1. What does the Refabs® do?
The design is based around a powerful reversible flow fan. The reversing of the airflow is immediate and allows the material envelope to be inflated and deflated instantaneously, it remains inflated for a set period and then the fan is reversed which pulls the material envelope back into its housing.
The electronic controls are housed in the base of the unit and the timing of operation is completely random and controlled by a non-sequential timing unit.
The material envelope can be replaced with different colours and shapes.
The audio system linked to the time of inflation and deflation will have a multitude of sounds, which will be different for every operation.
This allows the Refab unit to keep the birds Neophobic. (Fear of the new).
2. Why do we need Refabs®?
There is an ongoing problem with Bird Guano on Offshore platforms. Mainly on NUIs (Normally unmanned installations). This creates not only a health hazard for offshore workers but can create various problems for Helicopter Operations to the Platforms.
Airfields throughout the World have problems with bird movement on their departure and approach paths. Various systems are used at the movement to reduce the risk of bird strikes.
The Refabs® design is the first visual and audible device designed solely for the Aviation Industry.
It can be fixed to an offshore platform and will be self controlled but most importantly it is safe for Helicopter Operations.
Onshore at Airfields it can be placed to the side of runways and be controlled by either Ground personnel or Tower ATC staff, in accordance with CAA document CAP 680 the Refab will only be controlled by airport staff remotely and not be allowed to self activate as this may create bird activity at the wrong time for aircraft movement. . If they are positioned in lines the units can be operated sequentially giving a type of Mexican wave effect therefore controlling the direction of flight that the Birds take when flying off.
3. What are the safety features of Refabs®?
For the Offshore market a flameproof motor and impellor will be supplied along with EX rated electronics. These are suitable for the hazardous working conditions and cover all aspects of HSE requirements.
In the unlikely event of a power failure, a secondary back-up retraction system will automatically operate and retract the envelope back into its housing. This then secures the envelope until power is re-applied and removes any hazard for incoming Aircraft, both onshore and offshore.
4. What makes Refabs® more effective than other Bird Control Systems?
The majority of Bird Control Systems in the marketplace today are either visual or audible. In time the Neophobia of the birds is lost.
The surprise/shock factor of the Refabs® on inflation makes this control system unique. Refabs® inflates from its protective housing at great speed, when it is combined with an ever changing audio system, the ability to change the envelopes colour and shape, non-sequential timed operation, this makes the Refabs® the most versatile self contained bird control system available to date.
5. Can Refabs® withstand extreme weather conditions?
The reversible electric fan is weatherproof, which is housed in a stainless steel base unit. Stainless steel is extremely robust, hardwearing and will not corrode.
The material envelope is made from Spinnaker fabric. This is used to manufacture yacht sails and windsocks, thus providing versatility and strength.
Both the stainless steel casing and material envelope will withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
6. Will the Birds get used to Refabs®?
The sounds emitted from Refabs® constantly vary. This can range from human voices, birds of prey, shotgun fire, music etc.
The audio sounds are emitted in conjunction with inflation and deflation of the material envelope, controlled by a non-sequential timer, making predictability impossible.
Visually, the envelope can simply be interchanged with numerous different colours and shapes.
These variations all contribute to the uncertainty and confusion for the Birds thereby creating a constant state of Neophobia.
7. Are there any other fields of application for the Refab?
The present design is intended solely for use in the Aviation field. However interest is being shown in the agricultural environment and a smaller unit will soon be available for agricultural use.