fan guns

[drjeff]

Well, some models of fan guns make more snow than some models of a/w guns. Just depends on the model and the temps.

Like I said, it can sort of be a marketing-type thing. They look big, and look like they make more snow (because the water/air are being mixed from an eccentric nozzle ring, rather than coming from a single (or small set) central nozzle and then "pluming" out).

For example, this Ratnik Snowgiant V:

will output more volume than this SMI Polecat @ Mt. Snow:

A Super Polecat will output up to 142gpm. A Ratnik Snowgiant V (commonly referred to as "jumbos") will output up to 270gpm.

Good info. One thing though to consider, especially with those Ratnik V's, is how much water an area can pump to feed those bad boys! I'll use the SMI's and Mount Snow for example. Last year on Mount Snow's Snowdance trail (roughly 24 total acres and 3/4ths of a mile long and lined with 18 tower mounted Superpolecats), max out they were pumping out 1800 gallons per minute on that trail and still had adequate pressure at the bottom of the pipe for good production. Now if you were to look at lining that trail with the same # of Rat V's and running those at max out put, you'd be needing to send almost 5000 gallons per minute down the line Sending that much water down an isolated portion of one's sytem would have to mean that you'd give up capacity on other trails. So sometimes, especially considering the limited resources (volume of water, pipe capacity, etc), less volume over more trails might be a better option than more volume over less trails.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Good info. One thing though to consider, especially with those Ratnik V's, is how much water an area can pump to feed those bad boys! I'll use the SMI's and Mount Snow for example. Last year on Mount Snow's Snowdance trail (roughly 24 total acres and 3/4ths of a mile long and lined with 18 tower mounted Superpolecats), max out they were pumping out 1800 gallons per minute on that trail and still had adequate pressure at the bottom of the pipe for good production. Now if you were to look at lining that trail with the same # of Rat V's and running those at max out put, you'd be needing to send almost 5000 gallons per minute down the line Sending that much water down an isolated portion of one's sytem would have to mean that you'd give up capacity on other trails. So sometimes, especially considering the limited resources (volume of water, pipe capacity, etc), less volume over more trails might be a better option than more volume over less trails.

Certainly a valid point, but remember that water flow is adjustable at the hydrant. Thus, if you only want to do 150gpm, it is possible. Of course, in ideal temps, you lose energy efficiency by cutting down water flow, but it's still doable.

I wouldn't want to even think of putting 5000gpm through one line on a trail. Scary scary scary. I'm picturing hydrants blowing 25 feet in the air! It's happened before!

Rat V's are best when you need a lot of snow fast. Think half pipe or burying high-wear areas.

My comparison was simply that: comparison for comparison sake. Each operation has to look at its application and variables to determine the best setup. The best snowmaking systems are a logical and planned combination of both types of infrastructure.

 

[RootDKJ]

Ski areas run on three phase! AC VFD lifts, fan guns, big AC snowmaking pumps/compressors, etc.

Motors, AC compressors lifts, yeah I get that....but a "fan" (gun)...I just never put that together.

 

[BushMogulMaster]

Motors, AC compressors lifts, yeah I get that....but a "fan" (gun)...I just never put that together.

Well, remember that you're also powering an onboard compressor in many cases.