Top of Rail Friction Control Material
ClareShield TOR-WS provides outstanding performance and meets the challenges faced by rail operators globally through minimising noise, reducing wear and lateral forces, whilst extending rail and wheel life.
Providing outstanding performance
Formulated to consistently provide the optimum friction coefficient at the wheel/rail interface within the 0.35-0.45 range. It has proven to provide extended carry down to 4 miles (6.4km) in a freight environment. The product is highly stable and will not separate during storage, reducing the risk of hardening and application pumping issues. ClareShield TOR-WS is suitable for use in existing wayside puddle type dispensing systems. It is ‘readily biodegradable’ containing no solvents, latex or toxic materials, which ensures that whilst you’re enhancing your operations, you’re also contributing positively to the environment.
Performance across a range of conditions
Its unique formulation affords superior and consistent performance in both dry and wet conditions across a wide temperature range. This provides the flexibility and reliability needed by rail operators worldwide. Regardless of environmental conditions the same grade can be used through summer and winter months.
ClareShield TOR-WS benefits:
- Unrivalled distance coverage: Extended carry down to 4 miles (6.4km) in a freight environment
- Cost effective: Low treat rates and stable consistency so it doesn’t separate in storage, minimising waste and reduced pumping issues
- Noise reduction: Improved steering, thereby reducing noise and high-pitched squealing
- Rail head protection: Advanced formulation to resist extreme loads and measurable reduction in lateral forces thus minimising wear
- All-seasons performance: Provides robust protection in extremes of hot and cold weather conditions
- Eco-friendly solution: The formula is readily biodegradable, containing no solvents, latex, or toxic materials
ClareShield TrackPro
Find out more about ClareShield TrackPro, the trackside friction management system for top of rail friction control materials, delivering enhanced performance and accuracy.
Technical product information
| Product | Description | Download TDS |
|---|---|---|
|
ClareShield TOR-WS |
Top of Rail Friction Control Material |
Suggested application method:
Can be used in Wayside applicators. Users are advised to run trials to determine the optimum treat rates for their specific conditions, e.g., locations, axle count, axle loads, etc.
Rail noise and vibration monitoring
Find out more about our Remote Condition Monitoring systems (RCM).
Gauge face greases and Top Of Rail Friction Control Materials:
Why it is essential gauge face lubricants do not migrate to the rail crown?
Gauge face lubricants are used to reduce wear by lowering friction at the active interface between the wheel flange and gauge face of curved rails. Top of Rail (ToR) friction control materials are used to control friction between the wheel tread and rail crown (or rail head), to reduce curving forces and associated wear, damage and noise. However, if gauge face lubricant migrates to the top of rail and contaminates the running band on the rail crown, this will result in a lowered coefficient of friction and could prevent the safe braking of vehicles.
How does a guage face lubricant work?
As well as reducing wear at the gauge face, gauge corner and wheel flange, gauge face greases also help prevent damage due to Rolling Contact Fatigue, reduce the flanging noise that occurs when a train passes through a curve and, perhaps most importantly, reduce the risk of derailment. The result is greatly improved rail and wheel life, and major cost savings for Train Operators and Infrastructure Managers.
A curved rail grease is therefore designed to deliver low friction levels, typically with a coefficient of friction less than 0.1, over as great a length of track as possible (known as carry-down). This type of lubricant must also be able to perform in a wide range of operating temperatures and challenging weather conditions.
What does an effective TOR friction control material do?
An effective ToR friction control material will maintain the coefficient of friction between the rail crown and wheel tread at an optimum level that reduces friction compared to a dry rail, and also reduces steering forces and rail wear. By doing so the friction control material can also significantly reduce the “wheel squeal” commonly heard in tight curves, as well as certain types of rail damage, such as Low Rail Corrugation. A further benefit can be reduced energy consumption and improved fuel economy.
