LPS
Elevating Rail Maintenance: Tackle Autumn Challenges with LaserTrain
This article first appeared in the Railway-News Magazine Issue 2 2024.
The persistent challenge of slippage on the line has far-reaching implications for the industry. As passing trains crush fallen leaves, they become a teflon like substance with an oily residue that diminishes the coefficient of friction (COF) of the railhead and can compromise rail safety. This leads to difficulties accelerating and braking, resulting in hazardous conditions and inevitable delays.
Developed by LPS, LaserTrain introduces an effective solution for rail maintenance. Its high-intensity lasers clean various contaminants such as leaves, oil, debris and rust from the railhead without compromising track integrity, while its advanced control system enables autonomous operation for optimal results. By enhancing de-acceleration distances and improving rail traction, LaserTrain minimises accidents, prevents slip incidents and ensures safer railway operations for passengers and rail staff alike.
Operational Efficiency and Flexibility
LaserTrain offers faster and more efficient railhead decontamination compared to traditional methods, covering larger areas in less time and eliminating the need for refuelling and complex logistics associated with water-filling stations. This dramatically reduces downtime and minimises disruptions to network operations. Demonstrating exceptional performance with MTA Metro North Railroad, one LaserTrain cleaned 435 miles per day, cleaning over 55% of the network every 24 hours.
Additionally, LaserTrain’s remote operations boost efficiency and safety by removing the need for workers to be near the tracks or equipment, alleviating the burden of staff planning during the slip-slide season. A selection of cleaning speeds offers operators the flexibility to adapt to individual cleaning needs. The LaserTrain can be leased or purchased with cleaning speeds of 20mph, 40mph, and 60mph.
