VORTEX

Universal Vortex Snowmaking Technology
You can make more and better snow for less money and at higher temperatures

What is Vortex and how does it work?

The Vortex snowmaking gun head incorporates a heat exchanger, which can be affixed to any tall tower gun. The Vortex heat exchanger cools air to a temperature 60° colder than a typical externally mixed gun. In addition, the cold air inside the Vortex freezes moisture particles so they exit the gun as frozen nuclei. The Vortex also discharges air in a spinning cyclone, which allows better coalescing with water from the spray nozzle.

The Vortex technology combines these three benefits, which enables the gun to make high quality snow at 27° wet bulb with a 2.6 to 1 air/water ratio (90PSI air and 300 PSI water).

What is the major benefit of the Universal Vortex Snowgun?

The Vortex snowgun uses significantly less compressed air than a conventional externally mixed gun, so you save money by using less energy while converting the same amount of water to quality snow for your guests. The total energy cost per gun per operating hour:

Vortex at 27° wet bulb	$1.88
4/1 External Mix Air/Water at 27° wet bulb	$2.40
Internal Mix Gun at 20° wet bulb	$5.40

What are the Vortex benefits beyond energy cost savings?

• More terrain opens early, providing competitive advantages and early season income
• Less dependency on colder temperatures - the 27° wet bulb production capabilities reduce your weather risk
• Fewer operating hours for the same volume of snow- reducing wear and tear on compressors and pumps
• Better guest experience- once the base is built, you can top dress at night on more terrain while not interfering with the skiing experience
• Faster recovery - after a warm or wet cycle more acreage can be top dressed, at higher temperatures, improving surface conditions faster
• Semi-Automatic Start-ups - you can hook up all air and water hoses with valves open once compressors are on line and the system is full, and then start water pumps. Within 30-60 minutes 184 guns are operating, maximizing early season weather opportunities
• Staffing requirements- it will be easier to train new snowmakers as the skill required to operate this equipment is minimal.

Where can I see Vortex technology first-hand?

For a demonstration of how Vortex works, or for more information, please call Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Massachusetts at (413) 738-5500 and ask for Jim Mucci or Jason Griffin at extension 498, Brian Fairbank at extension 376 or email Vortex@jiminy.com.

VORTEX OPERATING FACTS AND FIGURES

Air Consumption
60 to 65 CFM depending on air pressure (65 CFM at 90PSI)

Water Flow
Water flow at 27° wet bulb based on a 50/40 spray jet nozzle discharges 24 GPM at 300PSI. Water nozzles can go to 50/50 or 50/60 at lower temperatures. Water temperatures need to be 37° or below (Snowmax recommended).

Snow Quality
Base building snow at 27° wet bulb with 80% frozen particles
Skiable snow at 23 or 24° wet bulb using 50/40 nozzles

4,500 horsepower converts 1 gallon of water per horsepower

UNIVERSAL VORTEX CAPITAL JUSTIFICATION

Jiminy Peak
37 Corey Road
Hancock, MA 01237
Ph (413) 738-5500
Fax (413) 738-5729
www.jiminypeak.com
Vortex@jiminy.com