 Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) water can be used of removal of coatings, such as urethanes, epoxies and other flexible materials from concrete surfaces. Typically this work is done using a 12-inch spray head containing 16 nozzles. The spray heads rotates at up to 1,800 rpm. The nozzles range in diameter from .009-inch to .022-inch. The robotic tractor moves the rotating blast head uniformly over the surface. The water jet is very fine and as the head spins the water jet shreds the membrane material on the surface. As the water jet penetrates the membrane and strikes the hard concrete surface the water ricochets off the surface parallel to the surface and lifts the membrane off the surface.  The water jets do not damage the surface. During removal the loose shredded membrane material remains on the surface while the water flows away. Normally a screening material is placed over the drains during removal to prevent any material from entering the drainage system. Following removal the membrane can be swept up and placed in a container for disposal. Once the surfaced is rinsed and allowed to dry it is ready for a new membrane or sealer.
Mechanical removal systems such as grinders, scrappers or milling machines cannot remove membrane from depressions in the surface other surface imperfections without removing concrete and exposing the aggregate. UHP water jets can remove 100% of the membrane regardless of the texture of the surface.  
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