ContiTech at InnoTrans 2002 in Berlin
“On track worldwide…
…with the right suspension concepts!” This is the motto under which ContiTech is presenting itself as international development partner for future-oriented rail transportation technology at InnoTrans 2002 in Berlin (stand 22, hall 1.2a, September 24-27, 2002). The CT exhibit focuses on customized ContiTech air spring systems and rubber-to-metal bonded springs for primary and secondary suspension of rail vehicles throughout the world. Further highpoints on show: the sophisticated testing technology, in which ContiTech Air Spring Systems is no. 1 worldwide. A concertina wall from ContiTech Elastomer Coatings will also be experiencing a rail fair premiere. Previously used as flexible link between the front and rear sections of buses, it is now to be employed to connect train cars as well. ContiTech‘s sales partner, Calenberg Ingenieure, will also be displaying its service competence in the area of vibration and noise reduction on rails and rolling stock.
“Safety and reliability are major factors as far as our air spring systems are concerned. That’s why a large share of our investments flow into test technology. We want to present this core competence, in which we hold a leading position worldwide,” announced Olaf Philipp, in charge of the company’s booth at the fair. The test park is unique in the branch. It includes a multiaxial test rig that can simulate the installation conditions of a bogey air spring in three axial and two rotational directions. The advantages: The load limits of the air spring system can already be determined in an early stage of development, giving customers valuable hints as to bogey designs.
On view for the first time is also an air spring developed by ContiTech for the latest local rapid transit vehicles operated by South Rail Australia. The special feature here is that the train travels on just one air spring system per bogey instead of the usual two. The one suspension element is installed centrally on the bogey with the advantage that it can optimally balance the rotational movement between the passenger compartment and the bogey. Riding comfort in curves is thus considerably better.
New on the market and also available for viewing at InnoTrans: ContiTech hydrosprings, a space- and cost-saving combination of damper and spring based on the proven cone spring. The integrated hydraulic unit sees to it that vibrations are automatically damped in frequency-dependent fashion. “Hydrosprings are completely maintenance-free and also help reduce wear on wheelsets and rails. They offer good riding comfort, even at higher speeds, and protect the most highly sensitive cargo thanks to their first-class cushioning and damping properties,” noted Philipp, summarizing the advantages.
ContiTech’s partner Calenberg Ingenieure develops and plans system solutions offering protection from structure-borne sound, percussions and air-borne noise. One of the innovations is the CISILENT noise-protection wall, a flexible noise abatement system for nearly all areas of application. It consists of an aluminum frame faced on both sides with high-strength polyester. The cavities of the facing are filled on site with expanded clay or pourable sand. The pliant noise-protection wall attains a sound-attenuation index of Rw= 30 dB. Light shipping weight, uncomplicated mounting and minimal space requirements are what distinguish the CISILENT noise-protection wall from conventional systems.
Visitors to InnoTrans also receive information on the CLOUTH-USM ballast mats, which reduce vibration and percussion emissions in the superstructure of rail transportation. Depending on the quality the ballast mats are suitable for train speeds of up to 300 km/h and axle loads of up to 250 kN. On a staircase model visitors can convince themselves of the efficacy of vibration isolation.