The Schwarze model A7000 is a heavy-duty, chassis-mounted, regenerative air sweeper with an 8.4 cubic yard hopper. Its basic design has had over 10 years of successful operation throughout the United States and around the world. As one of the largest, most powerful air sweepers in existence, the Schwarze A7000 is an ideal choice for use in a wide range of demanding road sweeping applications.
The A7000's blower system generates a high velocity air column, which is propelled into the top of the sweeping head through a 14-inch blast tube. The air is first pressurized in the upper chamber of the sweeping head, then expelled into the head's lower chamber through what is called a "blast orifice". This is a slot in the sweeping head that forces the air against the pavement at an angle, creating a "peeling" or "knifing" effect. This high volume air blast loosens the debris from the pavement surface, then transports it across the width of the sweeping head and lifts it into the containment hopper via a 14-inch suction tube.
This is a highly efficient system which ensures that even hard-to-reach particles hidden within pavement cracks and irregularities are removed, including the "PM-10 fines" known to contain a high percentage of heavy metals, phosphates and other pollutants. Double-belted curtains on the front and rear of the sweeping head contain the circulating air flow to assure debris transfer with minimal escape of fugitive dust.
In contrast to mechanical broom sweepers, the A7000 collects the micron-sized contaminants that accumulate on roads and streets. Recent studies emphasize the importance of removing these "PM-10 fines" due to the non-point source pollutants they contribute to stormwater runoff. Using the regenerative air Schwarze A7000 sweeper results in a cleaner street and a cleaner environment.
In addition the A7000 has as option the Mechani-Pneumatic® Powerhood. The central feature of this Mechani-Pneumatic® Powerhood is a windrowing mechanical broom which is positioned ahead of the blast orifice of the sweeping head, allowing for better cleaning action of both heavy materials and the fines which are known to be trapped under caked debris.