Patent Publication Number: US-2017361812-A1

Title: Contained fluid application system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to washing and disinfecting systems for cleaning vehicles and large equipment and specifically relates to a self-contained washing and disinfecting system capable of recirculating air and fluid for continuous operation in low temperature locations and remote locations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Around the world, diseases are spread by human contact with bacteria- and virus-laden carriers. The spread of disease is particularly concerning in the food and agriculture industry, where outbreaks of disease in livestock or food products can spread as trucks and other vehicles are used to transport animals or meat. Therefore, precautions are taken in the shipping in the food and agriculture industry to prevent and limit the spread of harmful contaminants. 
     Large vehicles and other equipment used in this industry are, however, difficult to clean and disinfect efficiently. Existing cleaning apparatuses often consist of a series of platforms over which a vehicle may drive. Sprayers positioned below the vehicle wash the vehicle by spraying disinfecting solution onto the lower portions of the vehicle, thereby disinfecting the vehicle where it is sprayed. This process is effective for cleaning lower portions of the vehicle, but upper portions cannot effectively be reached by the cleaning apparatuses due to the height of the vehicles and the inefficient amount of labor required for workers to access the top of the vehicles. 
     Traditional cleaning equipment is also burdensome to use. Multiple platforms, tanks, hose lines, and related equipment must be transported to remote locations, and thus many workers and vehicles may be required to transport and set up the equipment where it is needed. Additionally, the elevation of platforms used must be carefully planned and accounted for so that the drains and pumps of the system will work properly. As a result, deployment areas may require grading in advance of assembly of the cleaning equipment. The many parts and sections of the equipment are also time-consuming to assemble and test. Consequently, multiple-day installation times are common, and this can lead to delays in transportation of products, vehicles, and equipment. In some cases, businesses may decide to continue operation of equipment that is at risk of spreading disease in order to avoid the extensive wait. The equipment may also be burdensome to use because of wasteful use of disinfectant solution. Many systems have poor and inefficient fluid reclamation systems, and therefore the risk increases that chemical solutions may be undesirably spread to work sites, public drainage systems, and wildlife habitats. Furthermore, harsh weather and low temperatures frequently cause problems with the cleaning equipment since exposed hose lines and pipes frequently freeze up and must be thawed before continuing work. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to washing and disinfecting systems for large vehicles and equipment. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a contained fluid application system for applying fluids to vehicles and/or equipment. The system may comprise a base that includes include a platform, a fluid recapture member, and a plurality of recesses in the platform, with the plurality of recesses providing fluid communication to the fluid recapture member. The system may also include a washing station positioned on the base. The washing station may comprise a plurality of spray members configured to spray vehicles or equipment above the platform, wherein fluid from the plurality of spray members is configured to collect and drain along the plurality of recesses in the platform into the fluid recapture member. The system may also have a container configured to store fluid and a pump system configured to pump fluid from the container to the plurality of spray members of the washing station. 
     In some arrangements, the pump system may comprise a recapture pump system configured to pump fluid from the fluid recapture member to the container. The fluid recapture member may be positioned at an end of the platform. An enclosure may be positioned on the base, and the container and pump system may be positioned within the enclosure. A heating system may be configured to provide heat into the enclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the base may further comprise a duct system beneath the platform, and the pump system may comprise fluid conduits extending to the plurality of spray members of the washing station through the duct system. The plurality of spray members may comprise an upper spray system and a lower spray system. The upper spray system may be disconnectable from the lower spray system using at least one valve to limit fluid flow to the upper spray system or it may be disconnectable from the lower spray system by removing conduits of the upper spray system from the lower spray system. The upper spray system may be fluidly connected to the lower spray system by at least one seal nozzle, wherein the at least one seal nozzle may provide fluid drainage from the upper spray system into the lower spray system. 
     A first portion of the plurality of spray members may be configured to be vertically above vehicles or equipment in the washing station, a second portion of the plurality of spray members are configured to be laterally aside vehicles or equipment in the washing station, and a third portion of the plurality of spray members are configured to be vertically below vehicles or equipment in the washing station. The base may comprise a single integral unit supporting the washing station, the container, the wash pump system, and the recapture pump system. In some arrangements, the system may further comprise a conveyor system at least partially positioned in the fluid recapture member, the conveyor system being operable to convey debris out of the fluid recapture member. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a portable fluid application system for applying fluid to vehicles or equipment. The system may comprise a base having a platform with an upper surface and a duct system positioned beneath the platform within the base. A washing station may be positioned on the base, with the washing station comprising a plurality of spray members configured to spray fluids onto vehicles or equipment above the platform. An enclosure may be positioned on the base, with the enclosure having an internal chamber and the internal chamber housing a container for storing fluid. The internal chamber may be connected to the duct system. A conduit system ay provide fluid communication between the container and the plurality of spray members, and a heating device may be configured to provide heat to the internal chamber and the duct system. 
