- Large magnets which quickly and effectively remove metal debris from open areas
- Storage trays for collected debris, which can be emptied simply by flipping the magnets over
- Varied sweeping widths, typically ranging between 4 feet and 8 feet
Sweeper Overview
March 27, 2013 by FODNews.com
Foreign object debris (FOD) is a major threat in manufacturing and aviation environments. Not only does it pose the risk of causing costly damage to equipment, machinery and vehicles, but it also has the potential to create dangerously unsafe conditions, particularly in active flight lines. However, most FOD is preventable with the right processes and the right equipment. Professionals use three primary FOD sweeper systems to control foreign object debris in larger FOD critical areas: tow-behinds, vacuum trucks and walk-behinds. Each of these systems has its own advantages and proper usage guidelines. To minimize the risk of foreign object damage in your aviation or manufacturing environment, it's essential that you understand the relative merits of each major type of FOD sweeper.
The Tow-Behind FOD Sweeper
Tow-behind sweepers come in a variety of configurations and are valued for their (comparatively) lower operating costs and simplicity of operation. Unlike the other sweepers that typically have motorized components or complicated machinery incorporated into their design, tow behind sweepers are generally powered by external vehicles and are therefore easier to maintain and simpler to operate.
While there are many different models available, tow-behind FOD sweepers can generally be classified into industrial-grade or military-grade, and classified as either a spinning brush based system or as a friction mat system.
The major difference between an industry and a military tow-behind FOD sweeper is that military models tend to have faster travel speeds, sturdier construction and (where applicable) boosted magnetic capacities.
The differences between spinning brush systems and friction mats is that spinning brush systems use traction drive mechanisms to translate the forward motion of the sweeper into power to spin their brushes (with their spinning brushes collecting the FOD into containment hoppers), while friction mats are dragged along the surface to be cleaned and use kinetic energy to collect small FOD into collection pouches. Both varieties work well but spinning brush systems generally provide a longer service life, while friction mats are highly portable.
Here are some features to look for in tow-behind brush based FOD sweepers:
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