Professional Carwashing & Detailing - Feb 2012
Technical CONTROLLERS Marvelous modern controllers Precise measurements and computer connectivity push tunnel profitability and increase efficiencies 20 Professional Carwashing Detailing February 2012 Fucini said the system automatically regulates the speed of the conveyor as it works It will set a carwashs throughput by pacing the rate at which vehicles are sent into the tunnel But the controllers job does not end in the tunnel according to Fucini The external outputs on a controller can be used to control non tunnel devices like prepguns vacuums outdoor lights and signs And controllers can even schedule regular maintenance on tunnel equipment which ultimately saves an owner money and reduces wash downtime Conservation made easy Jon Simmons president of AutoPilot Carwash Control Systems said this precise control of tunnel components can help an Control everything Fucini said tunnel controllers were the first computer product introduced into the carwash industry and the earliest systems debuted 30 to 40 years ago Since then controllers have continued to develop and have become more refined As the systems evolved they gained the ability to control tunnel equipment with greater and greater precision Modern controllers measure the length of a vehicle as it enters the tunnel Then the controller uses the figure and the speed of the conveyor to calculate the most efficient time to turn equipment on and off as the vehicle passes These precise calculations result in tight to the inch control Fucini stated Also modern controllers determine how quickly vehicles go through the tunnel T he typical express tunnel wash To the uninitiated the process may look like a confusing soapy mess To industry insiders its an operation of precision a delicate delightful dance Spigots spew pre soak and bubbling soap spinning brushes provide automated elbow work Arches emit rinse water and protectant while applicators add shine to rotating tires Sleeping dryers awake blowing a blustery wind to remove the final spot free rinse From payment to exit the entire process is measured timed and regulated by the carwash controller You can look at the controller as the spinal cord of the carwash tunnel Joe Fucini with DRB Systems said Everything that moves in the tunnel from the rollers to the equipment is run by the controller By Phillip Lawless Managing Editor Continued on page 22
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Professional Carwashing & Detailing - Feb 2012
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