iWFL and ToRFM wayside safety products

iWFL &
ToRFM

Intelligent Wheel
Flange Lubrication &
Top of the Rail
Friction Modifier System

iWFL &
ToRFM

Intelligent Wheel
Flange Lubrication &
Top of the Rail
Friction Modifier System

iWFL &
ToRFM

Intelligent Wheel
Flange Lubrication &
Top of the Rail
Friction Modifier System

Our Intelligent Wheel Flange Lubrication (iWFL) system, is a trainborne intelligent dispensing system, designed to help improve rail safety whilst reducing wheel wear – saving time, money and service affecting failures.

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Precision… made here

What is iWFL and ToRFM?

Rowe Hankins Ltd. has supplied a UK Government-backed rail project with an award-winning intelligent modular system that enables asset managers to extend the lifecycle of wheel wear & rail infrastructure that makes passenger journeys greener and screech-free.

iWFL is a trainborne dispensing system, which applies precise amounts of biodegradable lubricant. Engineered for both national rail networks and urban tram services, the iWFL improves safety by greatly reducing noise, wheel and track wear.

Over the years there have been a significant number of train and tram derailments caused by heavily worn track. Evidence shows that lubrication of the interface between the rail’s gauge corner and the wheel’s flange root reduces the wear and rolling contact fatigue on the wheel and rail. It’s our belief that an intelligent use of lubrication can increase safety and reduce the chances of further fatalities.

In order to extend rail and wheel life, it uses geographical location-based dispensing of flange lubrication. Its intelligent design senses the location and intensity of track curves using a combination of GPS signals, speed and inertial sensors. The unit processes the data and applies lubricant precisely at the location required.

The combination of iWFL and our Top of Rail Friction Modifier (ToRFM) improves fuel economy by 10 – 15%. Additionally, noise is suppressed, track forces are reduced, and braking is not compromised.

Top of Rail Friction Modifier is engineered to reduce curve squeal noise and short pitch corrugation by the application of a Friction Modification grease to the top of the rail track. This reduction in friction reduces wheel and the track wear and noise. The application of Friction Modifier (RHC-TG1) is achieved by a bespoke compressed air system which transfers the Friction Modifier to the top of rail. The Friction Modifier is also subsequently picked up by other passing wheels.

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Features & Benefits

Features:
  • Interfaces to train management systems, track balises and GPS antenna.
  • Can be dispensed via top of rail or back of flange.
  • Full control of dispensing nozzles.
  • Wheel and track wear are greatly reduced, extending service and maintenance intervals, reducing down-time and costs.
  • Standalone / fall-back inertial (YAW, acceleration and distance) based operation mode.
  • No impairment of braking safety.
Benefits:
  • iWFL reduces wheel ‘screech’ noise levels, therefore improving passenger comfort and noise pollution.
  • Inertial sensing provides targeted application of lubrication, preventing wastage of the lubricant and a reduction in wayside lubrication.
  • Reduction of rolling contact fatigue with the rail track reduces fuel and power consumption, therefore costs associated with this.
  • Creates a reduction in wayside forces and associated risk of derailment. Independent tests have shown iWFL does not affect train braking distances.
  • iWFL meets the following standards:
    BSEN 50155: 2007
    BRB/RIA 13: 1987
    BRB/RIA 12: 1984
  • Development of standard and bespoke application software for users and maintainers.

Innovation… made here

Cost Benefits

Description Stick Lubrication Rowe Hankins Ltd.'s iWFL
Distance until wheels have to be re-profiled
57,000 km
85,625 km
Frequency of refilling per year
25 to 30
6 to 9
Track Benefits
Life x2
Life x2 plus
Track Benefits
Continuous
Intelligent conditional dispensing

* iWFL offers a 50% life extension when compared to existing technologies and a 6-fold life extension when compared to non lubricated vehicles.

Interested in iWFL?

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CALL US ON

+44 (0) 161 765 3000

CONTACT US

CALL US ON

+44 (0) 161 765 3000

CONTACT US

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