Blog
Using the Nautica 4M System for School Busses
N/S Corporation has been leading the wash system industry for over 50 years with our innovative technologies and cutting edge patents. With over 70 patents filed by our founder, G. Thomas Ennis, we provide the reliability, quality, and standards our customers our looking for. All the effort we put into our systems makes our school bus wash systems especially cost-effective for school districts and learning institutions everywhere that have to maintain a frequently used fleet. Read on to learn how the Nautica wash system can make school bus maintenance easier!
What is The Nautica 4M?
The Nautica 4M Bus Wash Series is a fleet rollover wash system that comes in two versions: the Nautica 4M-12 and the Nautica 4M-14. Both systems are among the school bus wash systems that have the smallest outside dimensions, but can still be used to double wash busses in under four minutes!
Both systems have very similar dimensions for simple school bus maintenance, but the Nautica 4M-14 is slightly taller to allow for busses up to 14 feet tall to enter. The Nautica 4M-12 has a vehicle clearance height of 12 feet, and both systems offer a vehicle width clearance of 10 feet.
Nautica Specs
System Dimensions 4M-12
- Frame Height: 14’4”
- Height with Brush in Top Position: + 1’8”
- Width: 15’7”
- Length: 7’6”
- Vehicle Clearance Height: 12’
- Vehicle Clearance Width: 10’
Voltage 4M-12
- 208/230V, 3 phase 30 Amp
- 460/480V, 3 phase 15 Amp
- 575/600V, 3 phase 15 Amp
System Dimensions 4M-14
- Frame Height: 16’4”
- Height with Brush in Top Position: + 1’8”
- Width: 15’7”
- Length: 7’6”
- Vehicle Clearance Height: 14’
- Vehicle Clearance Width: 10’
Voltage 4M-14
- 208/230V, 3 phase 30 Amp
- 460/480V, 3 phase 15 Amp
- 575/600V, 3 phase 15 Amp
Optional Equipment
- Blower Systems
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Undercarriage Wash
- Water Recycling Systems
- Traffic Lights
- Auto Start
- Electric Eye Activation
Why Choose the Nautica 4M?
The Nautica 4M series offers a number of automated systems with tons of benefits for your operation. From safer school bus maintenance and time saving capabilities, to one of the most reliable systems on the market, the Nautica series is for you.
Stay Safe and Save Time
When using the Nautica system, drivers aren’t exposed to any slippery surfaces and buses can be double washed in under four minutes. With the double wash system, you get swifter washes and a more thorough clean than manual washes. The Nautica systems ensure the top, back, and sides of your busses are pristine. Some fleet operators also consider adding an undercarriage wash option to the Nautica system, which assists with rinsing salt and grime from the undercarriages of the buses.
Reliable School Bus Maintenance
The Nautica series systems are among the most rugged you’ll find. The machine is American made, in-house at our 60,000 square foot facility in Inglewood, CA.
Built for Your Operation
If you want to learn more about the Nautica series, reach out to our team today online, or by phone at 877-679-2741!
Atlanta APTA Expo
Every three years, the team at N/S Corporation takes a trip to attend the APTA Expo and showcase the new products and innovative technologies we’ve recently developed. This year the show took place in Atlanta. Next year the show will be in NS’s backyard, Anaheim. As a growing company, N/S Corporation wants to connect with other key players in the transit industry, develop long lasting relationships with industry design architects, and display our products. Learn more about our success at the APTA Expo here.
Why APTA?
With a space over four times the size of our closest competitors, we can really take over the show. Our team has a depth of product to showcase that dwarfs other bus and train wash manufacturers’ displays, and allows end users to experience our product up close and personal without any additional marketing. Transit agencies and design engineers all have access to our newest systems! On display is over five decades of innovation. On display is the only true vertically integrated player in vehicle wash systems in the US.
What We Showcased
At this year’s APTA Expo, we highlighted our Smart Gate System — a pneumatically operated gate that opens and closes the inflow of air into a blower reducer’s impeller chamber. It reduces power consumption by up to 50% by eliminating the need to start and stop motors multiple times per hour. Since washing buses or other large vehicles can demand more starts and stops than a traditional system can handle, using our Smart Gate System minimizes motor damage to the wash system. Other benefits include:
- Noise Reduction to Notably Lower Decibel Levels for a Safer Work Environment
- Can Be Retrofitted for Any N/S Corporation Blower
- Works Like a Small Compressor
- Made of 75% Recycled Structural Aluminum
- Has a Bolt On Design
- Is Made in the USA!
