The TF10 has 24 nozzles and eight nucleators and is one of the most powerful snow guns supplied by TechnoAlpin, boasting impressive efficiency and usability. Because of the machine’s enormous projection range and rotation, the snow is spread evenly over a wide radius on the slope. Not only is consistent snow quality guaranteed as a result but slope preparation is also facilitated.
The TF10 snow gun has a manual vertical height adjustment mechanism and a motorized horizontal swing device with manual release. Access can be gained to the swing release, height adjustment and valve block on the same side of the snow gun, and the graphical user interface comes with color monitor and LED-backlit keys. This facilitates the job of producing snow, even in adverse weather conditions. The display is also fitted with protective cover and anti-vandalism device. Bluetooth® remote control of the machine is also available as an option. This brings even more flexibility and convenience to operate the gun.
The turbine with internal motor also makes the TF10 insensitive to vibrations and significantly reduces the noise emissions. The TF10 is therefore also suitable for use on slopes in residential areas. The fan gun is also available as the TF10 Piano, a model for more sensitive areas with the capacity for even further reduction of noise emissions.
With 24 Quadrijet-type nozzles and eight nucleators, the TF10 is one of the most powerful machines on the market. TechnoAlpin fan guns are fitted with hard-wearing Quadrijet nozzles with ceramic inserts. The ceramic inserts guarantee a high level of durability and resistance even when used with aggressive water. The four-jet technology is used to optimize and equalize the atomization and therefore to guarantee top snow quality. TechnoAlpin has been using this advanced technology since 1992 and the heating system in the nozzle ring operates selectively, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
Nozzles can cut in and out on all TechnoAlpin snow guns depending on the temperature. This keeps the quality of the snow consistently high. This regulation can be a simple and infinitely variable process thanks to the valve block. The WEDGE WIRE water filter insert, which is made of high-quality nickel chromium steel, is also integrated in the valve block to save space. It has no weld seams and is therefore extremely durable.
The snow guns produced by TechnoAlpin are fitted with an aluminum oil-free piston compressor with integrated cooling circuit. This system has been in use since 1999, allowing the snow guns to be positioned at any angle. The oil-free compressors made by Kaeser are also very environmentally friendly and ensure that no oil escapes into the environment through the snow production process. They operate at the same flow rate and yet they use less energy and do not need to be serviced annually. With no oil filters, trap cartridges, oil level monitors and stationary heating installations, this all adds up to a reduction in the annual running costs of a snowmaking system.
A turbine with internal motor running at 1.460 rpm makes the machine insensitive to vibrations and significantly reduces the sound emissions. With a turbine diameter of 90 cm, the TF10 outperforms all previous TechnoAlpin fan guns, boasting excellent energy consumption levels at 18.5 kW fan output and 4 kW compressor power.
Up-to-date weather information is needed so that the snow gun parameters can be adjusted to the prevailing conditions for optimum performance. The current air temperature and relative humidity are therefore always measured and processed in the meteo station. It is also possible to install sensors to measure the wind direction, wind speed and snow height.
The electrical equipment of the snow guns complies with all the applicable regulations in the relevant countries. The function and service life of some components could be adversely affected by frost therefore all such components are heated. The graphical user interface with color monitor displays all the snow gun data clearly, and the electronic control unit ensures failure-free operation and optimum regulation.
The maneuverability and balance of the snow gun are optimized. The main units, such as the motor, compressor, electric switchboard and valve block, are cleverly arranged around the center line, and the center of gravity has been lowered, therefore despite its size the machine is only slightly heavier than other fan guns.
The stand and the optional two-part undercarriage allow a simple conversion of mobile units to a fixed lift-mounted installation. The front section of the undercarriage can be removed from the snowcat blade with a few hand movements and the machine can be linked up and attached directly to the lift carriage. The jacks and rear section of the undercarriage can then be dismantled.
Fixed tower-mounted snow gun installations are typically used for slope sections which are difficult to access and require large amounts of snow. The elevated position of the snow gun improves the snow output. The tower consists of a steel column which is 1.6 m high, and the mounting base has a height of 20 cm. The installation process is simplified by the low weight. Covering mats also come as standard, as does a service platform.
In the case of lift-mounted installations, the snow gun is mounted on a steel column which is 3.5 m or 4.5 m high and has lifting platform. This has a centering device to ease initial installation or to enable air installations. The snow gun is operated by Bluetooth® remote control or from the ground by means of an optionally available keyboard at ground level. Lifts are available in manual design, with HIT-TRAC 8 or with hydraulic systems. Maintenance work can be carried out with the aid of various systems. Snow guns mounted on manual lifts can be lowered by means of a jack-hoist mechanism. The HIT-TRAC 8 lift can be operated with the HIT-TRAC 8 motor-driven rope pulling machine. The rope runs through the pulley assembly at the top of the lift and a return pulley on the carriage, thereby raising and lowering the snow gun complete with carriage. With the hydraulic lift, the snow gun is raised or lowered using an electric pump and hydraulic cylinder inside the lift column.
Snow guns can be mounted on a support arm measuring 12 m in length. This arrangement is typically used on wide sections which receive very little snow and where wind conditions require that the snow gun will need to be located well into the slope layout. The snow guns are operated by Bluetooth® remote control or by means of an additional keyboard at ground level.