     The system may also comprise a circulation device configured to circulate heated air through the duct system to heat the upper surface of the platform and at least a portion of the conduit system. The circulation device may be positioned in the duct system. The conduit system may extend at least partially within the duct system, and the heating device may be positioned in the enclosure. The platform may have a plurality of recesses, and the internal chamber may be connected to the duct system between the plurality of recesses. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, methods of cleaning vehicles or equipment in low temperature environments are provided. An example method may include providing a fluid application system, with the fluid application system having a base, a platform positioned on top of the base, a plurality of spray nozzles, a fluid container, a conduit system connecting the fluid container to the plurality of spray nozzles, a duct system positioned within the base, and an enclosure housing the fluid container. The method may also include heating air within the enclosure or duct system using a heating device and warming the platform and conduit system by positioning the heated air within the duct system and enclosure. 
     The method may further comprise circulating the heated air through the duct system and enclosure using a circulation device. The conduit system may be warmed within the duct system. The method may further comprise reclaiming fluid from the platform and depositing the fluid in the fluid container. In some embodiments, the platform comprises a plurality of recesses, with the plurality of recesses being warmed by the heated air within the duct system. 
     In some embodiments the fluid application system may comprise a secondary enclosure that is connected to the enclosure housing the fluid container. The method may further comprise positioning the heated air within the secondary enclosure by passing the heated air through an opening connecting the secondary enclosure and the enclosure housing the fluid container, 
     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify one or more preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the present description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of this disclosure. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. 
         FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a system of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an alternative external perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the enclosure area of the system of  FIG. 1  with end doors and walls hidden. 
         FIG. 4  is a lower perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1 , with the doors and walls of the enclosure hidden and with the bottom panel of the base hidden. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  with part of the upper enclosure hidden and with some walls and the roof of the enclosure hidden. 
         FIG. 5A  is a diagrammatic side section view of an interface between an upper side wash conduit and a lower side wash conduit. 
         FIG. 6  is a detail view of the enclosure area of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of an end of one of the discharge tubes near the fluid reclamation member. 
         FIG. 8  shows an external perspective view of another system of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a detailed view of a control post of the system of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 8B  shows a detailed view of a sensor post of the system of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of a conveyor system of the system of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for cleaning large vehicles and equipment at remote locations using a recirculating fluid application system and a heated air circulation system that are implemented on a single, easily-transported platform. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a base having a platform, a fluid recapture member, and a plurality of recesses that provide fluid communication to the fluid recapture member. 
     The base also has a washing station having a plurality of spray members configured to spray vehicles and/or equipment on the platform. Fluid from the spray members may be collected and drained along the recesses into the fluid recapture member and then pumped and recirculated into the spray system. The spray members may be formed in a structure configured to extend vertically above the position of the washing station so that the top and upper sides of a vehicle or other equipment may be treated with disinfectant spray while positioned at the washing station. Fluid for the spray system may be provided from a fluid reservoir in an enclosure on the base. Fluid in the reservoir may be filled by a pump, and reclaimed fluid may be filtered before refilling the reservoir. 
     The enclosure on the base may be an insulated enclosure with an internal heat source. The heat source may warm fluids stored in or circulating through the enclosure to prevent them from freezing on the platform or in conduits leading to or away from the enclosure. The base may also include a duct system that allows warm air to circulate beneath the surface of the platform and washing station and thereby inhibit the development of ice and facilitate the movement of liquids across the surface of the platform. 
     In some embodiments the entire base may be moved together with the washing station and enclosure as a single unit. Thus, post-delivery assembly time and labor may be minimized and optimized. For example, the base may be deposited at the site using a forklift, and the unit may be ready for washing operations within a few hours after being connected to water sources and an enclosure with spray nozzles is assembled for the washing station. 
     The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments. 
     Turning now to the figures in detail,  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a washing and disinfecting system  100  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view from a front side of the system  100 , and  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view from the opposite side of the system  100 . The system  100  may comprise a base  102 , an enclosure  104 , and a wash station  106 . The wash station  106  and enclosure  104  may be positioned at opposite ends of the base  102 . 
     The base  102  may comprise a platform  108 . The platform  108  may extend across the length of the base  102  and may be positioned on top of a plurality of supports  110 . See also  FIG. 4 . One or more of the plurality of supports  110  may comprise lift openings  112  that a forklift may use to transport the base  102 , enclosure  104 , and wash station  106  as a single unit. Wheel ramps  114  may extend away from the base  102  and may lead a vehicle up onto the platform  108  at the wash station  106 . The wheel ramps  114  may be positioned on opposite sides of the wash station  106  so that a vehicle may drive or otherwise move over the wash station.  106 . In some embodiments, the base  102  may be positioned at least partially sunken below the vehicle driving surface or there may be another type of ramp (e.g., an earthen ramp) at the system  100 , in which case a vehicle may access the wash station  106  without having to drive up wheel ramps  114 . Thus, wheel ramps may be omitted. Wheel ramps are omitted from the figures after  FIG. 1  to improve their readability and to provide an example embodiment of the system  100  that does not have wheel ramps  114 . 
     The platform  108  may comprise a plurality of recesses  116  that have an elongated groove shape extending across the length of the base  102  between the wash station  106  and the enclosure  104 . The plurality of recesses  116  may extend beneath the enclosure  104  so that fluid in the recesses  116  may flow under the walls of the enclosure  104  to a fluid reclamation member  118  (e.g., gutter) at the end of the base  102  under the enclosure  104 . See  FIGS. 5-7 . Aside from the plurality of recesses  116 , the platform  108  may be generally flat and level to stably support the weight of a vehicle or other large equipment. In some embodiments, the platform  108  may be sloped with the wash station  106  being higher than the enclosure  104  upon installation of the system  100  so that fluids may more easily drain toward one end of the platform  108  within the plurality of recesses  116 . For example, the platform  108  may be tilted to induce flow toward the fluid reclamation member  118  due to one side of the plurality of supports  110  being positioned on the ground slightly higher than the other side or due to some of the plurality of supports  110  being taller than others even when placed on level ground. 
