Swedish company Aquajet, which manufactures hydrodemolition robots, says its Ergo System is a revolutionary alternative in industrial cleaning applications.
According to the company, the Ergo Controller offers four times the power of a hand lance in a compact unit. It provides the maneuverability and power to keep workers out of harm’s way during hazardous cleaning applications in oil, gas, petrochemical, refractory, nuclear and other industries. Using a number of productivity-enhancing attachments, contractors can remotely operate the Ergo System for efficient cleaning and removal of material in boilers, tanks, pipes and other industrial containers and conduits.
“Automated tools are not new technology in industrial cleaning applications, but the Ergo System goes a step further, providing more precise control while giving operators the ability to step back from dangerous situations,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet managing director. “What sets Aquajet apart is the durability and versatility of our machines. We started with heavy-duty machines designed for concrete removal. But as the technology advances, so does our engineering. With the Ergo System, we can provide a smarter, more robust option for industrial cleaning that gives operators more control, precision and flexibility to get the job done.”
The Ergo System incorporates the controller unit, which powers and controls the hydraulics; the Ergo Power Head, which manipulates the high pressure lance; and either the spine or the climber, which are unique systems used to support and maneuver the power head, based on project needs. The climber attaches to any standard scaffolding or pipes and robotically moves along it to deliver powerful hydrodemolition forces for removal of materials such as paint, rubber coatings, petroleum products, rust and decayed concrete in a number of vertical vessels.
The Ergo System also works with any of three attachments in the Ergo Rotolance series for improved capabilities in confined or hard-to-reach places. The Ergo Rotolance 30, 130 and 130s work at pressures ranging from 1,450 to 43,500 psi (100 to 3,000 bar) and offer a variety of nozzle configurations for a spray pattern diameter from 1.2 inches to 5.1 inches (30 millimeters to 130 millimeters).
The system exerts 1,000 newtons of reaction force, as much as four times greater than a human operator with a hand lance, Aquajet maintained. This means the machine can effectively clean and remove concrete, rubber coatings, paint, rust, plastic and other materials as well as roughen surfaces for better bonding faster than traditional methods, making it ideal for resurfacing applications in tanks, reservoirs and other containers.
Hydrodemolition robots, such as the Ergo System, remove decayed concrete and built-up materials to a preset depth consistently. Alternatively, a hand lance will likely leave inconsistent depths due to being held by an operator. This means contractors may have to do another pass to completely remove materials or risk damaging underlying surfaces by being too aggressive.
Contractors can easily move the 271-pound (123-kilogram) Ergo Controller unit around the facility or worksite and over soft or rough surfaces, due to the wide wheels and low ground pressure. At just 44 inches tall and 17 inches wide, the Ergo Controller transports easily on a pallet.
Additionally, the system is service friendly with hydraulic hose multi connectors that are 100% sealed from moisture to virtually eliminate the risk of leaks during transportation, the company claimed.
The Ergo System requires a high-pressure pump and electric power supply to operate. Aquajet’s self-contained Power Pack features a high-pressure pump, diesel engine and an integrated control system in a compact container, making it ideal for busy industrial facilities.
For more information on the Ergo System and additional components, contact a representative at 1-800-621-7856.