Hydrodemolition on the quiet

The need to minimise noise disturbance to nearby residents and commercial operations is an ever-increasing driver for demolition contractors working in urban environments. This is equally true for hydrodemolition contractors. With this in mind, Swedish manufacturer Aquajet has now introduced a new power pack, the Ecosilence, that the company claims substantially reduces noise levels as well as offering substantial fuel savings.

Aquajet commenced a R&D project three years ago to produce the new power pack, with the main goal to produce a completely new system that generated at least 10 dB less noise than conventional models – a reduction recognised by the human ear as being half as loud. The resulting Ecosilence exceeds this target, with a noise level of 66.5 dB, compared to noise levels between 78 and 82 dB for traditional power packs. The new power pack has a 40% increase in sound insulation, including tailor-made seals for all doors and hatches to block noise propagation.

The new unit uses 70 litres of fuel per hour when producing 189 l/min and 1,000 bar when running at 73% of full power as against between 105 and 120 l/hr for conventional units.

Water flow and pressure can be tailored to suit the application, with a maximum water flow of 261 l/min at 1,000 bar at just 85% of engine power output from the Volvo Penta marine diesel engine, which provides a very high torque range from 1,100 to 1,800 rpm.