GOOD PRACTICE LUBRICATION OF THE WHEEL RAIL INTERFACE

The friction conditions at the wheel rail interface are critical for effective railway operations. Lack of adequate lubrication causes rapid wheel / rail wear and introduces operational problems. An enduring uniform film of lubricant is needed on the gauge corner along the high rail of curves. Only trace amounts of lubricant are required on the top of the rail. Over-lubrication should be avoided as it has the potential to cause signals to be passed at danger and other operational problems. Some railways apply friction modifiers to the top of the rail to provide moderate friction levels, whilst friction enhancers are used to increase friction levels at low adhesion sites. This paper provides good practice guidance on the use of lubrication and friction modifiers. Good practice friction management needs to: be a fully integrated element within the overall wheel rail interface management process; use lubricants and friction modifiers that: have the required frictional properties for the expected range of operating conditions, are compatible with their delivery system, do not lead to the ineffective operation of vehicle, track or trackside equipment, and do not introduce unacceptable health, fire or environmental risks; use applicators that are well engineered to provide high levels of functionality, reliability, inspectability and maintainability; ensure that all applicators receive regular inspections and diligent maintenance by motivated staff that are trained and accredited as competent to perform their duties; use monitoring techniques to provide early identification of applicator faults and allow timely actions to be performed to reintroduce an effective friction management regime. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123761.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0947644512
• Corporate Authors:

  ENGINEERING TECHNICS PRESS

  46 CLUNY GARDENS
  EDINBURGH,   United Kingdom  EH10 6BN
• Authors:
  • SINCLAIR, J C
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 15 p.
• Monograph Title: EMBEDDED SLAB TRACK TEST TRACK IN SPAIN: CONSTRUCTION OF A LOW MAINTENANCE CONCRETE SLAB TRACK
• Serial:
  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION RAILWAY ENGINEERING 2003, HELD LONDON, UK, 30 APRIL - 1 MAY 2003 - CDROM
  • Publisher: ENGINEERING TECHNICS PRESS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Car wheels (Railroads); Condition surveys; Conferences; Friction; Interfaces; Lubrication; Maintenance; Prevention; Railroad tracks; Rolling contact
• ITRD Terms: 3857: Condition survey; 8525: Conference; 5450: Contact (wheel rail); 5452: Friction; 5429: Interface; 3839: Lubrication; 3847: Maintenance; 9149: Prevention; 1062: Railway track
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00985599
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-947644-51-2
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Feb 4 2005 12:00AM