A hi-tech machine will be put to use to keep the Chennai airport free from oil stains and black spots to ensure clear vision of markings on the runway for pilots. All airports have to deal with the problem of oil stains and black spots, the latter caused by the skidding of plane tyres, on the runway. The Chennai airport has deployed a self-propelled bay cleaning machine, which will be the first of its kind at any airport in the country, said a senior official of the Chennai airport, who did not want to be named.    

American company Nilfisk-Advance has manufactured by the machine. It works on a ‘cyclonic swirling motion technology’ exerted by a turbine, which directs hot and cold water jets. The machine does not have any solvent, detergents, soap or chemical to clean the oil stains. It uses only pressurised water with a cyclonic motion. This makes it safe to operate and is also eco-friendly, the official said.    

The machine has the capacity to collect 95 per cent of used water and sediments from the surface and does not require any time to dry post machine operation surface treatment, he said. The Chennai airport’s current machines to clean oil stains are outdated and not as effective as the new machine, he said.