25. 4. 2024
Increased airport security through the removal of FOD using the tow behind magnetic sweeper MS 2000 FALCON (case study)
Initial status
An international airport needed to solve a problem with undesirable magnetic objects (FOD). FOD (Foreign Object Debris) in airports can cause really serious problems, such as flat tires, the risk of FOD being sucked into the plane engine (= costly engine damage), ground equipment repairs and possible injury to personnel.
Problem
There is a large amount of FOD at an international airport. The FOD are found not only on runways, but also on service roads and around hangars.
We performed free tests of the magnetic sweeper FALCON (as we offer these free tests to all airports)!
After conducting the tests, we collected almost 500 grams of ferrous objects in 50 minutes. The most common were screws and washers. Brushing machines used to clean the runway surfaces are another important source of metal contaminants. Using the MS 2000 FALCON magnetic sweeper we captured a really large amount of wires from these runway sweepers. The captured FOD could cause aircraft tire punctures!
We also found out that one of the drainage channel covers was not sufficiently fixed. The tow behind the magnetic sweeper was able to pick it up and move it. Airport security technicians assessed this proof as a strong security threat. Sucking a channel cover into an aircraft engine could have fatal consequences!
Solution
The solution for collecting FOD at airports is the use of the airport sweeper MS 2000 FALCON. You can easily attach this sweeper to the towing device of any standard car. The width of this tow behind magnet is 2 metres, but we produce sweepers 3 and 6 metres wide as well.
The maximum operating speed of the tow behind the magnetic sweeper is 25 km/h.
The advantage of this airport sweeper is its easy cleaning as well as the accumulation of the trapped ferrous particles in additional FOD boxes. Thanks to its width, the sweeper can be used not only for cleaning runways, but also for cleaning service roads and other airport areas.
It is also possible to easily regulate the clearance height of this airport sweeper, so it can also be used to clean unpaved surfaces or the grassy edges of runways and taxiways.
Benefits of using the magnetic sweeper MS 2000 FALCON
The customer evaluated our solution as beneficial. He incorporated the use of the tow behind magnet MS FALCON into their daily maintenance routine.
After applying the tow behind magnet MS 2000 FALCON, the following results were achieved:
- Collection of hazardous FOD
- Reduction of tire defects
- Increased security
- Detection of insufficiently secured channel covers
Applied equipment: Airport sweeper MS 2000 FALCON
Advantages of magnetic sweepers MS FALCON
- Easy installation behind cars, tractors, sweeping machines
- Three model lines - working widths of 2000, 3000 and 6000 mm
- Attractive price/performance ratio
- Possible customization – wide range of optional equipment
- Sweeper is equipped with ferrite or neodymium magnets
- Convenient quick-release system = easy cleaning
- Maximum cleaning capacity (up to 156 000 m2/h)
- Adjustable suspension height (from 30 to 200 mm)
