Should you opt for fan guns or air-water guns? More manufacturers give you both choices. As we noted last month, this convergence began in Europe, where snowmaking equipment manufacturers inventory the complete range of snowmaking equipment types along with functional system automation and engineered installation. While this approach may create a bewildering array of choices to an uninformed buyer, it offers a wealth of intriguing possibilities to the perceptive snowmaking manager.
Here’s the fan-gun side of the story.
Fan-Gun Trends
Electric fan guns emphasize tower mounting and automation. Tower-mounted fan guns are, in many instances, combined with mechanical and/or hydraulic actuators that allow variable tower positions, from ground level to full height. These options make it possible to customize the snowmaking machine for an individual area’s needs.
Under-the-hood improvements and refinements include improved water ring heaters, water filters, valves and pressure gauges. Some guns add a self-draining feature upon shutdown to reduce freeze-ups and associated damage often induced by operator inexperience or lack of attention. A number of manufacturers have reduced overall operating noise levels by carefully designing and tuning the fan blades while also shrouding the compressor.
Electrical wiring and cabinets are increasingly user-friendly and allow simplified electrical troubleshooting. The control panels on manual machines are self-explanatory and very simple to operate, while machines with automation add touch-screen control interfaces.
Fan Gun Suppliers
Areco
This Swedish line offers a hydraulic lightweight aluminum tower for the Junior model. It has an aluminum barrel, utilizes a 9 hp fan electric motor and weighs in at 353 pounds without the tire chassis. Other models in the line feature a stainless steel barrel with the same multiple ring and nozzle approach for a wide range of temperature performance and consistent snow quality. A fifth ring is standard on the Supersnow model for additional cold weather punch. The Areco line offers several levels of automation, computer control and data acquisition systems. Info: (802) 899-4210, www.arecosnow.com.
Lenko
The Lenko line from Sweden offers the ST 4 and ST 5 manual models, along with the automated FA 4 and FA 5. The 4 and 5 models boast a larger diameter barrel and a high efficiency 16-blade fan that the manufacturer claims will increase snow production by up to 20 percent over the economy Northwind and ST3 models. The ST 5 and FA 5 models have a fifth water ring for cold weather. The entire line uses the multiple ring and nozzle approach for consistent snow quality over a wide temperature range. The barrel oscillator is standard on all except the Northwind models. The fully automatic FA 4 and FA 5 can be operated as standalone units or controlled from a separate location via a wireless link. All can be integrated into the Lenko SnowNet computer control and data acquisition system. Info: (888) 965-3656, www.lenkosnow.com.
SMI
SMI offers a wide selection of units, including the multiple ring and nozzle Wizzard fan guns and the company’s original line of single nozzle Polecat models, to fit almost any snowmaking application and budget. The Kid Wizzard is a lightweight performer with a 7.5 hp electric motor for specialty applications. The Super Wizzard offers a fifth water ring for more juice in colder temps. The Hydrovane air compressor option gimble-mounted for reliable operation under any ground angle. The entire line offers many types of electric motor and compressor combinations, along with steel or aluminum barrels, to customize the guns for different applications and budgets. The same flexibility extends to a broad variety of levels of and options for automation. Info: (989) 631-6091, www.snowmakers.com.
TecnoAlpin
This recently introduced line offers impressive features geared to automated systems. Successfully developed and proven in Europe, the ATASS computer control and management system can be integrated with all five models (M5, M10, M15, M 18 and M20), which are PLC equipped. The M18 also offers optional manual operation. The entire line uses standard water filters for the innovative ceramic water nozzles. There is wide selection of water flow capacities and other options. Oscillation is available on all models; barrels on the larger machines can rotate 360 degrees. Tower models have the capability to raise the fan units from ground level to 13 feet—a good operational and maintenance feature. Info: (435) 649-6610, www.technoalpin.com.
Turbocristal
Turbocristal continues to offer the single main adjustable water nozzle (HP) that is oriented towards volume snow production (maximum of 250 gallons per minute) at a wide range of operating water pressures. The LP version of the Supercool has a lower operating water pressure range and is configured with 3 water rings, 12 water nozzles and a standard water filter. The Supercool Plus HP and Supercool Plus LP remain the heavy hitters; both models are available with an aluminum barrel (Light) option for the weight-conscious. All can be automated and integrated into a computer system for control purposes. Info: (800) 613-4546, www.turbocristal.com.
Glossary and Explanation for Fan Guns
Operating Voltage: voltage range of three-phase power for electric motors and heaters. Fan Motor Horsepower: nameplate rating of fan motor. Compressor Horsepower: nameplate rating of compressor motor. Total kW with heater: total electric draw, in kilowatts, of unit with fan, compressor and water ring heaters. Total kW w/o heater: total electric draw, in kilowatts, of unit without water ring heaters. Recommended Breaker Size: minimum rating of electric power pedestal breaker. Water Pressure (min-max): minimum and maximum operating water pressure, in psig. Water Flow (min-max): minimum and maximum operating water flows, in gpm. Number of Water Nozzles: total number of individual water output nozzles on fan gun water rings, if applicable. Number of Water Rings: total number of valved water rings. Number of Nucleation Nozzles: total number of nozzles that provide ice crystals through mixing of compressed air and water. Standard Water Filter: fan guns with numerous small water nozzles require a fine mesh integral water filter. Compressor Pressure: compressed air pressure from onboard compressor, in psig. Compressor Flow: compressed air flow at rated pressure in scfm (standard cubic feet per minute). Snow Gun Barrel Material: material used for construction of the fan gun barrel that houses fan and water nozzles. Snow Gun Weight: total weight of fan gun with mounting chassis, tires and power cord. Mounting Chassis: type of tired chassis. Operating Sound Level @ 100 ft.: manufacturer supplied sound level, in dB(A), of fan gun in full operation at a distance of 100 feet. Tower Model Available: does the manufacturer provide tower-mounted model (yes or no)? Tower height: standard heights available for tower model. Barrel Oscillator Option: oscillator swings barrel over a predetermined/adjustable arc. Automatic Model/Option: Availability or name of automatic model or availability of automatic option; extent of automation varies by manufacturer. Semi-automatic version: availability of partially automated unit. Radio Control: availability of radio control/communications with automatic model/option. List Price Standard Model: list price, in U.S. dollars, of one unit. List Price Automatic Model: list price, in U.S. dollars, of one unit; varies with features.
