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 Finally, 1960’s vintage control panels were outdated and hard to maintain.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:
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.
