T-5 Trailer - Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME)

ASFT Friction Measuring Equipment

There is an operational need for reliable and uniform information concerning the friction
characteristics of runways, taxiways, apron and high speed exit areas. Contaminants such as
rubber deposits, dust particles, jet fuel, oil spillage, water, snow, ice and slush all causes friction
loss on different surfaces.

Airport Surface Friction Tester (ASFT) is the world's leading manufacturer of Continuous
Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME). ASFT friction measuring equipment has been
approved by FAA, ICAO and BAA for CAP683. It is currently in use at more than 300 airports
around the world.

T-5 Trailer Design

ASFT has more than 15 years of experience in constructing continuous friction measuring
equipment (CFME). The T-5 Trailer has been developed in order to enable ASFT to offer
customers a wide choice from a complete product range within friction measurement
equipment. The T-5 trailer is based around a modified version of the rear axle found in the
integrated ASFT's. The trailer built around the axle is relatively light, and weight is then added
by carefully positioned lead weight. This combined with a unique suspension system ensures
balance, stability, good road handling and most importantly reliable measuring results.

The typically measuring tire is either the smooth ASTM 1551, or ribbed high pressure
Trelleborg T520. The T-5 Trailer can also be equipped with a selfwatering system. The standard
tank capacity is 500 liters, but any size can be custom made.
The measurement system

Mk IV rear axle system

The ASFT Mk IV rear-axle is a new generation of surface friction testers based on the highly
successful Mk II system. The new design has no connection to the chassis of the host vehicle,
and is therefore very stable. This unique solution is generating an unmatched repeatability and
reproducibility.

1. The Measuring Computer

Reads signals from the vertical and torque transducers (sensors) which are then converted into
digital form and sent to the main computer together with the pulses from the pulse transmitter.
The measurement computer also performs automatic tests on the system, which makes any
tedious adjustments unnecessary. Communication with operating PC is wireless by using
Bluetooth technology.

2. The Rear Axle and Housing

Contains rear wheels, drive shafts, free wheel, primary belt drive and magnet coupled power
outlet for the self watering system.

3. The Wheel Down Sensor

In the upper part of the hydraulic cylinder is a magnetic sensor to check the position of the
measuring wheel. This to determine whether it's retracted or not. It's very important that the
sensor is protected since this is a critical part of the system, and that makes this an ideal
position.

4. The Hydraulic System

This unit provides constant pressure for the wheel retraction mechanism and for the vertical load
on the measuring wheel. The system consist of a pump, and oil container, two directional
valves, and accumulator tank, a hydraulic cylinder, a pressure gauge plus some additional valves
and pipes. The hydraulic system together with the very fast measuring computer ensure the
speed and accuracy of the Mk IV system.

5. The Hydraulic Cylinder

It is connected to the rear-axle via a ribbed spring, and not to the body. This to avoid transfers of
any surface bumps from the host vehicle to the test wheel.
6. The Vertical Load Sensor
This monitors the vertical down pressure created by the hydraulic system, and makes any
necessary adjustments to it. It ensures that an absolute constant ground contact pressure is kept.

7. The Water Nozzle

Used to spray a water film on the surface in front of the measuring wheel.

8. T-transducer
The T-transducer senses the force on the belt in the transmission arm. During measurement,
there will be a force on the belt due to the slip. The size of the force depends on how much
friction there is on the surface that is being measured. Higher friction on the surface yields
higher force on the belt which results in higher friction values.

9. The Transmission arm

Holds the T-sensor, vertical load sensor, measuring wheel and the hydraulic cylinder.

10. The Pulse Transmitter

This sensor generates 1 pulse per meter (2 pulses for every turn of the wheel) which makes it
possible for the computer to measure the travelled distance.

11. Suspension System

Used to keep trailer stable and from minimizing disturbances on the measuring wheel so that
vertical pressure can be absolutely constant.

12. Water Hose

Equipped with quick couplings for simple attachment to water tank.

New Generation Computer System

ASFT New Generation (NG) Computer System combines all our knowledge about friction
testing and adds new technology to make the handling and administration of measure results
easier, faster and safer. We have added all the functionality that you can expect from a system
designed today.
The main goals of Next Generation ASFT CFME has been:

• Standard reliable proven techniques

• Traceability of measure results
• Authentication of operators
• Fast and easy assembly
• Ability to save GPS position of results
• Ability to remotely monitor use of the equipment and realtime viewing of measuring

Presentation Computer
The driver of the CFME is controlling and monitoring the system through a 10,5' rugged
touchscreen computer. The GPS gives the ability to see the friction values as well as the
temperature values in the map view of the screen in real time on its accurate position. GPRS
technology facilitates live viewing through the internet.

Measure Computer
The heart of the system, all friction measure values are generated and stored here. This
computer is also controlling all movement of the friction wheel, water pump action and water
pressure. All communication within the vehicle is done by wireless Bluetooth, a proven robust
communication technique. When NG is used with our Trailer CFME no permanent installation
is needed.

Safety
To get access to the measure equipment all personnel has to login with an ID and a pin code.
Every measure that is produced from the friction system will be attached with the ID of the
person who conducted it. This means that there is no risk for unauthorized personnel to use the
equipment. All data is owned by the customer that will have a secure personal account where
the data can be accessed.

Basic functions

• 7,5 inch touch screen with embedded windows operating system

• Authenticate personnel using the system, a personal login is required to start any
measuring
• Continuously measure surface friction with/without water
• Collected data is stored in the vehicle as an XML file
• Configuration of defined surfaces can be backed up
• Actual measure time and distance is accumulated and stored in the vehicle
• Collected data can be saved to USB-stick in PDF and XML format
• FAA, ICAO and any customized report format is auto- matically produced

Options

• 10,5 inch touch screen with embedded windows operating system

• Real time monitoring of measuring values and GPS position through PC client from any
location on Internet
• Recall of any previous measure via PC client interface from any location on Internet
• Service needs monitoring via ASFT database
• Ice statistics system to decrease de-icing liquid consumption based on surface
temperature
• Continuously record the surface and air temperatures of every position with vehicle
built-in precision instrument
• e-SNOWTAM™
• Remote backup of configuration of defined surfaces via the measure database
• Continuously record position of every measure result
• Remote support via Internet