings. The redesigned UniValve can now handle conversions in less than 15 minutes. This update allows contractors to adapt their water blasting pump for a variety of projects without the need to purchase or store as many additional components. It an available option on all new 4200 Series UNx pumps, which feature a ductile iron frame, heat treated billet alloy steel crankshafts, and large bearings.
Boost to 3000 Series UNx bareshaft pump
Jetstream has also increased the maximum power input for its 3000 Series UNx bareshaft pump to 149 kW. To correspond with the boost in horsepower, Jetstream has developed larger plunger sizes for the pump, which is now able to achieve a flow rate of 7.6 gpm (28.8 lpm) at 40,000 psi (2,758 bar). This offers contractors greater power for a more diverse range of industrial cleaning and surface preparation jobs, and an ideal flow rate for single-operator setups.
Now compatible with power inputs ranging from 60 to149 kW, the 3000 Series pump is designed for tasks that demand advanced capabilities without sacrificing space. The pump also offers the ability to quickly change between operating pressures in the field with Jetstream’s proven fluid end design. The 3000 Series can be paired with Jetstream’s FXG2 Tornado gun, which features an air powered motor that regulates rotation speed of the nozzle head and a quick-change cartridge for reliable operation and easy maintenance in the field. Jetstream offers the 3000 Series pump as a standalone product, paired with an electric motor mounted on a skid, or integrated into its X-Series water blasting unit lineup for a complete system including a diesel engine. These units are available in convertible skid or trailer format and features an electronic throttle control, a hand-adjustable bypass valve, pilot bearing-free PTOs, covered banded belt drives, and a GuardianTM waterblast filtration system to extend component life and increase uptime.
Waterjet cutting with equipment from Techni Waterjet
Techni Waterjet from Rayong, Thailand, part of the Italian GMM Group, develops high-pressure water technology for cutting concrete, stone, and other materials. Cutting this way uses a high velocity jet of water, sometimes mixed with abrasive substances, to cut a variety of materials. The method is distinct for its ability to cut without introducing heat or significant stresses into the material, making it ideal for precision cutting of concrete. Waterjet cutting involves several critical stages, including high-pressure water generation where water is pressurized to levels as high as 60,000 psi (4,136 bar) to prepare it for cutting. Water can be mixed with abrasive materials that can be focused with high levels of precision. The eroded material leaves a smooth, precise cut. The waterjet cutting process can handle even the toughest materials like reinforced concrete without the drawbacks of traditional cutting methods.
The precision of waterjet cutting allows for detailed cuts and intricate designs that are difficult with other methods. Cutting accuracy means less material is wasted, and cleanup is easier due to reduced debris. Unlike many conventional cutters, waterjet machines can handle the complexities of reinforced concrete with ease. The versatility of waterjet cutting extends beyond concrete, accommodating a diverse range of materials. It is ideal for marble and granite, leaving smooth edges for detailed work in masonry and stone art. Waterjet cutting is further capable of cutting through various metals such as steel and aluminum without altering their intrinsic properties. The non-impact nature of waterjet cutting prevents cracking and allows for precise cuts in glass and can shape ceramic materials without the risk of chipping or breakage. It cuts plastics cleanly without melting or warping the material.
