ELPA Ltd., Railway Friction Management

OVER 300% EXTENTION OF RAIL/WHEEL LIFETIME The technology reduces maintenance costs of a single railway curve by 10.000-100.000 € per year. Average lateral wear of rail gauges (and corresponding wheel flanges) in a tight curve decreased by up to three times. The technology reduces overall lifecycle cost of ownership. Payback periods of investing into trackside technology can be as short as 2 years. UP TO 99,9 % RAILWAY FRICTION NOISE REDUCTION Typically, friction noise in curves is reduced by 9-18 dBA (or 88% - 99%). The noise generated by railway brakes on hump yards can be reduced by up to 30 dBA or 99,9% - the perceived noise can be almost completely eliminated. No other technology can achieve comparable results. With every 3 dBA reduction the power of the noise drops by 50% and humans perceive the noise to be 50% lower. REDUCED VIBRATIONS Vibrations stemming from the wheel-rail interface impact negatively bearings and other parts of the rolling stock. The vibrations are transferred to the infrastructure and further to the buildings nearby the track. The introduction of the technology has a positive impact on the lifecycle of the infrastructure and life quality of the inhabitants living nearby the track. HIGHEST SAFETY: BRAKING DISTANCES ARE NOT COMPROMISED At the core of the technology are Composite Hardly-Fluid Compounds (CHFC) with over 40% of solid particles. They work both as top of rail friction modifier and as rail gauge lubricant. They represent a technological discontinuation of the use of potentially dangerous railway lubricants. CHFC composite materials do not react with rain. Adhesion levels have been tested on a large dynamometer by Deutsche Bahn and the results were evaluated as very good. This has later continuously been proven in nature. Braking performances are not compromised using CHFC, not even in rainy conditions.

Website

http://www.elpa.si

External link for ELPA Ltd., Railway Friction Management

Industry

Railroad Equipment Manufacturing

Company size

11-50 employees

Headquarters

Velenje

Type

Privately Held

Founded

1991

Specialties

Railway squealing noise elimination, Marshalling yards squealing noise elimination - Bremex Annsys, On-board spray system, On-board system without compressed air, and Trackside device for friction management CL-E1