As a market leader in bitumen-based waterproofing solutions, we not only provide the membranes your project requires, but also the means needed for an efficient and uniform installation. The Mini-Mammoth, a machine engineered, designed and patented by Soprema Group, enables automated bonding of both SBS and APP bitumen membranes, for projects of all sizes, eradicating the risk of human error.
Automated Welding VS Traditional Torching Methods
The Mini-Mammouth offers numerous advantages compared to traditional torching methods:
1. A Perfect Bond
The Mini-Mammoth enables the membrane to be fully bonded to the substrate. When membranes are installed using the Mini mammoth, it is guaranteed that the bond will be homogeneous, meaning that if there were to be a breach, water cannot travel between the membrane and the substrate. Speed, temperature and steering can all be controlled to suit the ambient air temperature in order to create the perfect bond. When empty, the Mini-Mammoth weighs 286 kg. This entire weight pressure is lowered onto a rubber roller, allowing for a full even bond and consistent bleeding across the installed roll of membrane whilst in operation.
2. Reduced Gas Consumption
As the Mini-Mammoth’s heating system is closed, gas consumption is significantly reduced. Using only a third of the gas required for traditional installation methods, it is an ecologically and economically smart choice.
3. Speed Of Application
The Mini-Mammoth can install between 500 and 1,000 m2 per day on average, depending on the team and the presence or absence of roof obstructions, compared to a two-person team that would manually cover approximately 200 m² per day.
From loading the machine through to completing the installation of a roll takes three and a half minutes or less, depending on the ambient air temperature and the speed with which the torching operative completes the end laps.
4. On-Site Training Included
The Mini-Mammothh is operated by a two- to three-man team, consisting of two operators for steering and loading the rolls on the machine and a welder for torching the end laps (roughly 400 mm at the start of the roll and 200-300 mm at the end of the roll).
Soprema supplies full onsite training for the Mini-Mammoth including:
- A safety toolbox talk of the do’s and don’ts.
- Safety in terms of the location of the generator and the gas bottles.
- Cleaning and maintenance requirements, ensuring operators can look after the machine as intended.
- Installation training itself: starting with safety and technique, and once this is mastered, implementing speed is introduced.
This whole process usually takes two to three working days.
5. Use In High Winds
The Mini-Mammouth can be used in high winds as the intense heat is concentrated within the machine. This cannot be done when torching with traditional methods, as the heat is instantly taken from the roll of membrane.
6. Minimal Risk Of Fire
There is minimal risk of a fire hazard as the flame is instantly extinguished at the flick of a switch once the roll has been installed, while traditional methods require the hand torch to be continuously alight.
7. Continuous Output
Self-propelled, the Mini-Mammoth hugely reduces strenuous labour and risk of injury. The machine does not need breaks for any operational reason for example cooling etc and can therefore work all day. The machine has two methods of propelling itself: a built-in 12-volt battery (only to be used by Soprema service engineers for in-house works/tests) and a 2.2 Kw inverter generator which produces a sound pressure of 91 dB.
8. Warranty
All Mini-Mammouth installs come with a warranty, which is determined by the system installed.
Mini-Mammoth: Service And Maintenance
The Mini-Mammoth requires a weekly maintenance service, which is carried out by one of our Mini-Mammouth service engineers and usually takes one to two hours. We always try to schedule this during lunch breaks, so as not to affect project progression. The generator, in turn, must be serviced every two weeks by a Soprema service engineer, also scheduled to suit the roofing contractor’s needs and requirements.
Should you require more information on the Mini-Mammoth or our other accessories for installing bituminous membranes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our technical experts.