Sponsored article from Torrent Trackside.
The electrification of the UK’s rail network has been a key goal for the UK rail industry since the 1960’s. It is the favoured method of powering trains for a number of reasons. Electric trains are cheaper in many aspects compared to diesel trains. They are cheaper to build and cheaper to run. Due to their lightweight construction they use less fuel and cause less wear to the tracks. The simpler electric engines mean maintenance costs are significantly reduced.
Electric trains are also better for the environment. There is zero pollution during their operation. The electricity produced by power stations is made more efficiently therefore electric trains have up to a 30 per cent lower carbon footprint than diesel trains. They are also quieter, faster and are more comfortable due to less vibration.
Overhead Line Equipment is a vital part of the UK’s rail electrification process. OLE is the name given to the collection of structures positioned above electrified railways and consists of masts, gantries and wires all with the purpose of supplying the required electrical power to run the trains electric motors.
The construction and installation of OLE equipment is a complex business and as such requires specialist tools and equipment. Torrent Trackside has a division dedicated to OLE and can hire a full range of this equipment.
The power cables carry 25,000 volts AC and Torrent Trackside supply a range of earth poles and live line testers to ensure the safety of the engineers. The electricity is transferred to the train via a cantilevered contact wire that pushes against a sprung pantograph attached to the train. The wire is staggered in a zig zag path to avoid wearing down a groove in the pantograph.
The wire is a key element of the OLE set up and Torrent Trackside provides numerous tools that assist in the maintenance and installation of the cable from wire straighteners to de-kinking tools. The wire also needs to kept at the required tension to ensure constant contact with the train’s pantograph and Torrent Trackside has a range of Bowthorpe equipment which is used with slings, shackles, lifting products and measuring equipment to ensure the cable is kept at the optimum tension.
As nearly all OLE work is undertaken at height Torrent Trackside has chosen equipment that is powerful but also lightweight. Battery powered equipment is ideal for this task with the added advantage of no exhaust emissions and increased torque when compared to petrol powered tools. Numerous battery powered drills, cable cutters and crimpers are supplied.
Torrent Trackside has a large fleet of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) which provide a versatile and stable platform for OLE projects. The machines can operate on and off track with a spacious platform that can hold up to three engineers and equipment up to 400kg. The basket can be rotated and moved vertically and horizontally.
OLE work is time sensitive and Torrent Trackside’s near 100 per cent reliability record ensures equipment is delivered in top condition so downtime is minimised. Our national network of depots can supply equipment where it is needed anywhere in the country.