About the APTA Expo
The APTA (American Public Transportation Association) Expo is held every three years to coincide with the association’s annual meeting. This expo acts as the public transit sector’s premier showcase of new technology, innovative products, and unique services. Held in Atlanta, Georgia, this year’s expo ran from October 9th to the 11th.
This is the only event where technology and cutting edge innovation come together and allow every business in the industry to experience public transportation products and services up close. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with over 800 exhibitors from the global community, network with over 12,000 businesses, industry insiders, and peers, and join with others in the industry to develop solutions for the future.
N/S at the APTA Expo
The N/S Corporation team was enthusiastic to participate in this year’s expo and we can’t wait for the next show coming in 2020. Since we’re always developing new products and solutions to all of your wash system woes, we have an endless list of technologies to share. Keep up with our newest designs and showcases when you follow our blog today!
Jerzy Boyz Teams Up with N/S Corporation
A San Pedro Car Wash Installation
When N/S teams up with local cash wash, we love showcasing the amazing results we’ve created with our car wash installations. Recently, our team completed the installation of a car wash for a valued customer, Jerzy Boyz Car Wash, in San Pedro CA. Read on to learn what a team up like this one created!
The Breakdown
Jerzy Boys purchased a wide selection of N/S equipment to create an amazing wash experience for all their customers. Their car wash installation included:
- Five Touch Eco-5 Front to Rear Module with a Front-to-Rear Curtain Mitter, Two Tall Wrap Brushes, & Two Rocker Panel Brushes
- Three Touch Eco-3 Side to Side Module
- Two Bubblizers
- 110 Foot Excalibur Conveyor
- New Vortex Blast Arch
- Two 20 HP Vacuums with 16 Drops
- Chemical Mixing Station for the Back Room
- Set Of N/S Blowers
What to Expect
As you are greeted at the entrance of the car wash, the Excalibur conveyor will gently take up your wheel and introduce you to Jerzy Boyz magnificent tunnel.
The Excalibur Conveyor
The Excalibur Conveyor was designed to solve car wash operators’ dependence on compressed air to maintain chain tension, as well as issues with hard to reach multiple point lubrication spots and the countless hours replacing links and other components.
The Vortex Blast Arch
As the Excalibur glides your vehicle forward through this San Pedro car wash, you’ll find the Vortex Blast Arch. This is one of N/S Corporation’s prized new products. The Vortex Arch has six spinners with 4 jets each — two on each side and two on top, along with a 20 HP pump and the choice of a fun light package.
N/S firmly believes that applying a high pressure pump at the entrance of every tunnel properly prepares the car for polishing by blasting off road grime, dirt and in some cases salt film from coastal beach areas.
The Bubblizer
As your car progresses through this car wash, soap is dispensed from the Bubblizer. We’ve discovered over the past five years that dispensing bubbles is a cost effective and efficient way to spread chemicals over the exterior of a vehicle. It also enables car wash owners to create more top package options in a smaller space for more profits and a quick payback on the cost of a Bubblizer.
Lammscloth Pelts
The robust Lammscloth Pelts are next up the car wash queue, and they offer superior polishing results along with a blast of color to liven up the tunnel. From the interior of your vehicle, you will see and hear, the benefits of Lammscloth massaging the exterior of your vehicle.
N/S offers red, black, blue, yellow, orange, lime, forest green and pink brushes for an easily customizable theme for your car wash. Jerzy Boys selected a combination of two Eco Brush stations for a total of eight brush elements, but NS offers various combinations of three, five, seven, and ten touch stations — each varying to fit your preferences and the length of the tunnel. See these various configurations here on our site.
Tire Gloss Applicator
Now right before the San Pedro car wash dryers kick in, chemical is gently massaged on the surface of your tires with NS Corporation’s world class Tire Gloss Applicator. This is a great top package enhancement because the TGA is the only tire shiner on the market that uses Lammscloth pads to apply chemical evenly, minimizing runoff and the amount of chemical applied.
Choose the Jerzy Boyz San Pedro Car Wash
There is no question that Jerzy Boyz has packed their tunnel with the best equipment money can buy. If you live in the San Pedro area, please stop by the Jerzy Boyz Car Wash for a first class washing experience!
If you own a car wash, we hope this display will tempt you to visit N/S Corporation to explore our equipment selection and purchase a reliable car was system from the leader – N/S!
N/S Corporation Installs Third Leak Test System for Train Manufacturers
Given the depth of knowledge and considerable experience in washing transit vehicles for decades, N/S Corporation is proud to announce that we have embarked on a new market segment: Leak Testing. We’re currently working with train manufacturers across the United States to ensure their trains are meeting the high quality control standards consumers expect. Read on to learn more about our innovative developments for the train testing industry.
