US3619551A - Cleaning of rails - Google Patents

Cleaning of rails Download PDF

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Publication number
US3619551A
US3619551A US880197A US3619551DA US3619551A US 3619551 A US3619551 A US 3619551A US 880197 A US880197 A US 880197A US 3619551D A US3619551D A US 3619551DA US 3619551 A US3619551 A US 3619551A
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United States
Prior art keywords
rail
torch
current
cleaning
head
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Expired - Lifetime
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US880197A
Inventor
David John Miller Dobbs
Derek Linder
Leslie John Giles
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British Railways Board
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British Railways Board
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H8/00—Removing undesirable matter from the permanent way of railways; Removing undesirable matter from tramway rails
    • E01H8/10—Removing undesirable matter from rails, flange grooves, or the like railway parts, e.g. removing ice from contact rails, removing mud from flange grooves
    • E01H8/105—Pneumatically or hydraulically loosening, removing or dislodging undesirable matter, e.g. removing by blowing, flushing, suction; Application of melting liquids; Loosening or removing by means of heat, e.g. cleaning by plasma torches, drying by burners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0035—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by radiant energy, e.g. UV, laser, light beam or the like

Definitions

  • a method of cleaning a rail comprises subjecting [52 ⁇ US. Cl. 219/121 P, the head of the rail to the gas jet from a plasma-arc torch 2 19/75 operated in the nontransferred mode, but with an additional [51 Int. Cl 823k 9/00 current passed between the torch and the head of the rail.
  • This invention concerns improvements relating to the cleaning of rails, particularly for the purpose of improving wheelrail adhesion of railway vehicles. it seeks to provide for more effective application of plasma-arc techniques for this purpose.
  • e nonnal plasma generator operated with a fully transferred arc is capable of producing an extremely high temperature on a surface.
  • the heating effect is very localized and experience has shown that it is difficult to move the localized hot spot, or anode spot, uniformly at high speeds.
  • the heating and cleaning effects upon rails to which the arc is applied tend not to be uniform and the arc is liable to be extinguished at discontinuities such as gaps between rails.
  • the plasma generator is used for rail cleaning in the usual nontransferred mode, but an additional current is passed between the torch and the head of the rail.
  • Retum may be by way of the rail and a wheel in contact therewith.
  • This proposal has advantages over both the simple transferred mode and the simple nontransferred mode of operation. As compared with the former, the production of a localized anode spot is avoided.
  • the plasma gas emerging from the generator is utilized as a conductor which is further heated by the passage of a current between the generator and the rail surface. The heating effect of the gas jet in the rail, together with the comparatively low current flowing into the rail inhibits the formation of a constricted anode spot and permits of the attainment of uniform movement of the jet.
  • the partially transferred mode in accordance with the present invention results in a hot stream of gas impinging on the rail surface and destroying or removing contaminants thereon. How ever, it avoids loss of effectiveness due to reduction in the temperature of the gas, by the time the latter strikes the rail, caused by mixture with ambient air.
  • the present proposal ensures that the temperature of the gas is maintained down to the rail surface, thus enhancing the cleaning process both locally and away from the point of impact. Improved flow properties consequent upon the high temperature of the gas stream also contribute to this result.
  • the plasma gas jet may be enhanced either by the superimposition of a supply of direct current on the torch current or by the application of an alternating voltage between the anode of the torch and the rail.
  • alternating current By the use of alternating current, the load on rectification equipment can be substantially reduced.
  • the proposal of the invention affords protection for rail end posts of insulating plastics material or composition.
  • the partially transferred plasma system relies upon the existence of a conducting path. Where insulated rail sections occur, no current will flow and the enhancement is reduced or eliminated, so that insulators are protected.
  • the supplies 1 and 2 comprise three-phase transformers 3 and 4 respectively, variable series reactors 5 and 6 respectively and three-phase rectifiers 7 and 8 respectively.
  • the outputs of these supplies are connected together on the negative side, which is connected to the cathode 9 of the plasma torch 10.
  • the torch 10 is carried upon a vehicle in a position above the rail 12, for example from an axle-box of the vehicle.
  • the anode ll of the torch is connected to the positive side of the supply 1.
  • the positive side of the supply 2 is connected to the rail 12 by way of a contactor switch 13 to a wheel set running on the said rail.
  • the supply 2 is so connected to the frame of a bogie 14 having a heavy-current bond 15 to a bogie axle.
  • the torch 10 itself does not essentially require any modification. If desired, more than one torch can be supplied from a common supply system.
  • the following table gives examples of specific operating conditions for a torch using a mixture of hydrogen and argon in which the hydrogen amounts to ID percent of the mixture, the torch-to-rail spacing being I inch and a gas velocity in the I region of 600 meters per sec. being employed.
  • a method of cleaning a track rail to improve wheel-rail adhesion which comprises,

Abstract

A method of cleaning a rail comprises subjecting the head of the rail to the gas jet from a plasma-arc torch operated in the nontransferred mode, but with an additional current passed between the torch and the head of the rail.

