Managing friction at the wheel-rail interface is one of the top priorities for railway operators.
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An effective friction management system can reduce noise and vibration while simaltaneously improving fuel efficiency.
Using the best friction management system can also prolong rail assets’ life by reducing wear, improve safety and performance, and reduce operation and maintenance costs.
Rail operators are increasingly searching for more targeted friction management solutions.
These often depend on factors such as curvature, superelevation, operating climate, temperature, speed, the number of axles, tonnage, and traction, among others.
Railway friction needs to be monitored and controlled such that the required adhesion between the wheel and rail is also maintained to ensure safe traffic.
Industry leading railway friction management system and solutions
Our Railway Technology team has researched and listed some of the leading railway friction management contractors and suppliers.
All our information is based on vast industry intel, valuable business insights and our decades-long experience in the sector.
This extensive list includes turnkey friction management solution providers, as well as consultants and suppliers of a wide range of railway friction materials for both on-board and trackside applications.
Within our rigorously researched and carefully compiled download we have provided a wide range of invaluable industry insights.
This content will be of particular interest and value to railway operators, procurement executives, operations managers, track maintenance managers, consultants, engineers, and technicians.
Thanks to our wide scope of research, we have also been able to include content that is useful for a range of other individuals involved in railway operations, infrastructure engineering and maintenance.
The download also contains detailed information on railway friction management equipment and solution providers, and their product and service lines, alongside contact details where required.
Leading types and uses of railway friction control products and solutions
Railway operators rely on different types of rail lubrication, friction modification and traction enhancement devices and materials.
Each of these will have been designed to reduce squeal and flange noise, rail/wheel wear, corrugations and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) development while reducing the derailment potential and improving the ride quality.
Materials and equipment used for railway friction management include, but are not limited to:
- Solid stick gauge face/flange lubricants
- Rail curve grease
- Top of rail (TOR) traction-enhancing material
- Water-based TOR friction management materials
- Grease pumps and hydraulic lubricators
- Electronic track lubricating devices, and
- Trackside and on-board friction management equipment and digital control systems
Innovative trends in railway friction management
Rail operators working within the travel industry are increasingly looking for friction management solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, easy to use, and environment-friendly.
Innovative materials such as composite hardly-fluid compound (CHFC) materials are more sustainable and can provide better rail friction noise prevention.
Similarly, modern friction management systems and devices are more energy-efficient and feature smart digital technologies to monitor, control and manage friction in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
FAQs
What is railway friction management, and why is it important?
Railway friction management involves controlling the friction between train wheels and tracks to optimize performance, reduce wear and tear, and improve fuel efficiency.
Effective friction management helps minimize noise, enhance ride comfort, and prevent derailments.
By reducing excessive friction, rail operators can extend the lifespan of both rolling stock and infrastructure, lowering maintenance costs and increasing operational safety.
What types of friction management products are used in railways?
Railways use solid stick lubricants, rail curve grease, top-of-rail (TOR) friction modifiers, hydraulic lubricators, and digital control systems.
These products reduce rail/wheel wear, noise, and vibration, while enhancing fuel efficiency and ride quality.
How do top-of-rail (TOR) friction management solutions improve railway operations?
Top-of-rail (TOR) friction management solutions apply friction modifiers that optimize the friction between the wheel and rail.
These products help improve traction, reduce rail corrugation, and minimize wear on both the rail and wheels, leading to smoother operations, fewer maintenance requirements, and improved safety.
TOR solutions are especially useful in high-traffic areas or sharp curves where friction is higher.
What are the benefits of onboard friction management systems?
Onboard friction management systems apply lubricants or friction modifiers directly to the wheel-rail interface as the train moves.
This targeted application reduces friction precisely where needed, improving traction, reducing noise, and extending the lifespan of rail infrastructure and rolling stock.
Onboard systems offer greater flexibility and precision compared to trackside systems.
How do digital control systems enhance railway friction management?
Digital control systems monitor and adjust friction levels in real-time, using sensors to detect conditions such as temperature, train speed, and track curvature.
These systems automatically apply the appropriate friction management products, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
By automating the process, digital systems improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall reliability of railway operations.