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

  • Maximising cone crusher efficiency
    September 30, 2013
    Ensuring efficient cone crusher operation can deliver major economies of scale for quarrying facilities There are a number of ways in which cone crusher throughput can be optimised. One of the key issues is in keeping the system choke fed during operation, as this maximises the effectiveness of rock-on-rock crushing, extends the wear life of manganese components and ensures a quality product shape. A lack of feed causes inconstant loading, which affects the long-term life of internal components.
  • Tunnelling challenge on German project
    June 13, 2012
    A massive construction project has been underway deep in the heart of the Schnecktal valley area in Germany. From the surface, though, you would never be able to tell. The majority of the work is underground, as a joint-venture team led by German contractor Wayss and Freytag Ingenieurbau builds the nearly 7km long Finne Tunnel. After a few years of tunnel boring operations, the contractor is at work finishing the interior of the tunnel, slipforming first the tunnel’s floor and then a walkway with its GOMACO
  • Demand for asphalt testing solutions
    February 14, 2012
    Asphalt testing is performed for a variety of reasons by a variety of companies. Patrick Smith reports Road safety is in the interest of everyone and today it is also an important target shared by the majority of the companies involved in road design and construction. The growing attention paid to this value has had a remarkable effect on the material testing field, encouraged by an increasing market demand for testing solutions as well as by the new technical requirements established by international st
  • Caterpillar’s new twin drum asphalt compactor
    October 2, 2018
    Caterpillar is introducing a new rubber tyred compactor designed for use on granular materials and all types of asphalt-mix designs. The firm says that its new CW16 pneumatic roller is available as a standard nine-wheel model with a 1754mm compaction width or as an optional 11-wheel model with a 2,132mm compaction width. The CW16 is designed for efficient performance on highways, city streets, county roads, lane additions, industrial sites, overlays, or other mid-size jobs. Depending on ballast used (inclu