Have you ever noticed the black marks on the runway every time a plane lands? To ensure flight safety, cleaning these black marks is a necessary and important task. But what are these black marks, and why do they appear?
The black marks on the runway are actually rubber from airplane tires when they land. When an aircraft touches down at high speed, the tires create intense friction with the runway surface, generating high temperatures that cause rubber to adhere firmly to the ground. Over time, this layer of rubber accumulates, forming black streaks similar to sudden braking marks on a car.
Thick rubber buildup on the runway can severely impact the landing process of aircraft. The coefficient of friction between the airplane tires and the runway decreases, increasing the risk of the aircraft skidding during landing. Therefore, removing this rubber layer is essential to ensure flight safety.
Most airports now employ runway rubber removal vehicles, which use high-pressure water jets to eliminate rubber. The water pressure is typically around 40Mpa, with nozzles angled to ensure that the rubber is washed away without damaging the runway surface. After the rubber is removed, the rubber particles must be recycled to prevent environmental pollution.
In addition to using high-pressure water jets, other methods are also applied, such as using grinders to remove the rubber layer or using organic solvents or gasoline to dissolve and wipe off the residue. For stubborn rubber layers, workers may use welding torches to soften the residue before removal, making the process easier.
Airport runways are outdoor areas susceptible to foreign objects like stones. If an aircraft encounters stones during landing, it could veer off course and pose a danger. Even small objects can be sucked into the engine, causing serious damage.
To address this issue, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection systems are implemented at many airports. This system uses radar technology and video image recognition to monitor the runway, detect and photograph foreign objects, then upload the information to the command center and issue alerts.
Maintaining runway safety is a complex process that requires close coordination between the flight crew and airport staff. From cleaning rubber to detecting and removing foreign objects, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring flights operate safely and smoothly.
