MINERALS TRANSPORT--TRENDS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The paper deals primarily with railroad transport, with special emphasis on energy efficiency. With the resurgence of coal in the United States the railroads are being called upon to handle large tonnages over very long distances. Consumption of locomotive diesel fuel to handle these ton-miles becomes a very significant cost item. Some of the approaches being taken to use this fuel more efficiently are discussed. Among the points covered are locomotive design improvements, operating procedures, lighter weight cars and freight car trucks. Rail transport is an energy efficient means of overland transport, especially when used to haul bulk commodities over long distances in unit trains. Continuing advances in equipment and operating practices may further improve fuel efficiency on the order of another 10%-20%. To achieve still further improvements in fuel efficiency, conversion to alternative propulsion means would be necessary.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • American Mining Congress Mining Convention, Session Papers, Set 10, Los Angeles, California, September 23-26, 1979.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Mining Congress

  Ring Building, 1200 18th Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20036
• Authors:
  • Eldridge, C C
  • van Gorp, P H
• Publication Date: 1979

Media Info

• Pagination: 14 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Coal; Coal industry; Energy conservation; Freight traffic; Fuel consumption; Light vehicles; Locomotives; Trucks; Unit trains; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Locomotive design; Operating strategies
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Freight Transportation; Motor Carriers; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00324434
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 19 1981 12:00AM