     The platform  108  may be generally rectangular with a greater length than width. In an example embodiment, the platform  108  may be about 8 feet wide and about 21 feet long. Thus, the base  102  may be sized to be transported by a flatbed truck. The platform  108  may be generally free of drain holes or openings that would allow fluids to drain through the platform  108 . However, in some cases there may be openings in the platform  108  that drain the plurality of recesses  116  into the fluid reclamation member  118  within or under the enclosure  104 . 
     The plurality of recesses  116  may be referred to as corrugations in the surface of the platform  108 . Corrugations may form a pattern of repeated undulations that extends across the surface of the platform  108 . See  FIGS. 3 and 6 . The corrugations may also form alternating ridges and grooves on the underside of the platform  108 . See  FIG. 4 . Thus, the plurality of recesses  116  may form channels on the top side of the platform  108  and may form arches on the underside of the platform  108 . The channels of the plurality of recesses  116  may be generally V-shaped or truncated V-shaped and straight along a longitudinal direction extending across the top of the platform  108 . Some of the plurality of recesses  116  may contain wash head conduits  184 , and in some embodiments those recesses  116  may have different sizes or shapes as compared to other recesses  116  in order to accommodate the dimensions of the wash head conduits  184  without preventing fluid from flowing through the recesses  116 . 
     The platform  108  may be divided into a washing portion  120  and a utility portion  122 . The washing portion  120  may be positioned under the wash station  106  and may form the bottom surface of the wash station  106 . The utility portion  122  may form the rest of the platform.  108 , including the portions of the platform  108  that support the enclosure  104 , a cabinet  124  (i.e., a secondary enclosure), and an exposed storage area  126 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , fluids may flow along direction F 1  from the washing portion  120  to the utility portion along path F 2  and into the fluid reclamation member  118  along path F 3 . 
     The enclosure  104  may comprise perimeter walls  128 , a roof  130 , and doors  132  (see  FIG. 2 ). The walls,  128 , roof  130 , and doors  132  may be insulated so that the enclosure  104  retains heat in its internal chamber. The roof  130  may include a vent  133  that may be used to release excess heat from the enclosure  104 . The vent  133  may be manually controlled or may be configured to automatically open to release heat, such as by using a thermostat-controlled motor. 
     The enclosure  104  may be positioned vertically above a portion of the platform  108  and the fluid reclamation member  118 . See  FIGS. 3 and 5 . Thus, the platform  108  may support the bottom f the enclosure  104  and may be connected to the bottom of the perimeter walls  128 . In some arrangements, the bottom of the enclosure  104  may also comprise a base wall  134  that extends horizontally underneath the roof  130 . The base wall  134  may also be insulated and/or connected to the platform  108 . The plurality of recesses  116  on the platform  108  may extend underneath the base wall  134 . See  FIGS. 4-6 . The perimeter walls  128  of the enclosure  104  may be penetrated by inlets  136  (see  FIG. 1 ) for a water line, fuel line, or similar supplies for the contents of the enclosure  104 . In some embodiments, the perimeter wall  128  contacting the cabinet  124  may comprise an opening  137  or passageway into the cabinet  124  so that the contents of the cabinet  124  may be warmed using air from the enclosure  104 . An exhaust vent  153  may also be formed in the enclosure  104  for a space heater  152  which is described in further detail below. 
     The internal chamber of the enclosure  104  may be accessed by opening the doors  132   FIG. 3  illustrates an end view of the system  100  with the doors  132  and other end panels of the enclosure  104  removed to reveal the contents of the enclosure  104 .  FIG. 4  shows the underside of the system  100  with the doors  132  and end panels of the enclosure  104  removed and with a bottom panel of the base  102  removed to reveal the plurality of supports  110  and a duct system  156  which is described in further detail below.  FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the system  100  with the roof  130 , a perimeter wall  128 , the doors  132 , and the wall portions surrounding the doors  132  removed.  FIG. 6  is a detail view of the enclosure area of  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  is a side view of the bottom of the enclosure  104  with a perimeter wall  128  removed. Reference will be made to these figures in connection with the components and function of the enclosure  104  herein. 
     The fluid reclamation member  118  may be positioned connected to the base  102  and within the enclosure  104  beneath the doors  132 . See  FIGS. 6-7 . Thus, the contents of the fluid reclamation member  118  may be easily observed, accessed, and cleaned upon opening the doors  132 . Additionally, when the doors  132  are closed, the fluid reclamation member  118  may remain warm due to being enclosed therein. A sump pump  138  may be positioned in the fluid reclamation member  118  and may pump fluid from the fluid reclamation member  118  to a solution tank  140  in the enclosure  104  via a return line  139 . A low pressure pump  142  may be connected to an outlet of the solution tank  140  and may be used to pump fluid solution from the solution tank  140  into a conduit system having discharge tubes  144  that extend under the platform  108  and connect to the wash station  106 . A pump hose  147  between the low pressure pump  142  and a discharge tube  144  is shown in  FIG. 7 . The sump pump  138 , low pressure pump  142 , and their related lines and power sources may be collectively referred to as a pump system. 
