New Riveer Tactical Rinse System Gives Rotary Aircraft a Clean Rinse of Health

The never-ending battle against corrosion has climbed high on the aviation maintenance roster, especially rotary aircraft operating near or over saltwater. The U.S. Department of Defense has been among the first to take action against the billion-dollar corrosion problem, with regulations specifying weekly or daily aircraft rinses. Civil aviation, from helicopter shuttles to oil derricks, is following suit by making frequent rinses part of a best-practice maintenance program.

To help mitigate corrosion near the source, Riveer, a global leader in aviation rinse and wash systems, offers the Tactical Rinse System (TRS). The TRS is a self-contained, above grade clear water rinse system that rinses aircraft thoroughly during taxi-through. The pilot taxis onto the rinse deck, stops and uses the aircraft radio microphone to activate an airframe-specific rinse pattern. TRS features oscillating water cannons on each of the four corners for a top rinse and patented APAFN nozzles in the deck that rinse the underside of the fuselage according to airframe programming. Adjustable pattern and flow along with a F.O.D. proof design allow for custom tuning of the under carriage water delivery.

TRS-programmed rinse profiles also assure proper water pressure and cycle time based on aircraft, while rinse patterns are automatically adjusted for wind direction and velocity. As a result, the TRS delivers a thorough rinse even in less than perfect weather..

TRS includes an RTS high-flow water filtration and recycling unit. Featuring a thorough rinse of dust, salt and other corrosive deposits, the TRS reclaims the wash water, filters it and reuses it. The rinse water is monitored for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Salinity, and pH. When water quality exceeds prescribed limits, it’s discharged into a sanitary sewer connection or waste tank. Recycling water with TRS saves anywhere from 50% to 80% of the water used in rinse operations.

As a modular system, the TRS can be quickly deployed to virtually anywhere in the world and be up and running within a few days. What’s more, the TRS eliminates the need for site engineering and construction associated with in-ground wash systems. The system also can include a wash and turbine flush module allowing for manual wash and turbine maintenance efforts to be done in an environmentally responsible manner as well.

Corrosion repair requires approximately 350 to 400 man-hours of labor and 9 to 10 weeks of downtime per aircraft, per year, according to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). It is estimated that 80 percent of maintenance costs during an aircraft’s lifespan are due to corrosion. Corrosion can be an expensive type of damage, and often the cost to replace corrosion-affected parts of the aircraft exceeds the plane’s value.

For more information, visit www.riveer.com.