Aquajet introduces ‘Aqua Cutter’ 750V
Published 24/4, 2023 at 10:16Aquajet has announced the launch of its latest hydrodemolition robot, the Aqua Cutter 750V.
The new model introduces Aquajet’s revolutionary patented ‘Infinity’ oscillation that moves the water jet in an infinity, or figure of eight, pattern, removing more concrete in a single pass while reducing shadowing, eliminating the risk of pipe holes and providing the ideal bonding surface. The 750V also features the next generation ‘Evolution 3.0’ control system that includes new functions, including the ability to automatically calculate optimal settings for lance motion for greater precision and efficiency.
Like all Aqua Cutter robots, the 750V cleans and descales rebar without causing micro fracturing. It is also designed to maintain horizontal, vertical and overhead reach, making it suitable for a wide variety of concrete removal tasks, such as renovation and bridge and road repair. Aquajet introduced the Aqua Cutter 750V at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Aquajet has always been at the forefront of hydrodemolition innovation,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet managing director. “Infinity oscillation is the next technological evolution, and it is changing how hydrodemolition contractors think about productivity. In the coming years, we will see it replacing rotating lances and similar tools to become the new industry standard. With the productivity gains realised during customer testing, the Aqua Cutter 750V is a significant advancement for hydrodemolition.”
The new machine has been developed to provide constant lance motion in an infinity pattern, rather than the standard wave pattern that has natural fluctuations in speed. The continuous movement of the figure of eight pattern allows the 750V to remove more material in a single pass, significantly reducing shadowing and making it unnecessary to follow up with hand lancing. Aquajet states that the consistent motion also increases the digging effect and virtually eliminates pipe holes, resulting in a superior bonding surface and increased productivity. Another benefit is said to be the constant low noise that is less disruptive in urban areas and other noise sensitive environments. “Do you know what this level of performance means?” asked Alessandro Campa, managing director of Atümat, Aquajet’s distributor in Switzerland, when he saw the 750V operate for the first time. “It’s the biggest revolution in the history of hydrodemolition.”
The Aqua Cutter 750V shares several similarities with Aquajet’s innovative ‘Ergo’ system. The infinity power head has Ergo style spring tensioned rollers and quick connection to the roller beam. It also uses ‘absolute’ sensors, which means it automatically adjusts at the touch of a button. With a larger roller width and a new triangulated base frame for improved stability, the infinity power head contributes to precision while improving the hydrodemolition result.
As part of the revolutionary design, the Aqua Cutter 750V also includes an upgraded version of the ‘Evolution Control System’. First released in 2004, this system still features Aquajet’s patented ‘Equal Distance System’ (EDS) as well as the ability to cut shapes and remove concrete at different depths in the same pass. The new version ratchets up its performance even more with an oscillation menu that automatically calculates optimal settings for the operator. This not only maximises production from the machine, but also prevents miscalculations from manual adjustments.
Another key feature is remote start and stop of the diesel engine through radio remote control, making it possible for the operator to stop or start the robot from a safe distance eliminating the need for the machine to run all day. In addition, the machine will automatically shut down if there’s no activity for a certain amount of time, saving battery power. The engine control on the 750V offers increased power thanks to the automatic speed controlled throttle that automatically adapts RPM to the load. This is said to improve sustainability with lower fuel consumption and emissions.
The Evolution 3.0 Control System uses a visual status light to show the state of the machine with different colours. This allows operators to easily see when the machine is working correctly, when it needs attention and when automatic functions or the engine have stopped. The 750V also incorporates Aquajet’s precision drive. This technology is said to provide highly accurate hydraulic movements, eliminating the inconsistencies that compromise the result. In automatic mode, the robot’s lance is highly controlled and always keeps the water jet in the ideal position, which is key to achieving a perfect hydrodemolition result. With an all-new tracked system, the 750V has been designed to drive in a similar fashion to a car. The smooth motion increases service life by eliminating bounces that can compromise components and improves the accuracy of nozzle distance to surface, further improving precision.
The 750V is compatible with Aquajet’s line of accessories, including the rotolance, circular power head and ‘Aqua Spine’. It is also compatible with Aquajet’s ‘Ecosilence’ high pressure pump that supplies the water to run the machine and provides a cost effective option for transport and storage. The purpose built, insulated container includes the pump, large capacity diesel engine and control system, with a convenient storage area for the robot and accessories. Finally, Aquajet’s ‘EcoClear’ is a fully automated system that allows contractors to treat water onsite and release it or recirculate it in the robot.