In the UK alone, there is over 17,000 km of rail infrastructure to manage and maintain for long-term use. Damage results directly in the blocking of sections of the railway and therefore expensive disruptions to freight and passenger transport. As a result, components used to secure rail sections, such as rail clamps and fasteners need to be provided with enduring, effective protection against corrosion, depending on where they are employed – for example when exposed to salty air at the coast. At the same time, the selected surface coatings must also resist high chemical and mechanical stress, such as stone impacts.
Given the drive to adhere to strict environmental regulations that are inherent in this industry, the long life of a coating system and effective protection of assets is essential.
Locations that typically give rise to corrosion issues are:
- Level crossing / railroad crossing / grade crossing
- Tunnel / Underpass / Overbridge
- Coastal routes
- Salt pans
- Third rail stray current locations
Safety:
Visibility and clear instructions are vital to the safety of customers and employees. Yellow lines at platform edges need to be seen at all times. Long lasting, durable paint ensures that safety lines stay visible and protect the public.
Our solutions for the Rail industry.
Thermal sprayed aluminium/ (TSA) and thermal sprayed zinc (TSZ) has various applications in the rail industry including tracks bridges, fasteners and pylons. Thermal spray coatings provide much better corrosion resistance than paint or numerous other coatings. Thermal Spray also has a second method of defence by providing sacrificial protection - even if areas of the coating have been breached, TSA becomes a sacrificial anode and it will oxidise instead of the rail. Therefore, the rail is prevented from corrosion. Put simply - the Thermal spray metal sacrifices itself over time to protect the steel beneath.
Advanced Anti-Corrosion Coating is suitable for use in many situations in the rail industry, not just corrosion. For example, it can be used as a paint for long lasting coverage. It is also anti-leak.
Surface preparation services can be tailored to your requirements. We can advise on the most appropriate shotblasting package for your specific project.
