Elite 5 train wash

Introduction
The ELITE 5 train wash machine is manufactured in a number of self contained units.
These units are,

• The control module
• Tank storage section
• Pre-wetting
• Side and top wash
• Rinse
• Compressed air drying unit (optional)

Each unit is assembles and tested in our factory before delivery

The system uses chemical, water (sprays) and brush technology to clean the outside of the train. The system is designed to wash any number coaches at a time. The system can be supplied with or without a water reclaim system.

System Operation
At the front of the wash bay are positioned two red and green signal lights, one on each side of the track. Under normal operating conditions the two red lights are illuminated. When the train approaches the wash bay, it will stop at the red signal until the attendant in the office selects the wash program. The wash bay attendant can select any of the following programs,

1. No wash (train can drive straight through)
2. Water wash and rinse
3. Water wash, rinse and dry
4. Soap and water wash, rinse and dry
5. Train set
6. Standard mode

After the operator has selected the program the signal will turn green, when the first coach passes over the magnetic loop, the signal will revert to red

When selecting a program the standard positions of the brushes are indicated. If a wash program is selected then a third brush is released and sits across the track. This third brush is pneumatically balanced and as the front of the train touches the brush it moves back across the railway track cleaning the front of the train. The side brushes continues to operate cleaning the sides, when the end of the train is reached the brushes move across the tack thus cleaning the back of the train
The brushes will return to their original positions after the magnetic loop detector turns off.
Each brush is fitted with a direct drive hydraulic motor and regulator, the regulator allows each motors speed to be set on site. This allows for a totally independent system.

The machine is fitted with magnetic loop detectors, which will start and stop its selected function. The function will operate as the first coach passes over the loop and end when the last coach leaves. Any length of train can be accommodated using these detectors. The train must drive through the machine at as slow as possible.
The machine washes at 100 seconds per carriage.

Control module and electrical panel
The control module consists of,

1. Electric consol manufactured in 3CR12 stainless steel
2. Air compressor
3. Hydraulic pack
4. 1,000 litre water pump
5. 500 litre water pump
6. Dosing pumps, water softener, storage tank with stand

Electric panel
Depending on the design there could be one or two electric panels, one in the control room and one in the plant room

Arches
The pre-wash /wetting, compressed and the two rinse arches are fabricated from 304 stainless steel. The arches are fitted with brass nozzles

Each rinse arch consists of two support arms and four pipe manifolds. Each support arm is fitted with two pipe manifolds. The first pipe manifold is positioned with its nozzles pointing forward, the second pipe manifold is positioned with its nozzles pointing backwards.
The compressed air arches are designed the same as the rinse arches but with three differences

1. The nozzles are angled down, this assists with forcing the water to run off
2. The nozzles are a different design and
3. Air is blown across the roof

The arches are surrounded by heavy duty, flexible, UV resistant plastic curtains

Reclaim system
The water from the wash bay is collected in a sump, the length of the train and the frequency of the washes determine the size of this sump. The sump is part of the civil costs
The reclaim system consists of an ORIVAL filter with automatic self-cleaning facility, 1,000 litre heavy duty storage tanks, pipe work, control equipment, a foot valve and pump.

The complete machine is locally designed and manufactured in South Africa