Introducing Total Friction Management at Ausrail
- Oct 01, 2019
- Rail
L.B. Foster exhibited at this year’s AusRAIL PLUS 2019 with its exclusive Australian agent AirLube Rail to introduce the company's comprehensive new TOTAL FRICTION MANAGEMENT (TFM™) capability.
The wide range of operating conditions found in the rail industry demands a multi-systems approach involving on-board and trackside technologies, combined with the provision of project management services. Understanding the implications of modifying friction at the wheel/rail interface is the overriding mission of global sector leaders, L.B. Foster.
Hosted at the prestigious Sydney International Convention Centre, Australia’s first fully-integrated harbourside convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, AusRAIL PLUS 2019 will welcome 300+ exhibitors and 4000+ attendees across three full days of conferences and networking.
TOTAL FRICTION MANAGEMENT is how L.B. Foster systematically assesses, implements and monitors friction control. The company combines this with its technology to monitor, maintain and manage friction to achieve short and long-term performance benefits for rail operators and network owners.
Tony Makowsky is Regional Manager - Australasia Field Service & Customer Support at L.B. Foster. He says: “In the world of friction management, we talk about the deliberate introduction of materials between the wheel and rail to influence friction. In simple terms, it’s about increasing traction (grip) or modifying lubrication to affect the behaviour of passing wheels.
“The wide range of operating conditions found in the rail industry demands a multi-systems approach involving on-board and trackside technologies, combined with the provision of project management services. Understanding the implications of modifying friction at the wheel/rail interface is the overriding mission of global sector leaders, L.B. Foster.”
Also at AusRAIL 2020, Matthew Kwong, Engineer, Track, Yarra Trams (Keolis Downer) joined Tony from 16.00-16.30 on Day 2 of the show (Wednesday 4th December) to present a case study titled: ‘Wayside top of rail friction control: An embedded track solution in a high density tram network’. The presentation takes place in the Rail Track Association Australia (RTAA) Rail Head Management Technical Stream.
