Railway

High pressure water jet cleaning

Fallen leaves stick to damp rails and passing trains compress them into a slippery layer that reduces grip.This leaves a thin, Teflon-like layer on the rails, so train drivers have to brake earlier when approaching stations and signals to avoid overshooting and accelerate more gently to avoid wheel spin.

Leaf mulch can also insulate trains from the rails which can affect signalling systems which locate trains. To maintain safety, longer gaps must be left between trains, leading to delays. Water jetting at 1000bar removes these deposits while the train travels at speed. Our systems can also incorporate a friction enhancing system which comprises a sand-based gel which is applied to the rails after cleaning to help trains gain adhesion.

Water jetting is also used for underground tunnel cleaning to reduce the risk of fire, sleeper cleaning, drain cleaning & tank wagon cleaning.

Leaves on the track? High pressure water jet cleaning solutions

PDF datasheet

Benefits of Water Jetting

Increases traction on railheads during leaf fall season
Does not interrupt passenger services

Environmentally friendly
Low water consumption
When cleaning underground tunnels reduces fire hazards

Low water consumption
Can be used for other cleaning applications including tunnel, sleeper and tank wagon cleaning

References

Balfour Beatty Railplant (UK)
Chiltern Rail (UK)

China Steel Corporation (Taiwan)
Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation (KRTC) (Taiwan)

Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC) (Taiwan)
Nexus (Tyne & Wear Metro) (UK)

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Water Jetting brochure

Find out about our range of water jetting equipment - pumps, units and large range of accessories.

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