     The ends of the discharge tubes  144  may comprise small drain openings  146  that open over the fluid reclamation member  118 . See  FIG. 7 . The drain openings  146  may be positioned in the bottom surfaces of the discharge tubes  144  or in lateral or end surfaces of the discharge tubes  144 . The drain openings  146  may be small enough that they do not significantly divert fluid from the discharge tubes  144  into the fluid reclamation member  118  when fluid is pumped into the discharge tubes  144  to flow to the wash station  106 . However, they may still allow excess fluid in the discharge tubes  144  to slowly drain out into the fluid reclamation member  118  while and after fluid is pumped through the discharge tubes  144 . Thus, the discharge tubes  144  may be filled with fluid via top openings  145  and pump hoses  147  connected to a pump (e.g., the low pressure pump  142 ) and may drain via the drain openings  146 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In some embodiments, the drain openings  146  may be fitted with removable orifices such as, for example, threaded nozzles. The removable orifices may allow the user to control the flow of fluid out of the drain openings  146  and may allow the user to remove the nozzles for repair or cleaning of debris and obstructions. During warm weather, the nozzles may be closed or replaced with plugs. 
     The solution tank  140  may be a large tank used to retain and contain a supply of disinfectant solution. For example, the solution tank  140  may be a 500-gallon tank. The solution tank  140  may be filled through the sump pump  138  and return line  139  and/or a fill valve  148 . See  FIG. 6 . The sump pump  138  may supply pre-mixed solution to the solution tank  140  after the solution has drained from the platform  108  (via path F 3 ) into the fluid reclamation member  118 . The fill valve  148  may be connected to a source of disinfectant concentrate (e.g., a concentrate tank (not shown) in the cabinet  124 ) and a water line (e.g., water provided from an external source via the inlets  136 ). The fill valve  148  may be a Venturi device used to supply a predetermined ratio of concentrate and water into the solution tank  140 . A solenoid or other sensor device may be used to automatically control the solution level in the solution tank  140  to avoid over-filling the tank, under-filling, or waste. 
     A filter system  150  may be positioned in the enclosure  104  to keep the solution (especially solution in the solution tank  140 ) free of contaminants. The filter system  150  may receive solution from the bottom of the solution tank  140 , where debris and contaminants frequently settle, then filter the solution and provide the solution back to the fluid reclamation member  118  for reuse. Thus, the filter system  150  may help extend the useful life of the solution by limiting the amount of debris, dirt, and other contaminants from clogging the discharge tubes  144  or other fluid bearing conduits in the system  100 . In an example embodiment, the filter system  150  may comprise paper media onto which the solution is sprayed. Liquid solution passes through the paper media, but solids accumulate on the surface as they are unable to pass through. As contaminants build up on the paper media, the filter system  150  may sense blockage of the paper media or increased weight of the media and then automatically move clean paper media into place to continue filtration. Filtered solution may drain into the fluid reclamation member  118  and then pumped back into the solution tank  140  by the sump pump  138 . 
     A space heater  152  may provide heat to the internal chamber of the enclosure  104 . The space heater  152  may be an electrically-powered heater or a fuel-burning heater, such as, for example, a heater that operates using propane, natural gas, charcoal, or another solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel. The fuel source for the space heater  152  may be internal or external to the space heater  152 . For example, a fuel tank may be stored on the platform  108 , in the enclosure  104 , or in the cabinet  124 . The main heat output of the space heater  152  may provide heated air to the internal chamber of the enclosure  104 . Exhaust of the space heater  152  may exit through a heater exhaust vent  153  and away from the enclosure  104 . In some embodiments the heater exhaust vent  153  may also include a fan or motor, 
     Operating the space heater  152  may directly prevent freezing of the fluids in the solution tank  140  by warming the enclosure  104  as a whole. The space heater  152  may also prevent freezing of fluids in the discharge tubes  144  and other lines connected to the solution tank  140  by either warming the lines themselves within the enclosure  104  with heated air (e.g., return line  139 ) or by the heated solution from the solution tank  140  being provided to those lines and thereby distributing heat to the lines via the solution. 
     The internal chamber of the enclosure  104  may be fluidly connected to a duct system  156  positioned in the base  102  below the platform  108 . See  FIG. 4 , which shows the underside of the base  102  with its bottom panel removed to show the interior of the duct system  156 ; see also  FIG. 6 . Thus, air in the enclosure  104  may flow into the duct system  156  and vice versa. In some arrangements the air in the duct system  156  may be contained by the bottom panel of the base  102 , and in some arrangements the bottom panel may be omitted and air may be contained by contact between the plurality of supports  110  to a flat surface underneath the base  102 . The flat surface may be, for example, a leveled or paved ground area. 
