Traditionally there have been two methods of tear-out, manual labor
and ride-on machines. With the manual method, a scaling bar or hand-held
pneumatic hammer is used to loosen and knock out coating and to knock
out the keybrick allowing a row of brick to fall. The manual method
is the slowest and most dangerous method used. The ride-on machine method
is typically done with a hydraulic hammer on the end of a two-piece
boom with the hammer knocking down the coating and keybrick. Unfortunately,
though faster than the manual method, the ride-on machine is more likely
to unintentionally damage brick or the kiln shell due to the limitations
in the movement of its arms and limited visibility due to the operator's
fixed positioning behind the boom that obstructs the view. Both methods
expose the tear-out crew to the danger of falling debris or kiln damage
and are relatively slow compared to the Brokk method.
Brokk demolition machines are specifically designed to work in confined
spaces, like rotary kilns. They're compact, maneuverable, and precise.
Because of their size, getting them to the kiln is fast and easy utilizing
an access ramp or an overhead crane. Once there, the inherent features
of the Brokk make the refractory tear out safe, fast, and precise -
typically more than twice as fast as a ride-on method.
Brokk machines combine a powerful electric motor, three-part arm system,
and heavy-duty hydraulic hammer to easily tear out worn kiln material.
Because they're electrically powered, Brokk machines do not emit hazardous
fumes. For greater safety and performance, all of our demolition machines
utilize a remote control system, giving the operator the freedom to
stand clear of vibrating equipment and falling debris in order to get
the best, safest view of the work area.
With five different models in the Brokk family, we have a machine for
accessing every size of rotary kiln. When the job involves breaking
up a lot of material in a small space, nothing can touch a Brokk demolition
machine. They're simply the best tool available for kiln tear out because
that's exactly what they're designed to do.