The water jetting system was fitted to an existing locmotive.
The new track cleaning system is in use on the Tyne and Wear Metro network in North East England with the aim of preventing delays to services during the autumn/winter period.
Supplied as a complete build unit, the water jetting system was fitted to an existing locomotive capable of travelling around the Metro network for 24 hours a day.
The system, using a HPS2200DC pumpset that delivers 85 lpm (22gpm) at 1000bar (14,500 psi), is powered by a Deutz TDC6.1L6 Tier 4 diesel engine. The pumping system is mounted in a weather canopy with roller shutter doors each side and includes remote control from the train driver’s cab.
Water jetting nozzles are positioned over each railhead at the front and rear of the train. A diverter valve, operated from the drivers cab, pushes high pressure water to the front or rear of the train depending on direction of travel. A friction enhancer dispensing pump and 10,000 litre (2,650 gallon) water tank provide 90 minutes of continuous jetting.