Leak Testing Trains
Wet testing is a new and expanding vertical market. With train manufacturers now relying on N/S high pressure arches to test trains for leaks, we’re building customized designs to assist them.
The custom system pictured consists of a series of arches that blast manufactured rail cars with high pressure water. Over the course of the testing process, we bombard the trains from many angles to ensure that the seals on the railcars are strong.
At this location in Springfield MA, there are two 75 HP pumps in play, as well as a 40 HP pump. These pumps work in tandem to fuel 16 blast arches and 4 powerful undercarriage sprays, so no part of the train is untested.
A Trusted Partner
N/S Corporation is proud to partner with train manufacturers worldwide to assist in manufacturing quality control. If you’d like to work with us on any sort of custom leak testing system, reach out to our representatives today!
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N/S Corporation
Washing and Leak Testing Vehicles Worldwide Since 1961.
Our Friends at Redondo Car Wash
Eco-conscious car washes are becoming the industry standard because along with helping our environment, they reduce waste and cut costs for car wash facilities. Because of the new initiative to go green, Ken Crow and Chris McKenna of Redondo Beach opened a car wash with a commitment to being more environmentally conscious, complete with eco-friendly equipment. Read on to learn more about their success.
Community Focused
With the success that Ken and Chris saw from their Rock and Roll Car Wash in Hermosa Beach, Ken and Chris decided to grow their portfolio of facilities and open a second car wash in Redondo Beach. Redondo Car Wash, along with Rock and Roll Car Wash, has made a commitment to providing their customers with an environmentally-friendly car wash.
Redondo Car Wash prides itself on being a community-based facility. Their mission is to provide quality, environmentally-friendly car washes for the community while also supporting all local community sports teams and recreational leagues.
A Green Car Wash
Redondo Car Wash offers a full range of custom car wash packages that will fit into any budget, including a wide range of services from basic washes to complete detail packages.
Both Redondo and Rock and Roll Car Wash feature N/S Corporation Commercial Equipment. Built with the environment in mind, our Commercial Equipment is designed to reduce waste, save water, and save car washes any potential downtime. Redondo Car Wash features some of our best eco-friendly equipment like the Eco-10 Wash System, the Excalibur Conveyor, and the famous Bubblizer.
Our Technology
The Bubblizer
The Bubblizer technology revolutionizes how a cleaning system can tackle grime on vehicles. It uses a powerful stream of bubbles to deliver cleansing chemicals, unlike traditional foamers you find in other bus and car washes. The bubbles cover a large surface area, which allows you to use less water, chemicals, soap, and water during operation. Our Bubblizer ensures you use less chemicals and improves vehicle coverage.
The Eco-10
The ECO-10 is a ten-brush system that cleans and protects vehicles with increased efficiency. The ECO-10 system is the pinnacle of our ECO line of equipment. This brush system uses significantly less power than comparable brush systems, while still providing top quality wash services. The ECO-10 is an environmentally conscious bus, train, and car wash system that provides years of outstanding service for any eco-friendly car wash.
The Excalibur
The Excalibur Conveyor was designed to solve common problems including alleviating a bus or car wash’s need to rely on compressed air to maintain chain tension, accessing any hard-to-reach lubrication points, and reducing the amount of time needed to perform standard maintenance. It saves our partners time, money, and works hard to save the environment – one wash at a time.
Visit Today!
Stop by Redondo Car Wash and Rock and Roll Car Wash and see for yourself why N/S Corporation is the leader in vehicle wash systems.
Redondo Car Wash
617 Torrance Boulevard, Redondo Beach
Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:30pm
Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm
1000 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach
Mon – Fri 8:00 – 5:00
Sat – Sun 8:00 – 5:00
Remember – Life is better at the beach!
Installing Foam Brushes
Bus, Train & Car Wash Foam Brush System
Are your fiber brushes at the end of their useful life? We’re here to help! At N/S Corporation, we specialize in delivering state of the art, easy-to-use products for your car wash facilities. We’ve developed a new product that will revolutionize the future of car wash technology. Read on to learn more about how to use them!
Eco Foam Brushes and Pelts
We are happy to introduce our new Eco Foam Brushes and Pelts, perfect for your bus, train, or car wash foam brush system. With these new, versatile products, you will be able to extend the life of your brushes in your facilities while improving results for your customers’ vehicles. The Eco Foam system is equipped with very thin strands that are designed to get into any crevice smoothly and easily. The material is closely sealed, so it will not absorb any water, dirt, or debris from wash to wash. Another feature we offer are the black pelts that were created for the bottom of the brush area. We made these bus and car wash foam brush system accessories black, so they won’t show any dirt from the harder cleaning areas of a vehicle.
