Aquajet Systems has launched its new hydrodemolition Rotolance attachment for cleaning, removing or roughening concrete surfaces.
The device can also be used to remove rubber coatings, paint, rust, plastic and other materials.
The Rotolance delivers between 14,503 and 36,000 pounds per square inch of water pressure, depending on the model, for use with the company’s Aqua Cutter 710 robot and its Aqua Spine and Aqua Frame.
“The tool serves as a light-removal alternative to Aqua Cutter robots meant to remove deeper sections of concrete,” the company says.
“Not only is our attachment safer than hand lances,” adds Roger Simonsson, Aquajet Systems managing director, “it can be operated around the clock due to its computer-controlled automation, saving contractors significant time and money.”
The attachment comes in two models, the Rotolance 1000 and the Rotolance 2500, both of which can cover a surface diameter up to 14 inches wide.
The Rotolance 1000 uses pressures up to 36,259 psi to remove a shallow layer of concrete, leaving a roughened surface for bonding. The Rotolance 2500 works at pressures up to 14,503 psi and leaves a smooth surface when cleaning or removing hard paint, rust and rubber from areas such as ship hulls and storage tanks.
The company says the Rotolance will not damage rebar nor concrete that needs to be preserved, and it minimizes exposure to silica dust. Its applications include roads, bridges, airports, harbors, sewage pipes and water reservoirs.
Both models weigh 242 pounds and can replace the regular cutting heads on the Aqua Spine and Aqua Frame, allowing operators to remove concrete that would be difficult or impossible to reach with a robot alone.