BOONS FIS was selected from among several quotations based on innovation, technical specifications, price and general (legal) conditions. SNCB welcomed our detailed price quotation and accurate agreements.

“Efficiency with great ease of use” featured at the very top of the wish-list. Eight industrial reels with swivel consoles were hung on both sides of the washing station for ergonomic operation. Up to 8 operators can foam the trains at the same time with ease and hose them down under high pressure.

The cleaning installation was developed and implemented by BOONS FIS and runs completely on rainwater. This means that SNCB has three systems at its disposal, each with its own specific operation and application:

1. A central dosing system (foam installation)

Four central satellites and 4 reels with swivel consoles are mounted on each side of the washing station where the trains enter and are equipped with 20m blue BOONS FIS HP cleaning hoses.

Two different chemical products (acid and lye) are provided for specific cleaning at SNCB, each with its own specific function. Via the central system, the chemicals for cleaning are drawn in centrally (in this case, stored in 2 containers). This is done via 2 central dosing units (CBU) which are built into the blue PP plastic cabinets.

The 2 central chemical dosing units were installed in an adjacent room and pump the chemical products in via a network of pipes to the 8 central satellites (CS with housing) located in the washing station.

The Grundfos stainless steel feed pumps (type CRE 3-08 - 2 2.2kW), which have a frequency converter with a working pressure of 6 bar, are directly connected to the chemical tanks. This pressure-booster unit provides a stable supply of foam and are suitable for 6 simultaneous users. The connected stainless steel break tank, which has a capacity of 800 litres, is equipped with overflow protection.

The pneumatic selector switch on the CS satellite determines which product is mixed with the compressed air – and always with the correct dose. This also means that there is a controlled and optimized use of chemicals, which is less harmful to the environment.

The system produces a nice firm layer of foam that adheres well to the dirty surface of the trains. This gives the product enough time to act on the dirt.

2. Stationary HP cleaning system

This HP system includes 2 HP WSF-GAS units of 200 bar and one HP Grundfos feed pump connected to the water tank. The feed pump provides the HP unit (WSF) with the necessary pre-pressure.

4 stainless steel self-retracting reels with braking system are mounted on each side of the washing system, including a swivel console, and a 20m red BOONSWASH HP hose with gun, spray lance and lance holder. The 800-litre break tank is equipped with overflow protection.

After the foam has had time to act on the dirt, everything can be sprayed down with this high-pressure system.

3. Chassis washer

The BOONS FIS R&D department developed a custom-made mobile stainless steel frame on the existing rails. Its operation is extremely simple and efficient. This powerful chassis washer is controlled by a HP pump unit with two frequency-controlled centrifugal pumps: eMPU2-40/10-GR (this unit delivers 200L / minute at 40 bar).

Start/stop, forward/reverse and start HP/stop HP controls are provided on the control box.

Three independently rotating washing heads are mounted on the chassis washer, each of which produces three powerful water jets. This results in a wide spray range that reaches dirt in every corner and from different angles underneath the chassis, with incredible results.

The entire installation was built with high-quality materials and is also easy to maintain. The installation also includes a service contract. This guarantees SNCB optimal use and a long service life.

Just as with the washing station in Gentbrugge, the experiences in Antwerp were very positive. The operators are enthusiastic about how the station works and can be used, and the clean trains sparkle as they cross the Belgian landscape. 

This technical tour de force was also made possible by the installation of no less than 327m of piping between the pump units, dosing units, CS satellites and reels – all of which were also installed by BOONS FIS.