Description

xix
2 l 9-- l 2 l O United States Patent 1111 3,619,551
[72] Inventors David John Miller Dobbs; [50] Field of Search 2 19/121, Derek Linder; Leslie John Giles, all of I21 P, 75; 104/279 London, England [2l] Appl. No. 880,197 References Clted [22] Filed Nov. 26, 1969 UNITED STATES PATENTS w- Nov-9,1971 2,890,970 6/1959 Allen 104/279 x Asslgnee British Railways Board 3,278,720 10/1966 Dixon 219/121 x London, England 3,344,256 9/1967 Anderson.... 219/121 [3 1 Pnomy 5, 1968 3,479,471 11/1969 Smith et al 219/121 x [33] Great Britain [31 57782/68 Primary Examiner-J. V. Truhe Assistant Examiner-C. L. Albritton Attorney-Summers & Young 1541 CLEANING 0F RAILS 5 Chums 1 Drawing ABSTRACT: A method of cleaning a rail comprises subjecting [52} US. Cl. 219/121 P, the head of the rail to the gas jet from a plasma-arc torch 2 19/75 operated in the nontransferred mode, but with an additional [51 Int. Cl 823k 9/00 current passed between the torch and the head of the rail.
'PATENTEnnnv 9 l97| DAV/D J. M. D0888 DEREK UNDER LESLIE J- G/LZES This invention concerns improvements relating to the cleaning of rails, particularly for the purpose of improving wheelrail adhesion of railway vehicles. it seeks to provide for more effective application of plasma-arc techniques for this purpose.
. e nonnal plasma generator operated with a fully transferred arc is capable of producing an extremely high temperature on a surface. The heating effect is very localized and experience has shown that it is difficult to move the localized hot spot, or anode spot, uniformly at high speeds. The heating and cleaning effects upon rails to which the arc is applied tend not to be uniform and the arc is liable to be extinguished at discontinuities such as gaps between rails.
According to the present invention, the plasma generator is used for rail cleaning in the usual nontransferred mode, but an additional current is passed between the torch and the head of the rail. Retum may be by way of the rail and a wheel in contact therewith.
This proposal has advantages over both the simple transferred mode and the simple nontransferred mode of operation. As compared with the former, the production of a localized anode spot is avoided. Basically the plasma gas emerging from the generator is utilized as a conductor which is further heated by the passage of a current between the generator and the rail surface. The heating effect of the gas jet in the rail, together with the comparatively low current flowing into the rail inhibits the formation of a constricted anode spot and permits of the attainment of uniform movement of the jet.
In common with the nontransferred mode of operation, the partially transferred mode in accordance with the present invention results in a hot stream of gas impinging on the rail surface and destroying or removing contaminants thereon. How ever, it avoids loss of effectiveness due to reduction in the temperature of the gas, by the time the latter strikes the rail, caused by mixture with ambient air. The present proposal ensures that the temperature of the gas is maintained down to the rail surface, thus enhancing the cleaning process both locally and away from the point of impact. Improved flow properties consequent upon the high temperature of the gas stream also contribute to this result.
The plasma gas jet may be enhanced either by the superimposition of a supply of direct current on the torch current or by the application of an alternating voltage between the anode of the torch and the rail. By the use of alternating current, the load on rectification equipment can be substantially reduced.
The proposal of the invention affords protection for rail end posts of insulating plastics material or composition. For the enhancement of the jet to be effective, the partially transferred plasma system relies upon the existence of a conducting path. Where insulated rail sections occur, no current will flow and the enhancement is reduced or eliminated, so that insulators are protected.
Examples of different gases which may be employed are indicated in the following table, together with suitable flow conditions and enhancement voltages:
a I claim:
Nitrogen Compressed Air lO-IOO lO-lOO An example of apparatus suitable for carrying the invention into effect is illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawing.
Separate high-reactance power supplies 1 and 2 are provided for the current for the plasma torch itself and for the superimposed enhancement current respectively. The supplies 1 and 2 comprise three-phase transformers 3 and 4 respectively, variable series reactors 5 and 6 respectively and three-phase rectifiers 7 and 8 respectively. The outputs of these supplies are connected together on the negative side, which is connected to the cathode 9 of the plasma torch 10. The torch 10 is carried upon a vehicle in a position above the rail 12, for example from an axle-box of the vehicle. The anode ll of the torch is connected to the positive side of the supply 1. The positive side of the supply 2 is connected to the rail 12 by way of a contactor switch 13 to a wheel set running on the said rail. As diagrammatically shown, the supply 2 is so connected to the frame of a bogie 14 having a heavy-current bond 15 to a bogie axle. For use in accordance with the present invention, as compared with use simply in a normal nontransferred mode, the torch 10 itself does not essentially require any modification. If desired, more than one torch can be supplied from a common supply system.
With a supply system such as has been described, falling current/voltage characteristic supplies can be obtained by simple means.
in place of the enhancement supply 2, use could be made of a DC generator with a series resistance arrangement. A falling current/voltage characteristic would again be provided.
The following table gives examples of specific operating conditions for a torch using a mixture of hydrogen and argon in which the hydrogen amounts to ID percent of the mixture, the torch-to-rail spacing being I inch and a gas velocity in the I region of 600 meters per sec. being employed.
Enhance- Iorch volts merit volt- Torch cur- Enlisuco- Gas flow (suode-csthage (anoderont, amps. ment eur- (in litres ode) volts rail) volts rent amps. per minute) 7 120 12 30 1 140 25 76 +3 188 30 l. A method of cleaning a track rail to improve wheel-rail adhesion which comprises,
subjecting the head of the rail to the effluent from a plasmaare torch operated in the transferred mode, simultaneously passing an additional electric current between the torch and the head of the rail.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plasma gas jet is enhanced by the application of a DC voltage between the anode of the torch and the rail.
3. A method claimed in claim 1, wherein the plasma gas jet is enhanced by the application of an AC voltage between the torch and the rail.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply to the torch and the supply for the additional current have falling voltage/current characteristics.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torch is supplied from two separate sources having common negative side 5 to which the cathode of the torch is connected, the positive

