Innovative Equipment Solutions Explains How Automated Wheel Wash System Works

The Neptune Automated Wheel Wash System from Innovative Equipment Solutions, Hot Springs, Ark., requires no operator. As a vehicle approaches the wheel wash system, the wash cycle is automatically activated by a proximity sensor. A technically engineered spray system washes the vehicle as it drives through the wheel wash system at walking speed. The angled profile construction of the wash areas flexes open the tire profiles and supplements the cleaning effect, helping to dislodge heavier soils, according to the company. Each system is equipped with nozzles in the tread area as well as custom-milled side spray nozzles. The nozzles are adjustable to provide effective cleaning spray pattern for each side.

The Maximus Series Systems can be configured in one of three ways:

•    G Series: As a gravity feed system that requires excavation for both the tank and the wash platform.
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•    PR Series: As a totally portable system which requires no excavation and includes ramps.
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•    P Series: As a relocated system that will require excavation for the wash platform only.
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All installation configurations can be used in temporary or permanent applications.

The two- and three-tire revolution models can be equipped with Turbo Wash Nozzles for increased effectiveness in heavier soils. The above-ground systems use ramps to transition from the grade of the approach to the base of the wheel wash unit. The ramps also help dislodge heavier solids from the wheels on the approach, help shake water from the tires on the exit and help control the speed of the traffic.

Each wash element on the Maximus Series is constructed with an integrated sloped, steel pan designed to capture and discharge the wash water into either steel, or a concrete water recycling and solids separation tank. Flocculent is then introduced to the system to assist with solids separation and decrease the amount of detention time needed to deliver optically clear, recycled water.

In gravity flow systems, as the system runs, the wash water flows directly into an adjacent steel or concrete water recycling and solids separation tank via steel or concrete flumes. On all prefabricated steel systems, the number of flumes is determined by the overall length of the wash platform. In systems with above-ground tanks, the wash water discharges into an adjacent water collection chamber, allowing for continual system operation. The collection chamber houses a pump that returns the water and solids to the water recycling and solids separation tank.

More information is available at www.innovativeequipment.org.