Artificial snow production with compressors

Like natural snow, technically produced snow consists of water and air. In snow production, these two components are mixed in a so-called snow installation system. These systems are complex structures that include pumps, compressors, distribution systems and snow machines. Automated snow production systems that are centrally controlled also include various types of sensors and meters that are connected to software that can optimize snow production based on prevailing weather conditions. The water used in snow production is usually obtained from nearby lakes and watercourses, but municipal water is also used in some facilities. The water is transported to the snow machines by means of pumps, pipes and hoses. The pump pressures can sometimes be very high, especially if the drop height between the water outlet and the snow machine is large and the distribution lines are long. The choice of pumps and hoses is therefore very important to ensure a reliable and safe system. The choice of compressed air solution mainly depends on which snow machines are used in the facility. The snow machines are the last link in the chain and usually the only part of the snow production system that is visible in tracks and slopes, sometimes the water posts (hydrants) and water hoses are also visible in different places in the system. In principle, two different snow machines are used in the Swedish ski facilities, snow cannons and snow lances. In the snow cannons, the compressed air is generated by a compressor built into the cannon, while the snow lances are supplied with compressed air via a distribution system from a central compressor plant. It is important to keep in mind when placing a snow cannon on the ground that it is set to balance so that the lubrication in the built-in compressor works satisfactorily.

As mentioned above, different types of snow machines are used for the production of technical snow. In the snow machines, so-called snow cores (small ice crystals) are created when a mixture of water and compressed air is allowed to expand through a special nozzle. When the snow cores are sprayed out into the surrounding atmosphere together with a fine water mist, small drops of water bind to the cores. On their way to the ground, these drops freeze into snow crystals that together form compact piles of artificial snow. The principle of snow production is the same regardless of which snow machine is used. The most important difference is the way in which the snow cores with associated water droplets are spread in the atmosphere. In a snow lance, the water mist is sprayed out through a nozzle that is placed between 6-12 meters above the ground, where the natural fall height is used to both freeze and spread the snow crystals. In a snow cannon, there is a fan that spreads the water mist by creating an air stream. These snow cannons are often called fan cannons. Technically produced snow differs from natural snow both in terms of appearance and quality. This is because artificial snow contains a comparatively large amount of water, which makes it more compact and less fluffy than ordinary snow. In a magnifying glass, it is easy to see the difference between an ordinary snowflake and a technically produced flake, which actually looks more like a small snowball. Technical snow is also more resistant to wear, wind and sun. Tracks and slopes can therefore be prepared with the help of artificial snow, which forms a durable foundation for the natural snow that then settles on top.

The design, capacity and energy consumption of the compressors differ. It is therefore very important to choose a compressed air solution that suits the needs and requirements of the plant. Of course, flow and pressure are of utmost importance, but energy consumption must also be taken into account. In order for water to be converted into snow, energy is required, a lot of energy. In an efficient and climate-smart facility, electricity use is minimized while the amount of technically produced snow is maximized. In order for such a solution to be achieved, every single component must be optimized, from the pump to the compressor to the snow machine. Atlas Copco Compressors in the LE series are specially designed for the snow manufacturing industry and for installation in different types of snow cannons. They combine safe and stable operation with low maintenance costs, even in extreme weather with a lot of wind and low temperatures. Atlas Copco also offers a range of energy-efficient oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors in various sizes and in different designs that are suitable for central compressor rooms. For completely clean snow production, we recommend the compressors in our series ZR / ZT . They are certified oil-free, reliable and easy to maintain. Service is performed by our locally based service technicians. Oil-free and energy-efficient compressors create conditions for sustainable and safe operation that minimizes environmental impact and ensures the quality of the end product.

Compressors in ski resorts are used very intensively during the coldest months of the year, while compressors in the traditional industry are usually used continuously throughout the year. To ensure that the compressed air is available when the snow machines are to be started, proper maintenance and service are crucial. Maintenance should be adapted to the need and often a site visit after the end of the season is a good investment. Then the machines can be properly inspected and a plan for the upcoming maintenance can be laid out. Poor service can lead to downtime but also shorten service life and have an impact on energy consumption. From a sustainability perspective, it is therefore very important that both built-in compressors and compressor control panels are kept in good condition. Atlas Copco has locally based service technicians around the country who can perform service and maintenance to order. For facilities that want to plan service jobs and costs well in advance, we can offer different types of service plans.