The Perfect Fit!
If your fiber brushes are worn and have lost 40% of their brush volume, you may be ready to try something different. Switch to Eco Foam brushes and pelts for the ideal train, bus, and car wash foam brush system. When you’re ready to replace your fiber brushes, you can easily replace them with Eco Foam equipment. We’ve specially designed our brushes to ensure a direct fit into your wash system’s existing 15-1 gearbox, so there’s no need for you to replace them.
How to Install Your Car Wash Foam Brush System
To replace the top brush, rocker brush panels, and wrap brush, you simply need to drop the old brush down from its mounting and install the Eco Foam brush like you normally would. What’s even easier is that there is no driver or passenger side on the rocker brush panels and wrap brushes; these universal brushes will keep your installation as simple as possible.
It’s always easier to replace the entire brush, but if you need to replace an individual pelt, we can provide you with an all-in-one kit to use. N/S Corporation provides you with the correct hardware to install your replacement pelt and a configuration diagram to assist you with installation. Each pelt was made to fit into traditional fiber pelt bearings, so with just the use of a drill, you won’t skip a beat.
Designed for Your System
Our Eco Foam brushes and pelts are designed with you in mind. If you are in the market for a strong, durable, eco-friendly solution to your fiber brush issues, consider switching to N/S Corporation and our car wash products.
For more information about the Eco Foam brushes and pelts, please reach out to us today!
Market Misperceptions on the N/S Bubblizer
Car wash owners and operators have an obligation to offer the best possible services to all of their customers. With the popularity of modern car wash systems, there is a lot that goes into delivering outstanding service. From introducing innovative car wash equipment, like the N/S Bubblizer, to new car wash solutions, like automatic waxing and buffing application, car wash operators have to precisely balance everything to satisfy each customer.
The N/S Bubblizer is a revolutionary car wash package that utilizes a bubbling arch to create a dazzling light show, while efficiently applying wax or soap to a new or existing rollover system or tunnel. It also features multicolored lights to attract customers and provide a spectacular light show. Despite the simplicity of the system, there are a couple of misperceptions in the market that we would like to address.
Misperception #1: N/S Bubblizer is an inefficient way to deliver chemical.
There are some in the marketplace who perceive the N/S Bubblizer to be an inefficient way to deliver chemical — that is categorically false. This innovative system offers your modern car wash system a new and simple way to dispense chemicals instead of using foamers. The fact is, unlike foam that has to be circulated or pushed with friction material on vehicles, the N/S Bubblizer continually applies bubbles that run over the surface of your vehicle, ensuring thorough dispensing of the washing chemical and better coverage.
The marketplace misperceptions are largely based on misinformation on how the N/S Bubblizer works and dispenses chemicals. Rather than being a complex system, it’s designed with simplicity in mind, with its core purpose being to deliver and apply soap, wax, or glass treatments more effectively with the additional package of a dazzling light and bubble show.
Misperception #2: Car wash operators have no control over chemical usage.
The N/S Bubblizer is a great addition to an already efficient car wash system. Despite what some people may think, this new chemical application solution—just like other modern wash solutions—allows operators to determine the exact amount of chemical to use. In short, it is easy for anyone in car wash operations to calibrate chemical usage down to the milliliter. For context, N/S Corporation used to sell a large number of Bubblizers to a chemical producer, so they had a vested interest in running up chemical usage.
The N/S Bubblizer comes with adjustable discharge and adjustable bubble density, allowing precise control over chemical usage. The system also allows more coverage and uses 50% less chemicals than other car wash solutions.
Benefits of the N/S Bubblizer
Minimal Chemical Usage
Considering that the Bubblizer technology makes use of bubbles to deliver chemicals over a more extensive area than regular foamers, it’s more effective and allows you to use less chemicals. That means minimal chemical usage, as low as 5 milliliters; this is dependent on chemical concentration levels.
Lower Water Consumption
Better bubble coverage with improved chemical efficiency means less water is used per vehicle, ensuring water consumption as low as ½ gallon per vehicle. Car wash owners and operators who integrate the Bubblizer technology into their new or existing wash systems are able to significantly reduce water usage.
Easier Operation and Functionality
- The Bubblizer is much easier to rinse with full coverage when compared to foam applicators
- The wax or soap delivery applicator is easier to adjust than foam curtains.
- Fast and consistent solution discharge for a better and faster car wash.
- It comes with mechanical valve switch for automatic system refill.
- Easy bubble solution adjustability dependent on tunnel location (light or heavy bubble application).
