Arguments

Information

Two separate studies by a major European airport and Sweden's LFV sought to calculate the total costs associated with the removal of rubber and paint markings on runways.

They both came to the same conclusion: The macrotexture of the runway surface was washed away by standard high-pressure washing (HPW) methods, to varying degrees.

While this results in excellent initial friction values, it also shortens the service life of the runway surface and reduces the time between repairs to this surface. These results were incorporated into the total cost analysis and offered proof that standard water jetting methods for rubber removal are highly uneconomical when the damage caused to the basic runway structure is taken into account.

A further major disadvantage of the HPW method is its low overall effectiveness.

To limit the damage caused by the HPW procedures, only about 70% of the rubber is usually removed. As a result, cleaning is required more frequently, which further increases the total associated costs.

Our TrackJet® system is able to remove nearly 100% of rubber and paint markings without damaging the basic structure of the runway. Experience shows that TrackJet® applications increase friction values by between 0.35 and 0.4.

The lower number of required cleaning cycles and the longer runway service life achieved with the gentle, non-damaging TrackJet® method combine to deliver unbeatable overall costs.

This is backed by written statements from multiple airport operators.
These statements on the use of the TrackJet® system are proof of the quality of this highly advanced method and support the following claims:

• Best possible friction test values lead to longer intervals between cleaning cycles.
• Optimum protection of runway surface results in much lower direct and indirect renovation costs in the long term.
• Can be used on any grooved or ungrooved surface incl. asphalt, AntiSkid®, Petro Grip and concrete.
• No damage to grooving, runway lighting system (AGL), markings or joint seals.
• Runway lights are cleaned while the rubber is being removed.
• Flexible needs-based planning; work can be performed independent of contractors (selective cleaning of small areas that have insufficient friction values is possible)
• Minimized staff costs (1 person/1 machine for entire shift)
• Highest possible degree of availability of runway, taxiway and apron areas, even while TrackJet® tasks are being performed, thanks to shorter warning times for stopping work if required by airport traffic.
• The TrackJet® system can vacate the working areas within 3 minutes and leaves a dry, residue-free traffic area ready for immediate and unlimited use.
• Use of existing vehicles like UNIMOGs or snow removal vehicles leads to a higher usage rate for these rarely used capital goods.
• No safety risks from non-airport staff and no related costs for security and escort duties performed by airport personnel.
• Extremely environment-friendly, thanks to low water and fuel consumption. The TrackJet® method uses clean water with no added chemicals. It furthermore requires only 10-20% of the water and only 30% of the fuel consumed by traditional methods.
• Low cost for disposal of removed material, as only a small volume of water with no chemical additives is used.
• Optimally suited for the removal of markings and the preparation of the surface for new markings while delivering top-notch protection of the runway surface
• Other possible applications for the equipment include: cleaning out sealing joints, concrete renovation, de-coating of steel and concrete areas, cleaning of apron areas and oil spill removal