Throughput is what it’s all about. And for minimal cost. Manufacturers of equipment for passenger rolling stock depots are being asked to provide installations capable of processing a fleet of trains quickly, typically overnight, using less energy and manpower, but delivering a higher quality end finish.
Meeting these demands is a new generation of fixed depot plant and portable machines which enable trains to be cleaned thoroughly in the shortest possible time.
Singapore Land Transport Authority has ordered a Railjet automated underframe cleaning system from Chassijet Ltd for the North East line depot under construction at Senkang.
Cleaning the underframe of vehicles being maintained helps to limit the time they are out of service by improving access to components. It also improves working conditions for depot staff, as washing by hand can pose health hazards. In automating the task, Railjet removes any direct exposure of staff to cleaning agents.
An automatic trolley running on narrow-gauge rails moves under the train, its oscillating high pressure lance spraying at up to 100bar. Up to 99 programmes can be preset by the user for cleaning different types of rolling stock, with options to apply dense cleaning foam or detergent with cold or hot water. Each Railjet unit can clean up to 50m, and several units can be installed to permit longer trains to be cleaned in one pass.
On-train interior cleaning is increasingly being tackled at terminal stations between journeys, demanding efficient but flexible equipment. Nilfisk-Advance of Denmark has developed a portable vacuum cleaner which is worn by the operator as a backpack (below), giving the mobility to move through a train quickly. The lightweight pack rests on the hips, and the two sections flex with the users’ back for comfort. Ample suction power is provided by a 1200W mains-powered electric motor.
BWI Dawson has supplied numerous train washing systems, and recent applications include a high performance washing plant for Hong Kong MTR’s Airport railway (RG 6.98 p423). In Haifa, Israel Railways needed to cut the amount of water used for train washing. A BWI Dawson Aquamatic plant was installed and has reduced water consumption by 70% compared to conventional acid wash cycles. Water is passed through a hydrocylcone filter together with activated carbon filters, removing particles down to less than 20mm diameter, before being recycled.
Another option available from BWI Dawson is a compact, transportable washer for temporary use or where space is limited. The plant can be installed in as little as a week as it does not need concrete foundations or a pump house. o
Reader Enquiry Number:
Chassijet Ltd 111
Nilfisk-Advance 112
BWI Dawson 113
