Only one composite material for complete protection of the wheel and rail
Almost two decades ago the Composite Hardly-Fluid Compounds (CHFC) were the first composite materials to replace rail lubricants on the market to safely address all contact parts of the rail and wheel
Highest level of solid particles (over 40%) of different size, shape and hardness deliver and anti-noise and anti-wear additivess
Dedicated types for various applications:
DBM® types:
– DBM-KL® for rails,
– DBM-50® for marshalling yard retarders,
– ToraX® for rolling stock
City friendly
Low consumption and precise application make WONROS® a city-friendly technology. It is best explained by a satisfied client:
»Since we also use CHFC composite material at critical points where individual traffic, cyclist, and pedestrians (covered pedestrian area) are sharing the same track, a testing phase was carried out. In the beginning, critical points were constantly monitored to ensure no traffic safety could potentially be compromised.
After a lengthy assessment, it has been shown that the minimal amounts of the CHFC that were carried away by the individual traffic did not have a negative impact on the required traction on the asphalt.”
Austria
Stable performance in all weather conditions
Required traction is maintained in demanding weather conditions – the technology performs well during cold winters and rainy Monsoon periods. It has been rigorously tested in laboratories and in demanding real-life conditions. Unlike most flange lubricants or TOR friction modifiers it keeps its consistency in the entire working temperature range.
CHFC comply to environmental standards.
There are three basic criteria used to assess level of environmental acceptability of railway lubricants. Environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) is biodegradable, exhibits low toxicity to aquatic organisms and has a low potential for bioaccumulation.
Biodegradability. To assess and confirm biodegradability of CHFC composite materials the OECD 301B test method has been chosen. This test method is generally accepted in railway sector. It has proven acceptable level of biodegradability of the CHFC composite materials.
Toxicity to aquatic organisms. OECD 202 and OECD 201 test methods are used to assess toxicity on water organisms and water flora, respectively. This toxicology testing methods are commonly required for different product applications claiming to be environmentally acceptable or friendly. Results show that CHFC composite materials are not toxic to water fauna and/or flora.
Bioaccumulation. CHFC do not contain heavy metals or substances restricted by the EU regulation REACH that limits the use of persistent, toxic and bio-accumulative (PTB) and very persistent and very bio-accumulative (vPvB) substances.
Conclusion: CHFC composite materials exhibit low level of environmental impact as proven with relevant testing methods by third parties. Their use in the railway sector has further indirect positive influences on the environment. They are arguably the most efficient method for reducing wear of rails and wheels that both contain heavy metals. Therefore by using CHFC heavy metal and other environmental load is reduced. Finally, the CHFC’s impact on the environment is minimized because compared to the most frequently used lubricants/friction modifiers much lower quantities are required to deliver results.
Adaptable to different situations
Highly effective CHFC composite materials are an integral part of the WONROS™ technology. They comply with the EU environmental regulation REACH. They are environmentally acceptable and composed of a biodegradable base. They contain no heavy metals or materials that bioaccumulate. Their environmental compliance was confirmed by different certified laboratories.
CHFC are an NLGI grade 2 composite materials and almost two decades ago they were the first ones on the market that can simultaneously safely be applied on all parts of the wheel-rail interface as they maintain required adhesion within the limits applicable in regular traffic.
Over 40 % of solid microparticles make them the most effective mediums against noise, wear & vibration in all weather conditions. Rain does not degrade their performance. Physical properties of CHFC composite material were tested on a large friction dynamometer and the results were assessed as very good. This was later continuously confirmed in practice. The composite materials do not react with rain. Their efficiency is not affected in wet conditions and consumption does not increase. They do not interfere with the required rail conductivity and are non-corrosive.
We do not disclose the secret ingredient(s) as the exact formula of the composite materials is our intellectual know-how. What is important is that typically consumption rates are several times lower compared to mineral-oil- or water-based wheel flange lubricants and/or top-of-rail friction modifiers. Combined with precise application technology little to no soiling around the track and on the vehicle bottom can be expected.
