Technology
May 27, 2013

Linear Vs. Lateral, The Shocking Truth

Waterblasting Technologies manufactures the Stripe Hog paint and runway rubber removal system. The Hog is now in 35 countries globally. In fact there are more Stripe Hog units working around the world than our top four competitors have combined. We have popularized the linear method of removal and you are about to see why it has been so readily adopted by the worlds busiest airports.The“lateral” method, is where the blasting head moves perpendicular to the path of the blasting vehicle as it travels linearly down the runway. With this method, the perpendicular movement of the blasting head is coordinated with the forward movement of the truck in an attempt to broaden a very narrow cutting path.The “linear” method, is where the blasting heads only move in the same direction as the forward movement of the truck and NEVER move in a lateral direction.

The math is simple to understand. Take a look below.

Please watch the video below before proceeding with the rest of the presentation.

Lateral Waterblasting

Arrows Lateral Diagram 1

While a lateral tracking machine may appear to allow you to adjust the width of your cutting path at first, you will quickly realize the flaw of this design. When moving the head in any single direction, the width of the cut on this machine is approximately 10″ (25.4cm) only and CAN NOT be easily changed.

Notice in Image #1, to achieve a wider cutting path, this ill-fated design attempts to coordinate the backward movement of the blasting head with the forward movement of the vehicle which results in an overlap each time the movement occurs. These lateral overlaps represent enormous wasted energy and subject the road or runway surface to unnecessary impact once more.

Image 1

Trac Jet Animated Gif

Image #2 shows the inability of this head to remove narrow markings without significantly wasting energy and exposing the surface to unnecessary impact.

Image 2

Lateral Jet Thumb

Notice in Image #3 how some areas are fully cleaned while others are only half cleaned and how the manufacturer’s own marketing pictures and videos show substantial overlaps or, in an effort to minimize linear overlaps they leave a big gap of rubber in the middle.

Image 3

Lateral Runway Arrows

End of Lateral Section

Linear Waterblasting

Arrows Linear 1

How Do We Eliminate Linear Overlaps?

We are able to eliminate the fixed linear overlaps by inserting nozzles that are of half the normal strength on the outside of the spray bar (Image #1). We coordinate our connecting path with these nozzles, creating a 100% removal and avoiding a 2 X 6 times hit rate as is common with Lateral tracking machines.

This same principle, coupled with:

1.) A fast rate of speed which allows you to steer straight easily and

2.) Great visibility of the blasting path, allows you to nearly entirely eliminate the “non-controlled” overlaps as well.

Image 1

Spray Bars 50 50

The Stripe Hog focuses it’s energy where energy belongs to generate optimal efficiency and limiting the surface impact.

Notice in Image #2, the very limited linear overlaps needed when removing even very wide sections of rubber from a runway.

Image 2

Side by Side Stripe Hog Rubber

A Stripe Hog SH8000 will produce a cutting path of over 40″ (101.6cm) when moved in a single direction, while a lateral tracking machine produces only 1/4th that dimension (10″ (25.4cm)). Further note that while a Lateral tracking machine will produce anywhere between 2,500 – 3,000 lateral overlaps per pass down a runway, that a Stripe Hog will produce exactly ZERO.

Notice Image #3 where two 6″ (15.24cm) spray bars are running inline and effectively removing a marking as narrow as 4″ (10.16cm) with focused impact. It is impossible for a laterally tracked machine to accomplish this with anywhere near the efficiency of a water blaster employing the linear method.

Image 3

Inline Heads Hog