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All eight of
our most recent delivery of "Jetpatchers" have now been commissioned with the
final one handed over on 24 May 2004 in Limavady.
With the acquisition of these 8 additional velocity Patcher units, RSD now
operates a fleet of 13, the largest in Europe. Units are currently based in
Balloo, Armagh, Ballymena, Arvalee, Moygeshal, Carrickfargus, Castlenavan,
Limavady, Antrim, Sprucefield, Corbet, Newry and Silverhill depots.
In a recent trade magazine article, Ken Hutton the Head of Roads Service Direct
Stated "Jetpatchers are helping us provide a much better service to the public".
Ken also states that "Velocity Patching is the way forward as far as we are
concerned...the process is quick, durable and cost effective".
Jetpatcher - Potted History
Jim Turnbull originally designed the "Jetpatcher" road repair machine in New
Zealand in 1986.
Following considerable research and development the innovation developed into a
high quality cost-effective way of repairing and maintaining roads, car parks,
footpaths and industrial areas.
"Jetpatcher Corporation" was subsequently founded in 1988 to commercialise the
process and over the last 16 years has become the largest supplier of Velocity
Patching equipment worldwide.
"Jetpatcher UK Ltd" located in Sunderland, England, was formed in 1997, and is
already the European market leader. Their growing fleet of hire machines has
brought significant savings to a wide variety of users making the UK one of the
fastest growth areas in the world. The UK operations has undertaken considerable
research and development, into emulsions and UK weather related conditions for
the deployment of Velocity Patching. This has resulted in many improvements to
the overall process.
Business Development first researched the use of Velocity Patching in early
1999. RSD has been working with "Jetpatcher" since then to develop the process t
a point where velocity patching is now our preferred patching method.
In January 2004 RSD had the great pleasure of welcoming Jim to Northern Ireland
to meet the squads operating out of Newry and Corbet depots.
What is Velocity Patching?
Velocity patching is a 5-part process, which utilises a high volumen of air
delivery system to combine washed aggregate and a unique cold applied bitumen
emulsion.
Step 1
The repaired area is "air brushed" to remove loose dirt and debris.
Step 2
Emulsion is spray applied as a tack coat to seal the defect.
Step 3
Aggregate and emulsion are mixed in the delivery nozzle and are sprayed under
pressure into the defect. This spraying process ensures all the aggregate is
coated in emulsion and that the repair material is compacted from bottom up.
Step 4
The finished repair is dressed with dry stone or sand to prevent adhesion to
feet and vehicle tyres while the material sets.
Step 5
The area around the repair is then is then air brushed to remove any loose
material.
Velocity patching is suitable for the repair of potholes, haunches, stripped
surface dressing, utility tracks, regulating surface depressions, pre-surface
dressing patching, crack sealing and much more.
Velocity Patching is highly effective when it comes to preventative - rather
then purely reactive maintenance. This is particularly attractive to Roads
Service.
Velocity Patching - the
advantages
* Eliminates additional damage caused to the existing surface by additional
methods;
* Seals defects from water penetration;
* Reduces the risk from HAVS(hand arm vibrating syndrome), Noise Induced Hearing
Loss (espcially when job rotation occurs) and manual handling (each unit has a
special balancing system for the delivery note);
* Significantly reduces the waste disposal problem generated by traditional cut
out patching;
* Increase the speed of repairs;
* Will help reduce the size and cost fo the vehicle/plant fleet.."
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