- Does not require compressed air, meaning it does not add load to the air compressor, unlike a foam curtain that will not work without compressed air.
- The Bubblizer will not stop working if the air compressor goes down. This plays into the manual override feature of conveyors and how we focus on keeping the wash running even if you lose compressed air.
- Dual and single air pump Bubblizer available for your car wash needs.
Easy Installation
The N/S Bubblizer can be installed on any type of car wash system you already have in place. Keep your business ahead by introducing the proven and quality car wash light show for an unforgettable experience for customers of all ages. The N/S Bubblizer requires no special requirements for installations. Dispense wax, soap ,and glass treatments with our efficient, dependable and cost-effective N/S Bubblizer, and expand your services and car wash revenue.
At N/S Corporation, we strive to keep offering innovative and simple car wash systems and solutions that make a real difference in customer service. For more information about our themed Bubblizer applicator and other top quality car wash systems, contact us today at (877) NSWASH-1.
NS Flex Coupling Maintenance
Background: The NS Flex Coupling was designed specifically for transit and car wash machines by our owner/founder Thomas Ennis to withstand the rigors and abuse seen in drive through wash systems. The coupling is designed and tested to 12,000 pounds pulling force and flexibility up to 90 degrees under the most extreme conditions. Our Flex Coupling, unlike other brush coupling in our industry, does not require lubrication or continual adjustment. Under normal operation, it will last over ONE MILLION vehicle washes.
Following are a few tips to keep your Flex Coupling operating correctly, as well as some signs that a coupling should be replaced.
1. Correct brush contact pressure against the vehicle will minimize torsional load as well as minimize brush wear and possible vehicle damage.
2. Correct spacing between vehicles through the wash system will eliminate accidental pinching of the brush between two vehicles, which will cause excessive binding loads that will start shearing the mechanical rubber bond between the internal wire braided cable and metal yokes at each end.
3. Correct vehicle speed during initial brush contact should not exceed 1.5 miles per hour. Ramming the brushes will create a momentary stall situation, which can cause torsional shearing to internal mechanical bonds as well as torsional stress loads to the internal stranded wire braided cable.
4. Replace a Flex Coupling if there are any visible cracks on the encapsulating rubber. Cracks are a sign of extreme flexing and/or dry-rot caused by age or harsh chemicals. Cracks in a coupling may not hinder its ability to continue performing normally, but they are an obvious sign of damage. Cracks will also allow for water ingress, which can cause internal corrosion that will eventually damage internal components that keep the brush from falling.
5. Replace a Flex Coupling if there is any noticeable deformity to the mounting bolt holes. Deformed/elongated mounting holes are a clear indication of prolonged torsional load damage. To check for mounting hole damage, grab the brush and rotate it side to side. If the brush rotates but the coupling does not, this would indicate damage to the Flex Coupling mounting holes or support hardware.
6. Replace a Flex Coupling if there is extreme separation of the mechanical rubber bond to the metal yoke at each end. To check for rubber to metal yoke separation, you can push the brush towards the wash bay entrance to see if the rubber separates from the metal yoke at the top or bottom of the coupling. If there is a gap larger than 1/8” and a flat screw driver with a 3/16 blade width can be pushed in between the rubber and the metal more than a 5/8” into the gap, the coupling should be replaced. If the gap depth is less than 5/8 ” but a gap is present, the coupling should be routinely inspected and replaced if the gap increases.
Omega coupling maintenance
NS Corporation uses the Omega Coupling as a drive element for our Top Brush cleaning element, vacuum producer, and most of our pump systems. To ensure continual operation and eliminate unexpected downtime of your equipment, monthly inspections of the Omega drive coupling are essential.
NOTE: LOCKOUT TAGOUT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO INSPECTION OR REPAIR.
When inspecting an Omega coupling, look for the following signs that indicate a potential failure or that replacement is required:
Look for any abnormal vibration of the equipment; this might be improper coupling alignment or damage to the Omega element.
Look for fatigue cracks on the element surface; if cracks are visible replace the coupling immediately.
Look for any missing or damaged hardware; missing hardware can cause vibration due to imbalance.
Look for discoloration of the elastomer element, which is a clear sign of material degradation and/or aging.
Look for damage or excessive corrosion of the element metal supports and shaft mounted hubs.
Proactive maintenance is key in eliminating down time. We recommend that the coupling element be replaced every 5 years, even if none of the above issues have been observed. Years of continual start and stop of the coupling can cause internal fatigue not visible by visual inspections. For any questions regarding this coupling or any other parts, contact NS Parts Sales at 1-800-782-1582.
