Coated rails for Hong Kong Metro: the perfect solution for corrosion
Metro Hong Kong is facing a challenge because some of the tunnels in the metro network are located in a humid environment. As a result, the network manager has to deal with corrosion on the rails caused by stray currents and moisture. In its search for a solution to this problem, the company came across voestalpine Railway Systems.
In partnership with voestalpine Rail Technology, another subsidiary of voestalpine Railway Systems, we provided a solution to address corrosion challenges by supplying 11 kilometres of coated rails. Our collaboration introduced a novel approach to combat corrosion on the BS90AM rail profile, a newly adopted vignol rail profile integrated into voestalpine Rail Technology's extensive product line up specifically for this project. The application of our Rubbercoat coating took place at our facilities in the Netherlands. Unlike conventional coatings, Rubbercoat features electrical insulation properties, making it the sole solution capable of effectively safeguarding against both stray current issues and moisture-induced corrosion.
Accurate logistical implementation
The project required careful logistical planning and execution. This started at the premises of voestalpine Rail Technology in Austria. They made sure that the rails were delivered to our site in Hilversum in lengths of 108 metres. We then sawed the rails into lengths of 18 metres and applied our Rubbercoat® coating over the entire length.
Transporting rails overseas to the other side of the world is a complex logistical process. To protect the coating, the rails were packed in special bundles during transport to both selected loading ports: Bremerhaven and the port of Antwerp. The rails were then shipped to Hong Kong by MAFI trailer, which is a heavy-duty solution that is suitable for the transport of heavy materials in ports and on ships.
Helping to a achieve longer lifespan
The use of coated rails in a humid environment helps to extend the lifespan of the rail infrastructure. The coating protects the rails against corrosion which significantly increases their lifespan. Requiring the rails to be replaced less frequently decreases the amount of maintenance required. As a positive result higher track availability and significant cost savings for MRT Hong Kong can be guaranteed.
Implementation in Hong Kong
Our service extends beyond processing and supplying rails. Our product was completely new for the personnel of MRT Hong Kong. Moreover, the correct use of Rubbercoat® requires very careful handling. The coating must be protected from damage to preserve its insulating properties. Therefore, MRT Hong Kong personnel was trained on site on all details of working with our coated rails. Besides explaining the technical operations such as drilling, sawing and welding, this also included information about logistical procedures such as loading and unloading coated rails on location. We also identified potential risks of damage and advised MRT Hong Kong personnel, how to minimize those risks. We in fact provided a holistic solution which clearly addressed our customer’s needs.
Do you want to have more information about our coated rails? Please contact Hans van Arkel, Project Manager or Eric Brink, Business Unit Manager Rail Services.
