Skip to main content

Aquajet's new hybrid hydrodemolition robot

In what it says is a "a world first," Swedish specialist company Aquajet Systems has introduced a new diesel/electric-powered hybrid hydrodemolition robot offering a wide range of new features, including pollution-free operation in enclosed areas in electric-mode.
February 27, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In what it says is a "a world first," Swedish specialist company 2784 Aquajet Systems has introduced a new diesel/electric-powered hybrid hydrodemolition robot offering a wide range of new features, including pollution-free operation in enclosed areas in electric-mode.

The hybrid systems power pack is powered by a 15 kW engine or a 15 kW electric motor, and simple 'switchover' operation ensures easy change to diesel power.

Featuring an optional extended mast height of up to 9m, the new robot offers larger, adjustable tracks to provide a variable width of between 1.5-2m for increased stability if required.

The hybrid model also incorporates a new type of steering drive to turn and twist the unit's powerhead at the increased heights to provide improved precision.

Aquajet has also developed a multi-axis system allowing the powerhead to be moved quickly, allowing it to work on vertical, curved or horizontal surfaces. The system can also turn the powerhead 180º in the horizontal position.

Additionally, to further speed operation, the robot has been designed to turn through 90º travelling along the wall surface, and this together with the side movement of the powerhead eliminates the constant 'stop-start' turning of the robot.

The robotic units can operate vertically, horizontally and overhead as standard. Attachments allow removal in specialist situations, for example, underneath bridge decks or under water.

According to Aquajet,the hybrid Aquacutter model features an automated control system that optimises settings and applies the minimal force required, allowing the robot to operate selectively, with its high pressured jet of water penetrating into the weak concrete as is passes across the surface.

An innovative intelligent sensing controlled system and a patented high-pressure lance control combine to offer high efficiency and performance.

"The EDS (Equal Distance System) system optimises the angle of attack as well as ensuring the nozzle remains at the correct set distance. This in turn ensures that the optimum 'angle of attack' can be selected, maintaining maximum power from the jet, while keeping the nozzle at the correct set distance from the surface independent from the selected angle of attack.

"The angle can change by as much as +/-30º maximising concrete removal around the reinforcing bars," says Aquajet.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovation in asphalt paving solutions
    February 9, 2012
    This year has seen a wide array of innovative additions to the asphalt paving market - Mike Woof reports. The worldwide asphalt paving market is both competitive and complex, with an array of important players jostling for position. At the same time, paving controls have taken a great leap forward with the development of accurate 3D systems that can use a combination of laser and GPS positioning. Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble have all introduced new packages for the asphalt paving sector and these
  • Concrete mixing technology offers advanced recipes
    February 13, 2012
    Modern concrete production plants are using technology to offer more sophisticated mix recipes as Patrick Smith reports. The growing trend towards ever more sophisticated concrete recipes calls for fully developed mixing technology. Companies are responding to the challenges with equipment that offers new levels of sophistication including computer controls and units that can deliver a huge variety of mix recipes.
  • Concrete paving technology offers long term roadway construction
    July 18, 2012
    Concrete slipforming technology offers long term roadway and barrier construction with new technology now available - Mike Woof reports With road construction investment being seen around the world, concrete slipformer manufacturers are seeing strong export sales at present. New models are coming to market also with manufacturers continuing to broaden ranges by offering additional features and capabilities. US concrete paving specialist GOMACO is benefiting from extensive worldwide sales, with its long term
  • Bridging the gap in African infrastructure
    December 20, 2013
    Leading formwork manufacturers have secured some impressive contracts in Africa, as the continent’s transport infrastructure continues to improve at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, other bridgework equipment companies are also seeing their products in demand in Africa, as well as North America and Australia.