INSTALLATION and commissioning of a tram washing plant for the new Valenciennes light rail network (MR 05 p45) is due to be completed in October.
Ordered three years ago, the washing plant is being built by Ceccato of Italy. Each plant is specifically designed for local conditions, although in practice the Valenciennes installation will be similar to the two units that Ceccato supplied for the Luas depots in Dublin, at Sandyford and Red Cow (below). The Valenciennes machine will have extra short brushes to wash the higher parts of the vehicle ends, as the shape of the Alstom Citadis 302 cars is subtly different.
The drive-through plant is designed for unidirectional use, and can be operated manually as well as automatically. The control system will be linked to the main operations control room via a Scada connection. A built-in water treatment unit allows about 80% of the water to be reused.
Dedicated brushes are provided to clean the upper, centre and lower parts of the vehicle. The washing arch at the entrance uses recycled water. This is followed by an emollient arch which takes fresh water; separate brush groups work with the wet arches, using recycled water and shampoo. Before the car leaves the unit, it passes under two rinsing arches, one using recycled water and the second spraying a mix of fresh water and waxer.
Three different washing cycles are available. Cycle A washes the rear, sides, front and roof cantrails of the vehicle at a passing speed of 3 km/h. Cycle B allows the vehicle to pass through at a higher speed of 5 km/h, cleaning the sides but not the front or rear. The same speed is permitted for Cycle C, which uses the chemical and water sprays but not the brushes.
Ceccato, Italy