     The duct system  156  may extend along the length of the base  102  underneath the enclosure  104  and wash station  106  around the plurality of supports  110 . The duct system  156  may comprise an inlet  158  opening into the internal chamber of the enclosure  104  and an outlet  160  opening into the internal chamber of the enclosure  104 . See  FIGS. 4-6 . The inlet  158  may comprise a plurality of adjacent openings  162  that each link a first portion  164  of the duct system.  156  to the internal chamber of the enclosure  104 , and the outlet  160  may comprise a plurality of adjacent openings  163  that each link a second portion  166  of the duct system  156  to the internal chamber. See  FIGS. 3-4 . The first and second portions  164 ,  166  of the duct system  156  may be separated by each other by a first dividing wall  168  and a second dividing wall  170 . 
     The first and second portions  164 ,  166  of the duct system  156  may each be generally rectangular or L-shaped when viewed from vertically above or below the base  102 . In  FIG. 4 , the first portion  164  is L-shaped and the second portion  166  is rectangular shaped. The discharge tubes  144  may each extend longitudinally along the base  102  within the first and second portions  164 ,  166 . The heated air from the enclosure  104  may fill the first and second portions  164 ,  166  and thereby keep the discharge tubes  144  from being subjected to freezing cold air. Accordingly, when the system  100  is positioned in remote locations and exposed to extreme weather, the heated air of the space heater  152  may be distributed underneath the platform  108 . Heated air in the duct system  156  may preserve the temperature of solution flowing into the wash station  106  via discharge tubes  144  and may warm cooled fluids in the discharge tube  144  after the pumps are turned off and the discharge tube  144  is draining into the fluid reclamation member  118 . The heated air may also raise the temperature of the platform  108  so that fluids on top of the platform will not be frozen. 
     One or more of the dividing walls  168 ,  170  may comprise an opening  172  in which a circulation device  174  may be positioned. The circulation device  174  may be an air fan that may be operated to draw air from one of the first and second portions  164 ,  166  of the duct system  156  into the other. Thus, the circulation device  174  may help circulate warmed air from the inlet  158  to the outlet  160  or vice versa. The circulation device  174  may be positioned at an opposite end of the base  102  from the enclosure  104 . Accordingly, the circulation device  174  may help prevent stagnation of air in the duct system  156  and assist any fans or other circulation provided by the space heater  152  by providing additional air movement where there would otherwise be inherent inefficiency. Having the circulation device  174  under the wash station  106  therefore keeps the platform  108  more evenly heated, particularly at the wash station  106  where the base  102  is exposed to a proportionally large amount of moisture and fluids. 
     Arches in the underside of the platform  108  may provide air passages that are continuous across and over the top of the plurality of supports  110  in the base  102 . These arches may form the openings for  162 ,  163  for the inlets  158 ,  160  near the fluid reclamation member  118 . Thus, air may flow over the plurality of supports  110  throughout the duct system  156  without the plurality of supports  110  having their own vent passages. As a result, the structural strength of the base  102  may not be compromised by the presence of the duct system  156 . Furthermore, the base  102  may require less modification from existing structures to be adapted for use as the base  102  of the system since no cuts in the plurality of supports  110  are needed to accommodate the duct system  156 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 , the wash station  106  may comprise an station enclosure  176  flanked by enclosure walls  178 ,  180  and a roof  182 . A plurality of wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  may be routed around the station enclosure  176  where a vehicle may pass through the station enclosure  176 . See  FIG. 5 . Which shows the wash station  106  without the upper enclosure walls  180  and roof  182 . The wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  may comprise floor wash head conduits  184  on each side of the wash station  106  contacting or running along the upper surface of the platform  108 , lower side wash head conduits  186  and upper side wash head conduits  188  laterally to the sides of the vehicle bay area and extending vertically upward from the platform  108 , and roof wash head conduits  190  positioned vertically above the vehicle bay area and extending horizontally between the upper side wash head conduits  188 . Thus, the floor wash head conduits  184  may be configured to be vertically below vehicles or equipment in the wash station  106 , the lower and upper side wash head conduits  186 ,  188  may be positioned laterally aside vehicles or equipment in the wash station  106 , and the roof wash head conduits  190  may be configured to be vertically above vehicles or equipment in the wash station  106 . 
     The wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  may be fluidly connected to the discharge tubes  144  and thereby receive solution from the solution tank  140  to dispense it through nozzles  192  positioned on the wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  and spaced throughout the wash station  106 . Some of the nozzles  192  are not labeled in the figures, but the nozzles  192  may be distributed across the lengths of the wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  and may be directed toward the interior of the wash station  106 . Some of the nozzles  192  may dispense solution upward from the floor wash head conduits  184  to apply solution to the bottom surfaces of a vehicle, some of the nozzles  192  may dispense solution laterally from the lower and upper side wash head conduits  186 ,  188  to apply solution to the lower and upper side surfaces of a vehicle, and some of the nozzles  192  may dispense solution in a generally downward direction from the roof wash head conduits  190  to apply solution to the top surfaces of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the nozzles  192  may be aimed at about  30  degrees from a vertical direction so that they may cover the front and rear of a vehicle that moves through the wash station  106 . In other configurations, the nozzles  192  may be aimed directly downward. Accordingly, a vehicle in the wash station  106  may be disinfected by the spray around its entire outer perimeter. As the vehicle proceeds through the wash station  106 , the entire length of the vehicle may pass through the wash station  106 . Thus, the perimeter of the vehicle may be sprayed along the entire length of the vehicle for a thorough and effective cleaning and disinfecting of the outer surfaces of the vehicle along its entire length as it progresses through the wash station  106 . 
