ATEX
membranes are made from a combination of glass and silicone.
Because of the inert nature of the base glass fabric and
the silicone rubber, they offer a high resistance to atmospheric
agents.
As a high performance material, ATEX silicone coated glass
fabric membranes require reqular cleaning & maintenance.
This should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations
given below.
Scheduled
and non-scheduled inspection/cleaning
The frequency/level of maintenance and inspection depends
essentially on:
1. The working position of the
textile (installed in steep slopes or horizontal
position)
2. The exposure of the membrane
to building micro-climates (airflow from nearby
doors, windows, HVAC installations, general traffic
flow, etc.) and the surrounding environmental pollution
level.
Scheduled Inspection During periodical
inspection, visual examination of the membrane must be
carried out to ensure the following defects are not present:
• tears
on the edges and inside the panels
• peeling or delaminating
at the welded joints
• spots or areas of concentrated
dirt build-up on the surface (e.g. pollen, insects,
ash)
Non-scheduled Inspection
If exceptional environmental conditions occur an inspection
of the condition of the membrane must be carried out
immediately.
Cleaning
procedure Recommended
frequency: Every
12/24 months minimum using P-D Interglas Technologies
approved cleaning agent, e.g. P-D
ITG Cleaning Solution for ATEX membranes.
Light soiling - Wipe surface of membrane
with a solution of 10% mild liquid soap and warm water
applied with a soft white cloth, sponge or pad. Repeat
if necessary one or two more times to completely remove
any smears.
Heavy
soiling - Dampen a soft white cloth with P-D
ITG Cleaning Solution for ATEX membranes and rub
gently. Then wipe surface with a water damped soft white
cloth, sponge or pad. Repeat if necessary one or two more
times to completely remove any smears.
Stubborn stains - Consultation with
our Technical Service to discuss the nature of staining
is recommended before taking further action.
The correct cleaning of the surface will restore
the hydrophobic properties of the silicone coating
of the membrane.
The
use of abrasive cleaning materials or any substance which
damages the surface will lead to deterioration in performance.
Use
of general facility elevators or cranes Existing facilities
and installations for elevating or lifting any maintenance
of HVAC/facility lighting/sprinklers/ general revision/steel
bows/windows and cleaning procedure etc. should be adapted
to the required cleaning and maintenance procedures for
ATEX silicone coated glass fabric membranes.
Cleaning
& Maintenance
The
video above shows the typical cleaning procedure.
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P-D
ITG Cleaning Solutions for
Atex membranes
Use
only Atex recommended cleaning agent.
P-D ITG Cleaning Solution
for ATEX membranes contains IPA and pH neutral
non-ionic surfactants.
Dilute
with warm water
1 to 5 parts cleaning
solution in 100 parts water.
Avoid prolonged contact
with skin. Use of gloves recommended.
Temperature:
Packaging:
Storage:
10
to 30°C
5, 20 and 200
Litre
• DO NOT store below freezing point
• Store in accordance with Health & Safety regulations
• Read additional documentation
(available on request)
Cleaning
program and documentation Cleaning procedures and schedule
of the membranes should be included in the facilities routine
cleaning and maintenance documentation. This should be
revised periodically in accordance with the prevailing
climatic and environmental conditions.
Procedures for inspection, cleaning and maintenance of the membrane should be
documented and updated for optimization and staff training.
