GAP splashes out
23 September 2022
GAP Group has certainly been busy as the hirer continues to add innovative equipment to its fleet.
Many of the latest additions in the company's line-up have an environmental focus, as Colin Haxton, GAP’s major account director, explained when I bumped into him at the recent Balfour Beatty Sustainability Showcase event in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, where the company had a display.
Particularly eye-catching was the BlueRinse concrete washout system, which Colin demonstrated (below). It has been added to the fleet offered by GAP’s Pump Services division.
“Traditionally, when concrete lorries are washed down after making a delivery, the water becomes alkaline and a potential environmental hazard, requiring it to be captured and moved off site for treatment.
“The BlueRinse is completely self-contained. The mixer’s chute is hosed down and the water is captured inside the unit. The sediment is collected in a large porous bag at the bottom and the water’s pH balance is maintained.
“The cleaned water is recycled and re-used making an environmentally friendly solution and the system reduces the number of vehicle movements required on a site,” Colin told me.
Further enhancing its green credentials, GAP demonstrated the system being powered by a hydrogen fuel cell supported by a solar array. This charges a Power Pack 2500 battery supplied by TCP (Taylor Construction Plant) with an output equivalent to a 5kVA generator. The only by-product is water.
Also displayed was an EcoSmart Zero welfare unit from AJC EasyCabin (below), powered by a combination of hydrogen, solar and wind power, without a conventional generator being used.
Another new GAP addition is a secure fuel safe that controls and monitors access. To obtain fuel, approved users log on with an electromagnetic key fob which records the time of entry, the amount of fuel dispensed and how long the access hatch is open for. An alarm sounds if a preset period is exceeded and interior lighting is also incorporated.
Photos: Alan Guthrie; except AJC EasyCabin picture below: Colin Haxton.