     The floor wash head conduits  184  may be positioned below the highest surfaces of the platform  108  within some of the plurality of recesses  116  of the platform  108 . See  FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 . Accordingly, when a vehicle passes over the wash station  106 , the floor wash head conduits  184  may be below the upper surfaces of the platform  108  that contact tires or other parts of the vehicle that may come into contact with the base  102 . This configuration may protect the floor wash head conduits  184  from damage due to the weight of the vehicles being applied to the base  102 . This configuration may also facilitate recollection of dispensed solution that comes from nozzles  192  on the floor wash head conduits  184  since fluid dripping from those nozzles  192  may fall directly into the recesses  116  and therefore may be carried more directly back to the fluid reclamation member  118 . 
     One or more sensors  194  may extend from one or more of the enclosure walls  178 ,  180 . The sensors  194  may be used to detect the presence of a vehicle approaching the wash station  106  before it reaches the platform  108 . For example, the sensors  194  may comprise an infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of a vehicle adjacent to the sensor. When one or more sensor  194  detects the presence of a vehicle, the system  100  may preemptively begin operating the pumps and fluid dispensing systems to begin spraying solution from the nozzles  192  at the necessary level for effective cleaning and disinfecting of even the very front of the vehicle. As the sensors  194  register that the rear of the vehicle has passed the extensions of the sensors  194 , the spray system may continue to operate on a timer to ensure that the back of the vehicle is also cleaned before the spray is turned off. 
     The wash station  106  may have a modular construction configured to enhance the portability of the system  100  and to ensure that large vehicles may be washed in the wash station  106 . In one aspect, the modular construction may include a disassemblable conduit system. The wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  may be disconnected from each other and configured so that only certain combinations of wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  are active as needed. For example, some of the wash head conduits  184 ,  186 ,  188 ,  190  may be detached from others by entirely removing some of the conduits from the system  100 . In one instance, the upper side wash head conduits  188  and roof wash head conduits  190  may be disassembled and taken off of the system  100 , leaving behind only the floor wash head conduits  184  and lower side wash head conduits  186  to clean a vehicle or equipment. 
     In some embodiments, the floor wash head conduits  184  and lower side wash head conduits  186  may have their internal flow stopped from reaching the upper side wash head conduits  188  and roof wash head conduits  190  by a valve  196  or network of valves. The valve  196  may he an electric valve such as a solenoid-operated valve or a ball valve. The valve  196  may be closed so that solution may only be dispensed from the floor and lower side wash head conduits  184 ,  186  without being simultaneously dispensed from the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190 . The valve  196  may also cut off flow to the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  when they are disconnected from the lower side wash head conduits  186 . 
     The valve  196  may be positioned between only one set of pipes of the upper side wash head conduits  188  and the lower side wash head conduits  186 . The valve  196  may, however, cut off fluid flow to all of the upper side wash head conduits  188  when it is closed because the other connections between the upper side wash head conduits  188  and lower side wash head conduits  186  may have seal nozzles  199   1  installed between them.  FIG. 5A  shows a section view of one of the connections between the upper and lower side wash head conduits  188 ,  186  having a seal nozzle  199 . Each seal nozzle  199  may comprise an aperture  201  having a substantially narrower width than the width of the lower side wash head conduits  186 . The aperture  201  of each seal nozzle  199  may significantly limit fluid flow from the upper side wash head conduits  188  into the lower side wash head conduits  186  when the valve  196  is open, yet the aperture  201  may allow drainage of fluid from the upper side wash head conduits  188  into the lower side wash head conduits after spraying is complete or when the valve  196  is closed. Thus, fluid in the upper side wash head conduits  188  may be less likely to freeze in place since it is able to automatically drain away. Additionally, when the upper side wash head conduits  188  are not wanted (e.g., the valve  196  is closed during washing) or when the upper side wash head conduits  188  and other upper components are removed from the lower side wash head conduits  186 , the seal nozzles  199  may limit flow of fluid upward into those conduits  188  or out of the apertures  201 . 
     The upper side wash head conduits  188  and roof wash head conduits  190  may have their positioning reinforced by cross members  198 . Some of the cross members  198 -A may form criss-crossing X-shapes between sides of the wash station  106 . Some of the cross members  198 -B may also extend horizontally between the upper side wash head conduits  188  and roof wash head conduits  190 . Lower ends of the upper side wash head conduits  188  may also be supported by lower enclosure walls  178  of the station enclosure  176 . 
     The upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  may be disconnected from the floor and lower side wash head conduits  184 ,  186 . For example, they may be disconnected to facilitate storage or transportation of the system  100 . Disconnecting the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  may allow the system  100  to have a lower vertical height that may be more manageable for movement on a flatbed truck or comparable delivery vehicle. Disconnecting the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  may also help protect them from damage or freezing during transport since they are more exposed than the floor and lower side wash head conduits  184 ,  186 . 
