The Rhino ... clean machine.
Portable tyre wash cleans up on site
01 December 2002
A portable tyre and wheel wash, designed to clean trucks working on construction and demolition sites, plants, landfills and waste facilities is being promoted by Global Equipment Marketing of the US.
"Due to tougher regulations by environmental agencies, vehicles leaving quarries, demolition and construction sites, coal-fired power plants, landfills and other solid waste facilities, are often being required to have wheels and tyres free of mud, dirt and other contaminants," says a company spokesman. "As a result, tyre and wheel cleaning systems are fast becoming a necessity."
The portable Rhino system, from the Wheelwash division of Global Equipment Marketing is suitable for short-term or temporary projects, he says.
"The system is modular, easily assembled on-site and can be up and running in a matter of a few hours, after being transported to the site on a flatbed," he says. "And no excavation is necessary, only a concrete/asphalt pad or crushed stone base. Water recycling is included, with the settlement tank/weir system recycling 90 per cent of the water.
"The Rhino system is compact, heavy-duty construction and has low maintenance. The system is modular, arriving in two halves, then bolted together and lowered into position. After connection to the power unit it is ready to use. All that is necessary to start operations after set-up is access to water and electricity. Cleaning is accomplished with a multitude of high-pressure jets with extensive spray patterns to cover all surfaces of tyres, wheels and undercarriage, utilising a horizontal centrifugal pump in cast iron housing fitted with cast iron impeller, single mechanical seal and coupled with a 22 kW (30 hp) 2,900 rpm, TEFC electric motor.
"Operation consists of vehicles being driven through the system without drivers leaving the cab. As the vehicle approaches, an inductive loop sensor activates a high-pressure spray, whereupon the vehicle is driven over a patented angle grid system, causing treads to spread and vibration to knock-off mud and debris. Upon exiting, vehicles are driven over another angled grid system causing excess water to be shaken off.
''Wash time lasts from 15 to 45 seconds, depending on severity of vehicle's condition, but can be regulated up to three minutes by changing the settings at the electronic control panel in the pump house. Installation above ground is on a crushed stone base or concrete/asphalt pad, or as a permanent installation in-ground requiring a 2-ft excavation, filled with a crushed stone base or concrete form.''
