The PPS is an innovative tool that uses proximity sensors at the end of a telescope to ensure the correct, optimal distance between nozzle and aircraft during de-icing, thereby improving safety, reducing workload for the operator and simultaneously saving on both glycol usage and time spent on the operation. Estimates suggest that use of Vestergaard's PPS can help increase total savings up to 20-30%.
The operator uses a touchscreen to select the desired distance to aircraft and the system then maintains that distance throughout the de-icing process. The PPS 2.0 incorporates radar sensors in three dimensions, which allow the nozzle to follow the wings, winglets and fuselage with same fixed distance, without the operator's instruction. Thanks to another new function, whereby the nozzle is locked to either the leading edge or the trailing edge of the wing, the operator only has to move the telescope left or right and the PPS maintains the nozzle at the edge.
With these improvements, the PPS 2.0 automates two out of three usual telescope movements, minimising the rôle of the operator and the risk of collision with the aircraft, and consequently improving safety.