     When the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  are removed, the roof  182  and upper enclosure wall  180  of the station enclosure  176  may also be removed from the lower enclosure wall  178 . The roof  182  and upper enclosure wall  180  may be formed as a single integral piece or sheet positioned on the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190 . The roof  182  and upper enclosure wall  180  may be connected to the lower enclosure wall  178  using a plurality of hooks and loops or elastic cords. Guy wires  185  may he used to connect the ends of the cross members  198 -B to the lower enclosure wall  178 . The guy wires  185  may improve stability of the upper enclosure but may also be detachable from the lower enclosure wall  178 . Thus, the roof  182  and upper enclosure wall  180  may be quickly attached or detached from the lower enclosure wall  178  for rapid deployment and break-down. The roof  182  and upper enclosure wall  180  may be a soft cover for ease of storage and transportation. In some embodiments, the roof  182  may be a solid expanse of material, but in other embodiments, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , the roof  182  may comprise an opening  183  configured to allow rainwater and snow to pass through the roof  182  rather than collecting on the soft material of the roof  182 . The upper enclosure wall  180  and roof  182  may help contain fluid spray and mist coming from the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190 . Typically, the spray and mist is not sent directly upward into the roof  182 , and therefore it is unlikely that a large amount of spray and mist will pass through the opening  183 . Furthermore, the upper side and roof wash head conduits  188 ,  190  may be used when large vehicles need washing and disinfecting, yet they may be removed or not assembled upon deployment of the system  100  when only smaller or shorter vehicles need to be washed and disinfected. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sensor and control system for detecting vehicles being washed or disinfected.  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a washing and disinfecting system  200  similar to the system  100  of  FIG. 1 . In this system  200 , the sensor apparatus comprises sensor bars  202  that may be supported by posts  204 . The sensor bars  202  may be equivalent to the sensors  194  of system  100 , wherein they may be configured to detect the presence of a vehicle approaching or leaving the wash station  206  of the system  200 . The posts  204  may be anchored to the ground around the system  200 . Thus, the posts  204  may provide additional strength to the sensor bars  202  and may improve their visibility for vehicle drivers. Sensor bars  202  may also be attached to the opposite side of the wash station  206  and may therefore provide sensors that detect vehicles approaching from the other direction relative to the wash station  206 . Thus, sensor bars  202  may be positioned on one or both sides of the wash station  206 . 
     The system  200  may also include a control apparatus  208 . See also  FIG. 8A . The control apparatus  208  may be a remote control point from which the flow of fluids through the system  200  may be controlled. Thus, the control apparatus  208  may comprise a control feature (e.g., a control panel  209  mounted on a post  210 ) having an actuator that may control the flow of fluid through the system  200 . In some embodiments, the control apparatus  208  may be used by a driver of a vehicle to open or close a valve (e.g., valve  196 ) and thereby control whether the system  200  sprays fluid through upper side wash head conduits (e.g.,  188 ) when the vehicle passes through the wash station  206 . With the control apparatus  208  positioned remotely from the wash station  206 , the operator (e.g., driver) may control the valve, fluid flow rate, and/or other features of the system  200  before the vehicle is detected by the sensor bars  202  and the system  200  starts pumping fluids. The remote positioning of the control apparatus  208  may also limit the operator&#39;s exposure to sprayed fluids if the system  200  is operating when the operator accesses the control apparatus  208 . For example, a driver may beneficially avoid getting the interior of the vehicle wet as a result of exposure to airborne spray. 
       FIGS. 8 and 8B  show views of a remote sensor apparatus  212  that may be used in connection with system  200 . The remote sensor apparatus  212  may comprise a post  214  configured to support a remote sensor bar  216  and an indicator  218 . The remote sensor bar  216  may be substantially similar to the sensor bars  202  connected to the wash station  206  and thus may be used to detect a vehicle as it approaches or leaves the wash station  206 . With the remote sensor bar  216 , the system  200  may accommodate longer vehicles due to the sensor bar  216  being positioned further from the wash station  206 . The system  200  may also detect vehicles earlier and at a greater distance as they approach or leave the wash station  206 . Accordingly, if the system  200  requires time to start up before a vehicle is properly able to be washed or disinfected, the earlier detection of the vehicle may allow the vehicle to approach and pass through the wash station  206  more smoothly and continuously rather than having to be detected and wait for the system  200  to be ready for the vehicle to enter the wash station  206 . This may also allow vehicles to move more quickly as they approach and pass through the wash station  206 , thereby improving the number of vehicles that can be washed or disinfected over time. 
     The remote sensor apparatus  212  may also comprise an indicator  218 . The indicator  218  may comprise a lighted portion or a sign used to direct the operator of a vehicle through the wash station  206 . For example, the indicator  218  may comprise a plurality of lights  220  (e.g., a green light and a red light) to help guide a driver concerning whether to go or stop. In some embodiments, the indicator  218  may comprise an audible indicator such as a speaker configured to provide audio cues to vehicle operators and thereby guide them through the wash station  206  at appropriate times. In some arrangements, the indicator  218  may be positioned mounted to the wash station  206  enclosure. 
