Delta Scientific, the leading manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, recently announced that federal buildings, corporate headquarters, courthouses, military bases, facilities and other complexes, from airports to seaports, that need to protect people and property are all proponents and users of Delta pneumatic bollards. Considering power requirements as well as installation, operating and maintenance costs, Delta’s pneumatic bollards are 60 percent (60%) more efficient and cost-effective than electro-mechanical units. They are aesthetic, durable, flood-resistant and green; use low voltage and current draw; and provide up to 300 cycles per hour.
“Our pneumatic bollards are a proven solution, having been used internationally for over 20 years in single and multiple lane, sally port and high throughput applications at nuclear and other high security sites,” reports Greg Hamm, Delta Scientific vice president of sales and marketing. “Today, with budgets becoming more and more squeezed, customers needing all-weather, crash-resistant bollards are turning to pneumatic designs versus more expensive electro-mechanical devices.”
According to Hamm, there are several reasons for the increased popularity of pneumatic bollards. To begin with, the all-weather pneumatic controllers are proven reliable. They have stood up to six Syracuse winters at the federal courthouse and, likewise, six years in the heat of low desert at the Reagan Presidential Library. The U.S. Border Control prefers pneumatic bollards as they are a green solution since they use less horsepower and eliminate the grease and oil of either electro-mechanical or hydraulic units. Using a small compressor, they use less electrical current the electro-mechanical units plus provide longer runs than hydraulic versions. The Corps of Engineers highlights their low maintenance, appreciating their low sensitivity to dirt and grime.
Crash rated and tested with a 15,000 lb (6804 kg) vehicle going 50 mph (80 km/hour), Delta's pneumatic bollard systems operate individually or in groups up to ten and are used for intermediate level security applications. Individual bollards are up to 13.25 inches (336 mm) in diameter, up to 35 inches high (889 mm) and are usually mounted on 3-foot (0.9 m) centres.
