locomotive cleaning solutions

May 30, 2011

Originally, the first stage of the locomotive wash system consisted of three different wash arches.  Circa 1970, this wash system included a wetting system to wet the locomotive, a second arch to apply soap and finally, an acid wash to serve as a surface brightener.  The second original stage was a rinse arch system that included a 10,000 gallon storage tank, a 100 HP rinse pump, a rinse arch with galvanized nozzles and a 1970‘s vintage process controller.

Problem: The whole system was out-dated, expensive to run and maintain, and no longer performing efficiently.  Many of the parts were hard to locate and expensive, while environmental issues long ago decommissioned the acid arch.  The wetting portions of the wash performed very poorly.  And the dated pumps were simply worn out.  Finally, 1960’s vintage control panels were outdated and hard to maintain.

Solution:

  • A comprehensive study was conducted of existing wiring in order to integrate the new control panels into the system
  • New stainless steel control panels were installed with new conduit and heavier wire to supply the proper amperage needed for the new pumps.
  • New high efficiency pumps were installed with new Schedule 80 PVC piping tied into the existing PVC pipe.
  • The existing nozzles were removed and replaced with re-engineered nozzles.
  • Due to budge and time constrains, this entire project, from initial engineering investigation to design to construction to start-up, was completed in just 90 days.

    During that time, the maintenance personnel were able to continue working. The client reports that the locomotives washing is much more thorough and efficient.


    March 5, 2011
    CSX-locomotive-industry.jpg

    American rail companies are leading the charge in environmental initiatives across the transportation industry and we are happy to help them achieve their aggressive environmental and recycling goals.

    CSX Locomotive Industry
    CSX Locomotive Industry

    Locomotives and railcars must be kept clean for a variety of operational, image, and safety issues. To match the locomotives we are cleaning, Wash Bay Solutions provides heavy- duty washing systems that are meant to last for a long time.

    TYPICAL SOLUTIONS:

    Depending on the operation, locomotives can be cleaned by both pressure washers or large wash systems. The inline flow regulator on our heavy-duty pressure washers allows the operator to vary the flow rate and corresponding pressure at the wand which provides tremendous flexibility when cleaning different equipment and surfaces. It also provides a 15-20% increase in washing efficiency compared to a standard system which is especially significant when personnel are cleaning large areas.

    Electric hot water pressure washer

    Washbaysolutions also designs and builds custom locomotive wash arch systems. Designed around the locomotive operations, these systems can include engineered 360° coverage for wetting, soaping and rinsing, stainless steel components, and automatic controls for all safety and operational concerns. We can build new locomotive washes or retro-fit existing washes to meet modern environmental, conservation, and safety standards.

    Locomotive Wash Arches

    Locomotive Wash Bay Solutions
    Locomotive Wash Bay Solutions

    As part of the total systems, Washbaysolutions can incorporate closed- loop reclaim systems to capture, treat, store, and deliver clean recycled water to the pressure washers. If sewer connections are available, our sewer discharge systems treat the processed water before it is discharged to the sewer.

    Total systems can incorporate ozone disinfection systems, fully automated filter valves for filter backwashing, PLC control of all filter functions, and all non-ferrous components and hardware.

    They can also incorporate rain detection systems to manage excess rainwater in the collection system, and fresh water makeup systems to compensate for evaporation losses.

    Other Units Related to the Locomotive Industry


    North Carolina

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    At WashBaySolutions.com, we have been specializing in high tech, custom-engineered solutions to complex washing and wastewater issues since 1991.
    + 1 800-453-8639

    WashbaySolutions.com

    sales@washbaysolutions.com

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