Lube-Tech
grease flow, manage speed changes, and maintain awareness of train direction [18]. Typically, a combination of wayside and on-board locomotive lubrication systems is employed to minimise wear on both the high and low rails of curved sections [16].
To achieve optimal performance, rail lubricants are typically expected to reduce the coefficient of friction to 0.2 or lower for the gauge face on high rails in curved sections and between 0.3 and 0.4 for the top of the rail [19]. This is usually accomplished by applying greases that contain various soaps (such as calcium, sodium, lithium, and in some cases, boron), along with additives like graphite, lead, Teflon, and molybdenum disulfide, which enable the grease to withstand higher pressures. The choice of grease formulation depends largely on factors such as cost, operating locations, and seasonal temperatures [18,19].
Conclusion
Locomotives have always been one of the most environmentally and economically viable modes of transportation for people, goods, and services. They have been adapted to meet emission standards through technological advancements in diesel engine design, fuels, and high-performance lubricants. Optimised lubricants, tailored for specific operating environments, are essential for the smooth and efficient operation of locomotive components. The industry is currently following trends from the automotive sector, exploring lower viscosity engine oils and lower ISO VG grade gear oils to enhance fuel economy by reducing friction. Synthetic greases with biodegradability are also gaining traction for bearing module lubrication, offering improved efficiency and longer lifespans. Rail lubrication also plays a vital role in fuel efficiency and maintenance. Ongoing advancements in synthetic grease formulations, additive systems, and environmentally friendly greases will progress simultaneously with lower-viscosity engine oils and gear oils. Achieving efficiency and fuel
36 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.177 OCTOBER 2023
PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
No.148 page 6
economy is crucial for the locomotive industry and is driven primarily by cost reduction and environmental concerns. Enhanced lubrication is a key element in ensuring that the rail industry meets these goals.
About the authors Dr. Raj Shah is a distinguished professional with a wealth of expertise in the Laternative energy and the Petroleum field.
Currently serving as the Director at Koehler Instrument Company in New York, he has dedicated the past 28 years to his current company. Dr. Shah’s exceptional contributions to the industry have been recognised by his esteemed peers, resulting in his election as a Fellow by prestigious organisations such as IChemE, CMI, STLE, AIC, NLGI, INSTMC, Institute of Physics, The Energy Institute, and The Royal Society of Chemistry.
In addition to his esteemed reputation, Dr. Shah has been honoured with the ASTM Eagle award. He recently co-edited the highly acclaimed bestseller, “Fuels and Lubricants Handbook,” a publication that has garnered widespread acclaim in the industry. Detailed information about this book can be accessed through the following link: ASTM’s Long-Awaited Fuels and Lubricants Handbook 2nd Edition Now Available (
https://bit.ly/3u2e6GY)
Dr. Shah’s academic achievements are equally impressive, having earned his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. He holds the distinguished title of Fellow from The Chartered Management Institute, London, and boasts credentials as a Chartered Scientist with the Science Council, a Chartered Petroleum Engineer with the Energy Institute, and a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council, UK.
Acknowledging his exceptional accomplishments, Dr. Shah has been bestowed with the honourific
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