After incredible market feedback in its ground- breaking train cleaning concept, Orange Train Wash (OTW) is set to take the train washing world by storm.
OTW revolutionises how train exteriors are maintained with trailblazing cleanliness standards and radical environmental, carbon reduction, installation, productivity and cost saving benefits.
Now, empowered by Dura Composites as its manufacturing partner, and signing an innovative commercial partnership with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) to showcase the modular system, OTW is on a mission to provide the industry with a more sustainable and cost-effective way of cleaning trains – with significant interest already from across the world, from the USA to Australia.
PHENOMENAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COST SAVING BENEFITS
OTW’s chemical-free solution uses 85º deionised water and powerful air blades and brushes, which push the water back down into the Envirosump water catchment system, ready to be pumped back into each machine for recycling. The filters clean the water at 15 litres per minute back into the larger clean water tank ready for the next clean, with no drainage required.
Its 60 water jets allow for an eight-car train to be cleaned within less than four minutes, and with a minimal footprint either side of the train, it provides huge savings on the civil engineering costs required for other cleaning solutions. The modular system can be moved where it is needed, rather than shunting trains within the depot and cleans trains at a speed of three miles per hour.
The OTW maintains water temperature at 20º before heating it back to 85º for the next approaching train. This means that unlike conventional train washes, winter conditions won’t disrupt train washing programmes. Featuring easy to use reporting software, the system also provides accurate reports of carbon and water savings.
Testing discovered that 38% of dirt from traditional cleaning solutions was detergent that had not been removed. This is completely eradicated by OTW’s chemical-free operations. Traditional solutions also use cold water which increases the need for legionella testing. OTW’s risk of legionella is at zero as it heats the water beyond the 60 degrees required to kill the bacteria.
Martin Whitbread, OTW founder and designer, says: “This is a very proud moment for all of us and marks our most significant milestone so far. The ability to see the world’s first OTW underscores that this is not just a concept, but a real world solution that will transform exterior train cleaning as we know it.
“A system like this proves that sustainability doesn’t always have to come at a cost. By doing things in a more efficient way operators and asset managers can also realise cost saving and operational benefits. OTW allows for the system to be deployed as either a temporary or permanent solution, which is particularly useful as depots continue to scale.
Over the last three years OTW has seen a significant level of worldwide interest and the opportunity to see our demonstrator shows that we are ready to make a difference to how train operating companies and rolling stock providers clean their trains.”
Thanks to its modular nature, the OTW can be installed in as little as three days from beginning to end.
GAINING MOMENTUM
The presentation of the first OTW demonstration unit reinforces to the industry how the system works and the benefits it will bring when implemented. The partnership with GCRE will enable OTW to showcase the system in a live environment in South Wales. The GCRE site will become the international showcase site for Orange Train Wash, providing clients with a hands- on opportunity to see the innovative system in action. The deal has developed a commercial model where both OTW and GCRE benefit from sales of the cutting-edge technology.
Chairman, Stephen Collicott, said: “To have the Global Centre of Rail Excellence as our international showcase site is a significant step in demonstrating our capabilities and the difference Orange Train Wash will make.
The interest in OTW already spans the globe and, to work collaboratively with an innovative world class facility will bring to life the environmental, practical and financial benefits to organisations in an applied environment.”
SUPPORTING MAINTENANCE TEAMS TO DEMONSTRATE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
The intelligence provided by the OTW system allows maintenance teams to demonstrate their carbon footprint from using the machines, thanks to digital reporting systems which feed directly to desktops. OTW provides data on the environmental benefits to feed into reporting where required, such as the amount of water used, recycled and lost.
Martin said: “We recognise that companies need to be able to tangibly demonstrate where they are achieving carbon savings and be able to get that information seamlessly. Our system provides this routinely – giving recycling and carbon footprint reporting at the click of a button to support organisations with their wider objectives.
“A solution like this is essentially a no-brainer compared to the traditional cleaning solutions currently available. Speaking to companies over the last three years has enabled the rail industry to understand the benefits, and the excitement building around OTW has been remarkable.”
The momentum we have gathered has been brilliant and we are excited to revolutionise the industry on a global scale. Empowered by Dura Composites as our manufacturing partner, we are bringing OTW from concept to reality for rail operators who are ready to Embrace the Future of Train Washing.”
