Maintenance Research Corner: HID lights, induction heating system, salt skirt
Staff of Mn/DOT’s Maintenance Operations Research (MOR), along with the members of the Mn/DOT New Technology, Research, and Equipment Committee (NTREC), publish a monthly one-page bulletin of their latest news and findings. Below are highlights from recent bulletins. If you would like to be added to the bulletin mailing list, please e-mail Farideh Amiri of Mn/DOT Maintenance Research at farideh.amiri@dot.state.mn.us.
HID lights
The Dresbach truck station in District 6 will test and evaluate two sets of high-intensity lights. The first is a flood light and the other is a directional light. District 6 will evaluate the service life of the lights, their effectiveness in whiteout conditions, and the effects the lights may have on opposing traffic. HID technology uses a tube of xenon gas and small amounts of other gases. The gas tube replaces the filament in regular light bulbs.
Contact Joel Risser, 507-643-6310, or see www.brightheadlights-hid.com.
Induction heating system
District 1 will evaluate induction heating using the Autotron 3300. This system will give mechanics the ability to heat areas of the vehicle—such as frozen nuts and bolts that may be near sensitive materials, wires, and hoses—without causing damage. The heat is very focused, easily monitored, and controlled by the hand-held inductor. The Frame Pro Inductor is a heating attachment designed specifically for rapid heating of frame rails and structural panels of automobiles for straightening and stress relieving. It can heat ¼-inch steel to 1300 0F in just a few seconds. In addition, mechanics in District 1 will evaluate the Autotron 3300 for its ability to speed up the windshield replacement and molding repairs.
Contact Dave Ollila, 218-742-1078, or see www.arrowautosupply.com.
Salt Skirt
Salt skirt
The salt skirt is a cup brush mounted about 1 inch below the spinner. It is 24 inches in diameter and has 16-inch-long bristles. While material prices are at their highest and hard to find, it is important to keep as much material in the target area as possible. District 7 will evaluate these salt skirts for their ability to save material, leave more material in the target area, and help prevent material scatter and bounce. Since the salt skirt is mounted 1 inch below the spinner, it will give the operator the ability to broadcast material in intersections and in hazard areas.
Contact Ron Gaffke, 507-831-8020, or see www.industrialbrush.com