     The wash station  206  of system  200  may comprise an open top. The open top may comprise a rigid frame  222  running around the perimeter of the wash station  206 . The rigid frame  222  may be connected to guy wires  285  that help keep the rigid frame  222  positioned relative to the wash station  206 . Thus, wash station  206  may comprise fabric or plastic sheeting sidewalls and an open top surrounding by the frame  222 . The frame  222  may comprise a rigid material such as metal or composite. Thus, the guy wires  285  may be more securely anchored to the frame  222  in comparison to an anchor connected to a fabric or plastic sheet. The open top may also allow fluids and mist to settle downward onto the system  200  for collection by the gutter or reclamation member  224 . 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning system  226  for clearing debris from the gutter or reclamation member  224  of the system  200 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  show that the cleaning system  226  may include a reclamation member  224  and an elevated conveyor system.  228 . The reclamation member  224  and conveyor system  228  have their side panels removed in  FIG. 9  to show their internal workings. The conveyor system  228  may be connected to an end portion  230  of the reclamation member  224 . The end portion  230  may open into a transition enclosure  232  at the base of the conveyor system  228 . The transition enclosure  232  may be connected to a ramp enclosure  234  which is connected to a drive and release enclosure  236 . The ramp enclosure  234  may extend at an upward angle from the transition enclosure  232 . Thus, the transition enclosure  232  may provide a transition between the horizontally-oriented reclamation member  224  and the angled ramp enclosure  234 . Heated air from the rest of the washing and disinfecting system  200  may circulate through the conveyor system  228  to avoid freezing fluids that are carried therein. Thus, the conveyor system  228  may provide an additional enclosure for heated air to travel. The end of the drive and release enclosure  236  may have an opening  235  that permits air and debris to escape from the conveyor system  228 , but the size of the opening  235  may be minimized to prevent gusts of wind or other air drafts from effectively cooling the interior of the system  200 . Additionally, the angles of the opening  235  and the ramp enclosure  234  may limit the flow of cool air into the system  200  since the air flow would need to change directions multiple times in order to infiltrate and cool the air within the enclosure and reclamation member  224 . For example, the air would need to change direction of flow at least once at the opening  235 , once at the top of the ramp enclosure  234 , and once at the bottom of the ramp enclosure  234 . 
     The conveyor system  228  may also comprise a conveyor belt or track  240  extending through the conveyor system  228  from the drive and release enclosure  236  to the terminal end  238  of the reclamation member  224 . The track  240  may be guided by wheels or gears  242 ,  244 . When large debris passes into the reclamation member  224 , the debris may fall and collect onto the track  240  and fluids may collect generally in the bottom of the reclamation member  224 . A motor  246  may drive the track  240  so that its top surface advances from the terminal end  238  of the reclamation member  224  toward the drive and release enclosure  236 . As the track moves  240  and collected debris is moved upward through the ramp enclosure  234 , debris may remain on the track  240  while fluids may run off toward the reclamation member  224 . Thus, the amount of fluids that reach the drive and release enclosure  236  may be reduced. The track  240  turns around at the drive and release enclosure  236  to proceed back through the ramp enclosure  234 , and debris and sludge left on the track  240  may fall off at that point into a collection tank in the direction of arrow D in  FIG. 9 . Using the conveyor system  228  may improve the quality of reclaimed fluids in the washing and disinfecting system  200  by removing large particulate matter in the fluids so that it can be filtered and cleaned more efficiently by the rest of the system.  200  dedicated to that purpose. Additionally, the conveyor system  228  may reduce the amount of labor needed to keep the reclamation member  224  clean due to the track  240  automatically moving debris out of the reclamation member  224 . 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for cleaning vehicles or equipment in low temperature environments is provided. The method may comprise providing a fluid application system, such as, for example, system  100  or  200 . The fluid application system may comprise a base, a platform positioned on top of the base or that is part of the base, a plurality of spray nozzles, a fluid container, a conduit system connecting the fluid container to the plurality of spray nozzles, a duct system positioned within the base, and an enclosure housing the fluid container. The method may also include heating air within the enclosure or duct system using a heating device and warming the platform and conduit system by positioning the heated air within the duct system and enclosure. The duct system may extend underneath the platform and directly below at least some of the plurality of spray nozzles. 
     The heated air may be circulated through the duct system and enclosure using a circulation device. For example, the circulation device may be a fan that propels heated air through the duct system by drawing air into the duct system through an inlet formed between the duct system and the enclosure and pushing air out of the duct system through an outlet formed between the duct system and the enclosure. Accordingly, the heated air may be distributed throughout the base, and the platform may be heated to a temperature sufficient to prevent freezing of washing and/or disinfecting fluids in low temperature environments. 
     The method may also include warming or heating the conduit system within the duct system. For example, the conduit system may be positioned within the duct system and the heated air may be directly warmed by the air in the duct system. Alternatively, the conduit system may be positioned adjacent and external to the duct system but warmed by conduction or other heat transfer through the duct system to the conduit system. For example, the conduit system may comprise the floor wash head conduits  184  that are warmed indirectly by air in the duct system in base  102  that warms a platform  108  to which the floor wash head conduits  184  are attached. 
     These methods may also include reclaiming fluid in the platform and depositing the fluid in the fluid container. For example, reclaiming the fluid may comprise collecting fluid in a plurality of recesses or channels in the platform and allowing the fluid to run into a collection member such as a gutter or reclamation member  224 . The recesses or channels may be warmed by heated air within the duct system. Depositing the fluid in the fluid container may comprise pumping the fluid into the container using a pump configured to draw fluid from the collection member and to pump it back into the fluid container. Part of this process may include filtering the reclaimed fluid using a filtration system before it is pumped into the container. 
     Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.”