Nova is star performer for Wilcomatic
Wilcomatic, the authorised distributor of vehicle washing systems from Otto Christ, will be among the attendees at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show – where it will promote the German manufacturer’s latest gantry truck wash system, the Nova.
The Nova rollover gantry system is said to offer more advanced features compared to the company’s outgoing Magnum and Taurus product ranges, whilst maintaining reliability. The system features three brushes available in three variants: the Stripe, the Blade, and the Stripe with LED displays.
Dimensions of the Nova range from 4.6m to 4.88m wide and from 4.82m to 5.15m high, depending on the specifications; wash height is up to 5m, and passage width (vehicle width) is 3.4m. The housing includes new panelling, with options of integrated LED lighting and illuminated driver command.
Polyethylene brushes are supplied as a tried and tested standard, says Wilcomatic, while customers have the additional options of Powerbrush+ and Sensofil+, which are said to ensure low abrasion of vehicle paint. They are available in a range of colours from black grey to flame red, and also feature increased brush diameter and optimal immersion depth for improved washing performance.
Meanwhile oscillating rotor nozzles ensure that the dirtiest parts of the chassis are covered, says the company. Nozzles are available in various heights, while additional nozzle units, each featuring three nozzles, can be added in and activated for the upper and middle areas of the vehicle.
Further highlighted advantages include the speed of operation; the Nova is said to fulfil large fleets’ requirements for fast and effective washing technology. The significant challenge, says Wilcomatic, is performing a complete wash of the vehicle’s roof, front, rear and side surfaces so as to minimise operating costs within a short wash time.
To this end, the Nova can be deployed in semi-stationary operation (2.5-minute wash programme) and/or in an overrun wash operation. Its innovative roller concept provides the ideal combination of quality and quantity for vehicle washing, says Wilcomatic, and is therefore particularly recommended for cleaning in shift operations at transport companies, as a powerful CV wash unit, or for fleet washing by larger haulage companies.
A high-pressure wash option, Jetstream, can be added to the portal frame for vehicle with challenging geometry, says Wilcomatic, such as silo trucks and special vehicles. The Jetstream function is also designed to pre-clean vehicles that are very heavily soiled – for example tipper trucks. While the wash portal moves, the vehicle is sprayed powerfully by four electromechanically oscillating high pressure nozzle units on each wash system side, equipped with contrarotating high pressure blast nozzles. Front and rear washing is achieved via the integrated swivel device for the high-pressure nozzle units. The Jetstream system significantly reduces the manual pre-cleaning effort required of staff, Wilcomatic adds.
The company also highlights the Underbody Wash System, which employs a stationary underfloor nozzle cane to clean the undersides of the vehicle without losing time while it enters the wash hall. Two variants are available, which can be combined with corresponding rotary pumps.
A Discontinuous Lateral Brush feature is said to ensure best results without leaving wash shadows or compromising on flexibility. It allows continuous and more effective cleaning under mirrors, says Wilcomatic, and is available in different wash heights, thereby enabling adaptation for individual fleets as needed.
An Active Foam Device enables comprehensive wash chemical application via active foam nozzles. The chemicals are said to achieve longer adhesion, improving their effectiveness in removing dirt. An optional polishing application, with separate dosing equipment, is also available.
With the Aeropro High Performance Dryer, airflow starts being directed towards the front of the vehicle slanted from above. Air current can be directed towards lateral vehicle sections, or roof and rear areas, by pivoting the blower units or air outlets.
Wilcomatic emphasises the importance of water recycling, and advocates the benefits of using a circulation system to reuse washing water. As well as the ecological benefits, legal regulations and financial considerations can play a part in this decision, says the company.
It offers Fontis water preparation units, which have been developed especially for deployment in conjunction with vehicle washing plants. The compact units incorporate a washing water storage tank, quartz-gravel filter and booster pump, and can be equipped with an optional chemical pre-treatment stage, known as flocculation.
