GB2400376A - Aircraft runway cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition for cleaning rubber deposits off runways and skid marks from heavy equipment used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, comprises d-Limonene, n-Methylpyrrolidone and possibly Alkylbenzene sulphonic acid and an amphoteric surfactant of Co-co-amphoglycinate (carboxylates).in proportions: <TAB CO=2 CS="A S"> <ROW><TSB>d-Limone<CEL AL=L>70-80% <ROW><TSB>n-Methylpyrrolidone<CEL AL=L>15-20% <ROW><TSB>Propylene Glycol Ether<CEL AL=L>15-20% <ROW><TSB>Co-co-amphoglycinate (carboxylates).<CEL AL=L>10-15% </TAB>

Description

AIRCRAFT RUNWAY CLEANER Ref 003

Description

This invention relates to a blend of compounded cleaners for cleaning rubber deposits offof runways and skid marks from heavy equipment used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

Since the advent of turbojet aircraft with their greater weight and high landing speeds, braking performance on runway surfaces, particularly when wet, have become a significant safety consideration. Friction of the runway surface is the most important safety factor for take-off and landing of the aircraft. Loss of friction can severely hinder aircraft braking capability and directional control especially when heavy rubber deposits and wet surfaces exist.

As traffic mechanically wears down micro-texture and macro-texture, and as contaminants build up on runway pavements, friction will decrease to the point where safety may be diminished.

Using continuous friction measuring equipment (CFME) on every runway will identify those areas on the runway pavement that are below the minimum acceptable friction levels.

Regardless of the pavement type or surface treatment, runway friction characteristics will change over time depending on the type and frequency of aircraft activity, aircraft weight, the number of wheels that touchdown on the surface, runway length, weather, environmental issues, and other factors. In addition to ordinary mechanical wear and tear from aircraft tires, contaminants can collect on runway pavement surfaces to decrease their friction properties. Contaminants such as rubber deposits, carbon deposits, dust particles, jet fuel, oil spillage, water, snow, ice, and slush all cause friction loss on runway pavement surfaces. Rubber deposits occur in the touchdown areas on runways and can be quite extensive. Heavy rubber deposits can completely cover the pavement surface thereby causing loss of aircraft braking capability and directional control especially when runways are wet.

At present, several cleaning processes are being used but they have many disadvantages. High- pressure spray equipment at 5000-6000 psi is capable of removing the skid marks of rubber off the runway but they have the tendency to destroy the grooves or the mix asphalt.

Another method uses abrasive material that is then vacuumed up again. The destruction of grooves and asphalt is problematic to airport authorities.

On aircraft carriers, a mixture of detergent and water is used with several Navy personnel using brooms to remove the skid-marks. Relying on elbow grease, this method is time consuming, requiring manpower and manhours, and is ineffective in removing the heavier deposits.

Using Cresylic Acid (toxic), Benzene, mineral spirits, or MEK, is inefficient and unsafe to humans and the environment.

There are many advantages to using this blend, such as: À High solvency equal to or better than hazardous solvents 2.

À Excellent wetting capability; fast-acting À Economical; a small amount goes a long way À Low vapor pressure and evaporation rate for maximum surface contact À No ingredients on any undesirable list of chemicals À No ozone depleting ingredients; non-reportable; not subject to regulation or phase-out À No effect on painted areas of the runway À Fast and effective; saves time and manpower À Safe to humans and the environment At airports, the compound can be sprayed on the runway with the same cleaning/sweeping truck now used to clean debris. The tank can be filled with the cleaning solution and sprayed onto the surface. The brushes attached to the truck will provide additional mechanical assistance to help remove the rubber from the grooves. It can then be vacuumed back into the tank or the excess cleaner in the grooves can be removed by rinsing with water. The rinse water can be pumped into a holding tank after vacuuming or pushed into the storm drain via the holding tank.

On aircraft carriers, the compound will quickly remove the heavy deposits, cutting down on manpower and man-hours.

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. A chemical compound for cleaning aircraft runways, which is a

   blend of d-Limonene, n Methylpyrrolidone and Alkylbenzene sulphonic acid and an amphoteric surfactant of Co co-amphoglycinate (carboxylates) in proportions: d-Limone 70-80% n-Methylpyrrolidone 1 5-20% Propylene Glycol Ether 15-20% Co-co-amphoglycinate (carboxylates): 10-15%