As awareness of plastic pollution grows, it is more important than ever to handle machines that install, maintain and care for synthetic turf correctly to avoid discharge of filling granules into the environment.
Installation
Exact and precise installation is crucial, using machines with orbital oscillating brush systems that erect the artificial turf fibre while incorporating filling material, which can be dosed via outlet systems in the required kg/m2.
This procedure ensures the infill material is filled to an even level, to support and stabilise artificial turf fibre while preventing any incorrectly applied filling material being discharged by environmental influences or during play.
When installed correctly, there is no need to refill the system later, with the risk of overfilling that brings.
Regular Maintenance
SMG recommends a weekly and demand-based removal of coarse dirt, such as stones and leaves. This should be done using a rotary brush with an adjustable vibrating screen to receive overlying coarse dirt and the top layer of the filling material. Simultaneously, dirt and filling material should be separated, followed by metered return of the filling material on the artificial turf.
A constant amount of infill material in the sieve is a decisive factor for returning it to areas that have become depleted by game activity.
Regularly following our guidelines and the corresponding driving tactics ensures artificial turf fibre is supported at a uniform height by filling material, lengthens the service life of the artificial turf system and prevents discharge of filling granules into the environment.
Advanced Maintenance: Decompaction
Filling material should be loosened and levelled monthly using tow-behind devices with flexible and adjustable prongs to stabilise artificial turf fibres, keep them upright and prevent infill from being discharged into the environment. This also prevents compaction and drastically reduces or eliminates the amount of material for refilling.
SMG guarantees a care process that ensures eroded polymer filling granules can be extracted and properly disposed of. Annual deep cleaning is carried out by with a rotary brush with a sieve function to clean even deeper layers of the filling material.
The collected litter material is spread evenly after being separated from fine dust, microparticles, worn fibres and other contaminants using a filter element with a separation efficiency of more than 98 per cent at 4 micrometres.
Repatriation
Filling material can reach the side of the pitch through play operation, incorrect care or adverse weather. To prevent it from being carried into the environment, the filling material must be returned to the pitch using rotary brushes with a sieve function.
A constant amount of infill material in the sieve insert is the deciding factor in returning infill material into the areas "unfilled" by the game activity. The sieve insert acts as a material reservoir during this care process. Alternatively, sweeping brushes can be used, but only if they are adjustable in their working width.
For more information on our guidelines please contact SMG – we are looking forward to assisting you with details
