Wash plants are extremely expensive pieces of plant equipment, which need to be maintained regularly. Regular checks can lead to substantial financial savings and vital resources such as water are also wasted if washing machines are not operating to their full potential. Regular cleaning of vehicles is proven to reduce maintenance costs and almost certainly prolong the useful working life of stock.

The SOAP testing system (Scientific On-board Assessment Panel) patented by Scientifics Ltd is a specially designed panel, which attaches to the side of the vehicle as it passes through the wash plant. This panel is then removed and analysed in state of the art laboratories to gain a percentage of the physical cleaning performance of the washer itself.

The testing system also audits the effectiveness of the wash plant by looking at the flails, brushes and other physical components to ensure they are operating effectively and preventing damage to paint and bodywork.

The results of the audit can:

• Allow the measurement of the performance of the wash plant to be made at any time.
• Allow accurate scheduling of brush and flail changes or highlight where adjustments are needed to improve performance.
• Provide a regular check on maintenance issues and identify any problems that have been ongoing and not repaired sufficiently.
• Provide documentary evidence to demonstrate to regulatory bodies that equipment is well maintained and operating in a safe and efficient manner.
• Highlight the need to change consumables such as nozzles.

In a recent investigation, worn nozzles on a machine resulted in a wash plant running on 17% more chemicals and water than originally designed. By implementing a regular maintenance programme on the wash plant the company was able to drastically reduce the amount of water and chemicals being consumed resulting in a direct cost saving.

Effective audits on wash plants are also essential in helping companies to comply with their Consents to Discharge restrictions through the monitoring of waste effluent produced by the wash plant.

Scientifics has been carrying out independent audits on wash plants for train rolling stock for many years and with the skills and expertise being immediately transferable to the entire transport industry it is now seeing substantial business growth from other parts of the sector, particularly buses and coaches.

Dave Gough, Scientifics' Environmental Divisional Manager explains, 'the patented SOAP System is unique to Scientifics and has proven to be an extremely valuable tool to rolling stock operators when measuring efficiency of wash plants. We have implemented the system in various bus and tram depots and the companies are immediately seeing real results.'

Dave continues, 'All the audits are carried out by fully trained and experienced personnel who can advise and give recommendations often on site, on achieving the full potential of the wash plant. This information is vital in ensuring that equipment is being used to its optimum efficiency and that stock is being cleaned to the required standard. It is also important to see that the substantial investment made in the wash plant, whether through terms of leasing or maintenance expenditure is being wisely spent.'

As part of the SOAP audit service, Scientifics can also provide wash plant appreciation courses for staff that use the machines on a day-to-day basis to enable them to gain a greater understanding on the changes necessary to provide long-term benefits and cost savings.

For further information on Wash Plant Audits, the SOAP system or for any other of Scientifics capabilities please contact Neil Guyan on: 01302 380154 or Mob: 07867 620047.