Background:
A new fertiliser plant in Western Australia needed an effective solution to clean trucks’ wheels and chassis, preventing the contamination of surrounding areas. Tecpro was asked to design and supply a comprehensive wheel and chassis washing system.
Challenges:
Our primary challenges were:
- Preventing Contamination: Ensuring no residue on trucks and other vehicles from the fertilizer plant left the site.
- Efficiency: The system needed to handle a high volume of trucks with minimal downtime and minimal water usage.
- Automation: Reducing manual intervention to ensure consistent cleaning, reduce time per clean and reduce labour costs.
Solution:
Tecpro provided a tailored solution using their Italian made washing technology including rotating nozzles and a high pressure, automated pump skid.
Design and Construction:
The system was designed as a fixed location, drive through wash to accommodate different vehicle types and sizes. Construction drawings were developed to assist the construction company to integrate the system seamlessly into the plant’s new infrastructure.
High-Pressure Wash Heads: Four high-pressure rotating wash heads were installed, each capable of delivering powerful jets to remove stubborn dirt and residues from the wheels and undercarriage.
High-Pressure Pump Set: A robust 150 L/min, 110 bar high-pressure pump set was selected to ensure thorough cleaning with each cycle, capable of handling large trucks and ensuring minimal water wastage.
Automation with Ultrasonic Sensors: Ultrasonic sensors were integrated into the system to detect the presence of vehicles. These sensors activated the pump when a vehicle approached and shut it off once the vehicle passed through, ensuring optimal water and energy use.
Water Management: The system featured options for both disposable and recycled water, aligning with environmental and operational needs. This flexibility allowed the plant to choose the most sustainable and cost-effective water management approach.
Results:
The installation of Tecpro’s wheel and chassis washing system was a huge success, resulting in:
- Environmental Compliance: The plant significantly reduced the risk of contaminating surrounding areas, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Operational Efficiency: The automated system minimized manual intervention, reducing labour costs, water usage and improving the turnaround time for vehicles.
- Enhanced Safety and Cleanliness: The thorough cleaning process enhanced the safety and cleanliness of vehicles, benefiting both the plant and the community.
Conclusion: Our innovative automated washing system, provided an efficient and effective solution for the fertiliser plant, addressing all key concerns and delivering long-term benefits.
For more information, view the product pages here –
Chassis Wash System
Wheel Wash System