Claims (5)

1. A method of cleaning a track rail to improve wheel-rail adhesion which comprises, subjecting the head of the rail to the effluent from a plasmaarc torch operated in the transferred mode, simultaneously passing an additional electric current between the torch and the head of the rail.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plasma gas jet is enhanced by the application of a DC voltage between the anode of the torch and the rail.
3. A method claimed in claim 1, wherein the plasma gas jet is enhanced by the application of an AC voltage between the torch and the rail.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply to the torch and the supply for the additional current have falling voltage/current characteristics.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torch is supplied from two separate sources having common negative side to which the cathode of the torch is connected, the positive sides of the said supplies being connected to the anode of the torch and by way of wheel contact to the rail respectively.
US880197A 1968-12-05 1969-11-26 Cleaning of rails Expired - Lifetime US3619551A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB57782/68A GB1287744A (en) 1968-12-05 1968-12-05 Improvements relating to the cleaning of rails

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US3619551A true US3619551A (en) 1971-11-09

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US (1) US3619551A (en)
AT (1) AT299286B (en)
CH (1) CH503846A (en)
CS (1) CS150294B2 (en)
DE (1) DE1960996B2 (en)
FR (1) FR2025447A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1287744A (en)
NL (1) NL6918335A (en)
PL (1) PL71474B1 (en)
RO (1) RO55528A (en)
SE (1) SE353558B (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2553310A1 (en) * 1983-10-17 1985-04-19 Gen Electric APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLASMA JET CLEANING
US5462609A (en) * 1991-03-18 1995-10-31 Aluminum Company Of America Electric arc method for treating the surface of lithoplate and other metals
US9949356B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2018-04-17 Lincoln Global, Inc. Electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202015009154U1 (en) * 2015-10-21 2016-12-08 OOO Gazprom transgaz Sankt Petersburg Apparatus for arc plasma surface cleaning of metal products and a device therefor
GB2572167B (en) * 2018-03-21 2020-03-25 The Imagination Factory Ltd A surface conditioning device for railway tracks or wheels
GB2593764B (en) * 2020-04-02 2024-02-07 Plasmatrack Ltd Surface conditioning of railway tracks or wheels

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2890970A (en) * 1954-07-23 1959-06-16 Gen Electric Method of treating rails to prevent oil films
US3278720A (en) * 1964-02-12 1966-10-11 Reynolds Metals Co Method and apparatus for welding metal members
US3344256A (en) * 1967-09-26 Method for producing arcs
US3479471A (en) * 1967-11-01 1969-11-18 United Aircraft Corp Electric plasma moving current collector

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3344256A (en) * 1967-09-26 Method for producing arcs
US2890970A (en) * 1954-07-23 1959-06-16 Gen Electric Method of treating rails to prevent oil films
US3278720A (en) * 1964-02-12 1966-10-11 Reynolds Metals Co Method and apparatus for welding metal members
US3479471A (en) * 1967-11-01 1969-11-18 United Aircraft Corp Electric plasma moving current collector

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2553310A1 (en) * 1983-10-17 1985-04-19 Gen Electric APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLASMA JET CLEANING
US4555612A (en) * 1983-10-17 1985-11-26 General Electric Co. Plasma jet cleaning apparatus and method
US5462609A (en) * 1991-03-18 1995-10-31 Aluminum Company Of America Electric arc method for treating the surface of lithoplate and other metals
US9949356B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2018-04-17 Lincoln Global, Inc. Electrode for a plasma arc cutting torch

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Publication number Publication date
DE1960996B2 (en) 1972-12-21
SE353558B (en) 1973-02-05
CH503846A (en) 1971-02-28
GB1287744A (en) 1972-09-06
DE1960996A1 (en) 1970-06-11
AT299286B (en) 1972-06-12
PL71474B1 (en) 1974-06-29
CS150294B2 (en) 1973-09-04
NL6918335A (en) 1970-06-09
RO55528A (en) 1973-08-20
FR2025447A1 (en) 1970-09-11

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