The new RTEX handheld pneumatic breaker from Atlas Copco Construction Technique reduces energy consumption by 50% whilst being 25% lighter paired with great ergonomics. Atlas Copco delivers increased profitability through new advanced technology in breaking efficiency and ergonomics through the RTEX which offers huge savings whilst setting a world-leading benchmark for pneumatic technological innovation.

The pneumatic breaker achieves record high breaking efficiency thanks to the invention of a new operating principle – Constant Pressure Control and improved energy transfer within the breaker and the new RHEX Power Chisel. With a breaking performance of top class 30-35 kg breakers using only half as much compressed air and weighing only 25 kg, both the RTEX’s design and its deliverables break the mould.

One of the most intriguing features of the RTEX is that it offers a 50% reduction in compressed air consumption for the same breaking capacity. This means that a compressor only half the size is needed or two breakers can be used on a compressor which previously powered only one breaker. The result is a smaller investment in the compressor, reduced fuel consumption, easier transportation, and less emissions.

All this has been made possible thanks to a new working principle invented by Atlas Copco engineers Olof Östensson and Thomas Lilja from Construction Tools Innovation Center in Kalmar, Sweden. Olof Östensson comments on the new operating principle: “In a conventional breaker air is discharged each time the acting piston moves up or down.

In the RTEX we discharge the air only once – on the piston´s return stroke. Then the constant pressure from a chamber on the top of the RTEX pushes the piston down. The pressure on top of the acting piston is constant and therefore does not generate vibrations as on conventional breakers, so there is no need for vibration damping. To achieve this, we moved the valve from the top of the breaker to the bottom – our new “Up-Side-Down” (normally spelt 'upside-down') concept. The new, longer and heavier piston transfers power much more efficiently to the unique “RHEX” Power Chisel. Even though the RTEX can work with conventional chisels, the RHEX is specially tuned to our new breaker in order to achieve optimal shock wave interaction for better breaking performance. The RHEX also has a special concave tip profile which significantly reduces jamming. The new RTEX working principle, long piston and RHEX chisel have resulted in record high efficiency – 50% less air needed for the same breaking capacity.”

“The best news about the RTEX is that it pays for itself,” says Vladimir Kozlovskiy, President of Construction Tools Division - “The fact that you need a compressor only half the size or can use two breakers instead of one from the same energy source gives instant payback by paying less for the compressor. It is ergonomic and saves both money and the environment.”

According to Atlas Copco Construction Technique’s Business Line Manager Construction Tools Division, Neville Stewart, the pneumatic breaker has been around for many decades in South Africa. “The Tex pneumatic breaker range has enjoyed great success in the local market over the years but the new breaker comes with exceptional technology. Perfectly suited to local conditions, the breaker’s remarkable features make it ideal for a wide range of applications on the African continent including rental, road maintenance and repair, municipalities and infrastructure projects, to name only a few.”

“The new breaker will not only add value to existing markets but will also make it possible for smaller customers to afford pneumatic technology,” affirms Stewart. “The RTEX presents a lower investment for business owners because they can purchase smaller compressors and get the same performance and productivity or they can run up to four breakers off their existing compressors and double their productivity, all the while saving on energy costs and capital investment.” 

The RTEX is a great tool to work with. The five to ten kilogram weight reduction favours the operator. Measured according to EN ISO 28927-10*, the 3-axes hand-and-arm vibration is below 5 m/s2. Under these conditions an operator can work up to eight times longer than with conventional breakers, according to the safety guidelines. This is thanks to the Constant Pressure Chamber on the top of the breaker which serves as advanced pneumatic suspension. The tool is more compact than a traditional breaker, which makes it easier to work with in constrained areas and gives a more ergonomic working position. Stiff handles and the unique Sofstart™ function make it very easy to control the power of the RTEX. Stewart believes that this is where the RTEX’s greatest value lies. “The fact that the handheld breaker can be used for long hours with minimal fatigue has a direct impact on increased productivity and profitability for the end-user.”
 
“Another great thing about this breaker is that no training is required,” continues Stewart. “If the operator has used any other pavement breaker, he will be able to use this breaker with ease. Add up the RTEX’s innovative technology and design features alongside improved operator productivity and you have an out-and-out winner!”