Swiss Hightech Formula
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Top of Rail, a service for the prevention
of rail squeak on bends.
IGRALUB, the TOTAL SERVICES PROVIDER, has been dealing with the
problem of rail squeak on bends for more than 15 years. This depth of
experience guarantees comprehensive consultation for a successful
solution.
IGRALUB offers:
• optimal application systems
• service support for the
introduction and maintenance.
The cause of rail squeak on bends is the stick-slip effect of the inner
rail on the top-of-the-rail and the wheel flange contact to the outer rail.
In order to prevent rail squeak on bends, the vibration excitation
between the wheel and the rail must be reduced or prevented. This
is achieved by reducing the coefficient of friction. A lubricant is applied
between the friction parts as a friction modifier, thereby reducing the
coefficient of friction.
Lubrication systems must guarantee the following: the application of
the lubricant must take place:
• at a specific location (inner or outer rail in a curve, top-of-the-rail /
rail sides),
• at a specific time and for a specific duration (hours / daily use),
• in a controlled quantity.
These three functions are the minimum requirements for a successful
lubrication system. Two main groups of systems are currently offered
on the market: stationary and mobile lubrication systems.
Mobile lubrication devices are mostly spray systems. Mobile spray
systems are simple and cost-friendly to maintain. In order to treat
the complete rail network, it is sufficient to install the system on a
small percentage of the available vehicles..
Stationary lubrication systems are devices that are set up alongside
the rails. In separated systems, the lubricant is thereby applied to
either the rail sides of the outer rail or to the top-of-the-rail on the inner
rail. The build-up of the lubricating film over the complete length of the
bend is carried out by the wheels rolling over the rail. Under certain
weather conditions, the build-up of the lubricating film may have to be
restarted, which could lead to rail squeak in the meantime. The
investment costs and the maintenance of the systems are several
times more expensive than for mobile systems.
Our TOR Control System controller, fitted with electronics and GPS,
makes possible the very accurate application of a lubricant. It meets
the above requirements and is an independent electronic controller.
Signals will be received by an existing GPS or control system.
In the case of manual control, the command to spray the top-of-
the-rail is given manually by means of a button in the driver’s cab.
This type of equipment is recommended for small railways and
mountain railways.
References Top-of-rail: Worldwide, top-of-rail
Detailed documentation: Rail squeak on bends: A problem that can be solved
DVD "Top of Rail": order form for Top of Rail DVD
