Norgren, an international market leader in pneumatic motion and fluid control technology, has introduced a new high-performance valve for the international rail sector, which automatically drains onboard water systems as soon as the water temperature reaches freezing point.

While other products on the market measure the ambient temperature around the valve – running the risk of emptying the system even when it is not in danger of freezing – Norgren’s new freeze protection valve creates an ‘engineering advantage’ by rapidly detecting the temperature of the medium flowing through the valve itself, delivering improved accuracy and quicker response times.

Norgren’s freeze protection valve has been specifically designed for endurance in even the most demanding environments, with the aim of minimising service intervals, delivering both time and cost savings.

The 2/2 solenoid valve can override the close function, so the system can be refilled instantly when required, reducing both waste water and the time taken to get the train back into service.

Further savings are created through reduced energy consumption – the valve does not need a heater for the override function, as existing technology on the market does – while the product maintains a highly stable temperature set point for more than ten years.

The freeze protection valve combines a Norgren 2/2 diaphragm solenoid valve, which has been extensively proven in the exacting environments found in the rail sector, with a highly reliable temperature sensing element.

Mark Wrigley, global sector head of rail at Norgren, explained, "Technical excellence has always been at the heart of Norgren’s operations, and our freeze protection valve is a testament to this. The valve is connected into the existing pipework, meaning its temperature sensing section can be replaced without needing to disassemble the entire valve and surrounding pipework.

"It is another example of the many innovations being introduced to the rail sector by Norgren which are delivering optimised performance and service life alongside reduced maintenance and running costs."