Another successful test with our dust suppressing ballast train in Germany

The 12 wagon test was carried out under the watchful eyes of German giants BG Bau, DB Cargo, the EBA, and other German stakeholders. These German organizations are looking for methods that facilitate the safe unloading of ballast in tunnels. While the unloading crew members Chris and Jan Willem ‘were just going about their usual business’, the German audience appeared intrigued by the workings of this dust suppression unloading system. In barely 30 minutes, the entire amount of ballast was unloaded. Neatly, safe, dust-free, and quick. According to the loaders, this could have been done even quicker. However, for this special occasion, they took their time in order to provide the eastern spectators a detailed demonstration. Later on, René Harkema spoke with BG Bau and DB Netze:

They were very impressed by the performance of our wagons, but a bit disappointed that the test finished rather quickly.

During the entire unloading procedure, BG Bau had been busy doing measurements. And not long after the first measurement results, BG Bau’s Johannes Gehring informed us:

As an experienced measurement technician, I can conclude that the dust suppression unloading system works and that almost all dust has completely been eliminated at the source.

Following the SALT I renovations, the SALT III wagons were further developed with the primary aim of alleviating the work of the unloaders and other railway staff and therefore make the work environment a safer place. When ballast is unloaded, quartz dust is released. This damages the lungs and can even cause lung cancer. That is why we developed the dust suppression system. During the unloading procedure, the released water vapor attaches itself to the dust particles and pushes these particles to the ground. As a result, the particles are no longer inhaled. In conclusion: cleaner air for everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Another innovation made is that it is no longer necessary to get on and off the wagons when turning the valves. Thanks to the hydraulic valves and the remote control, the unloader can remain beside the wagon and operate it with one simple push of a button.

The lamps on the wagons provide sufficient light, which is particularly practical in railway tunnels or at night. The wagons are operated via a control box fastened to the unloader’s belly. In principle, only one box is required for controlling a whole series of wagons. In theory, the entire ballast of – for example - 36 wagons could be unloaded by only one staff member. Moreover, each wagon has a blue lamp that facilitates the connection between the wagon’s system and the unloader’s control box. This is, of course, only possible if the unloader establishes the connection at the proper frequency.

Thanks to the SALT-fund, which was established by ProRail and various contractors in the Netherlands, the financial resources required to convert the FCCPPS wagons into SALT III versions have gradually become available during the past several years. By now, we have about 200 SALT III wagons that are directly ready for use.

Are you interested in the rental of our dust suppressing ballast wagons? Or would you like to receive additional information? Feel free to contact BU manager Rail Transport & Materials René Harkema or your account manager.