Network Rail has begun testing a new type of train safety gear that employs laser and plasma jet technology to clear autumn leaves away from railway lines. Fall leaves can sometimes spell trouble for the average railway design causing delays within the transportation system and making it more difficult to break or accelerate.
Cleaning the rails with high-pressure water systems required the deployment of employees at specific areas and round-the-clock support during the time that leaves are falling the most in the late fall season. Trains that would use this new technology would be able to clear off the railway without the intervention of employees.
As trained continue to compress leaves along the rails they can leave a residue that causes tires to slip and inefficiencies throughout the entire line. Laser precision solutions would use a high-powered beam along the rail to remove the contamination from the rail without heating the surrounding rail.
The plasma track technology would use active electrons to split things apart with a high-energy plasma beam and this quickly removes any leaves or debris from the track ensuring that the train can make its way through unimpeded.
The current treatment sleep uses around 200,000,000 L of water each year and has to cover over 1,000,000 miles between the months of October and December. Rather than wasting vast resources, introducing this new plasma or laser technology with ensure that there is a simple method for clearing off the track.
Introducing these along the heritage trails of railways could also clear the track lines for older trains that require more resources to prepare for. Introducing this technology along a rail network will improve the system for all locomotives on the track. The technology could make rail journeys better for people across the country in the fall season.
This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at Swartz Engineering. For nearly half a century, Swartz Engineering has been at the forefront of industry safety. They are a family owned company specializing in power distribution for the electrical industry. Our design ensures maximum flexibility for excellent reliability and a high return on investment.
