The Robolube 2000 system was trialled by Fast at Transportation Technology Center Inc (TTCI) in Pueblo, Colorado, in 2017-18, and the results of these trials have led to improvements unveiled at this week’s exhibition.
Among these is shifting from a hi-rail to a wayside application system. The dual belt drive nozzle mechanism applies the grease on an 2.43m section of the rail, with the lubricant applied directly to the rail head corner and in direct contact with the wheel flange, ensuring complete wheel coverage and that no lubricant is wasted. A typical lubrication cycle uses 41ml of lubricant compared with 177.4-236ml on a conventional lubrication system.
Power for the system is provided by a wayside unit, which includes a 56 litre lubricant tank, a 22-litre water tank and a 3.5kW water heater to melt ice and snow. Power is provided by a 7kW Kohler LP engine with batteries providing 1200 hours of reserve power. The unit requires annual maintenance.
The system is designed for main line track used by 60-80 trains per day and Robolube is targeting application in the North American market. The solution is patented in the United States and Canada.
