PLASMA TORCH PROVED FOR LOW SPEED APPLICATIONS

The article discusses research results of the British Railways attempts to improve adhesion of rail vehicles by using a plasma torch to remove materials from rail surfaces. Laboratory tests confirmed the feasibility of using such a device, in two areas: low speed operation for freight trains and high speed operation for passenger trains. A test vehicle was made up to field test the plasma rail vehicle. Results of the testing show that mechanical condition of the rail head is important; old rail with large areas of contact required higher output than new rail. The tests show conclusively that starting and low speed operation of freight vehicles with low adhesion can be resolved by the application of the plasma torch.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Dobbs, D J
• Publication Date: 1969-11-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 812-814
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 125

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesion; Cleaning; Coefficients; Dynamics; Freight trains; Maintenance of way; Railroad rails; Railroad trains; Technology; Train track dynamics; Wheel slip; Wheels
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom; United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Adhesion coefficient; Thermal cleaning
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037438
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1976 12:00AM