L.B. Foster offers a variety of wheel flange lubrication systems, including single-line, dual-line, and tram systems, tailored to meet the specific needs of railway operations.
Our solid stick wheel flange lubricant products are applied directly to the wheel flange of a rail vehicle.
The lubricant material transfers to the wheel flange and in turn to the gauge face of the rail. A ‘thin film’ is left behind on the gauge face of the rail that provides superior lubrication to the wheel/rail interface.
Benefits of Solid Wheel Flange Lubrication
Extends wheel flange and rail gauge life, enhancing the service life of both
Reduces risk of low-speed wheel climb derailments
Consistent lubrication to train fleet and throughout the rail system
Reduces energy consumption by helping to minimize friction and wear
100% dry system that avoids contamination of the top of rail, track structure, ballast or vehicle equipment
Safer, cleaner and more reliable than oil system alternatives
Contributes to noise reduction by effectively reducing noise in residential areas close to railway lines
Passenger Rail Vehicle Wheel Flange Lubrication
With over 25 years of proven performance in the field, L.B. Foster's KELSAN® LCF is the best-selling solid stick flange lubrication system in the world today. KELSAN LCF is a premium solid flange lubricant that provides a low coefficient of friction.
The product is an engineered composite of solid lubricants bound together by a thermosetting resin that provides excellent protection to wheel flanges. Further benefits for KELSAN LCF are:
Thermal stability ensures no product migration to wheel tread or rail head
Patented interlocking feature to ensure continuous application and minimal stick wastage
Non-toxic
Non-flammable and flame resistant
KELSAN LCF, we also provide a range of wheel flange lubrication solid sticks including:
KELSAN LCF-S2 is a cost-effective wheel flange lubrication solid stick that provides a balance between cost and performance.
KELSAN LCF-AR is the abrasion-resistant wheel flange lubrication solid sticks for harsher environments such as trams.
With over 25 years of proven performance in the field, L.B. Foster's KELSAN® LCF is the best-selling solid stick flange lubrication system in the world today.
Freight Wheel Flange Lubrication to Reduce Friction
L.B. Foster has a range of solid lubricant sticks that are specifically engineered for the challenging heavy haul environment. The products are applied directly to the locomotive wheel flanges that provide the following benefits:
Extend locomotive wheel flange life
Decreased fuel consumption
Reduction in flanging noise
Lowered wheel climb derailment potential
All L.B. Foster's solid flange lubrication products utilize patented interlock to provide consistent product application with minimal wastage. L.B. Foster's products designed specifically for the freight market are:
KELSAN FLCF-HP is a premium solid flange lubricant that provides excellent locomotive flange wear protection
KELSAN FLCF-EC is an economical locomotive wheel flange lubrication solid stick that provides a balance between cost and performance
Ordering and More Information
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Custom System and Hardware Design
Wheel Flange Lubrication solid sticks are applied via a vehicle-mounted spring-loaded applicator and bracket assembly, specifically designed and built for each customer.
The bracket and applicator assembly are attached to the bogie frame of the rail vehicle. The hardware is designed and / or tested to meet each customer’s shock and vibration standards.
With over 25 years of experience implementing wheel flange lubrication friction management programs, L.B. Foster can work with you to determine the coverage and train configuration for your system and flange wear targets.
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Wheel Flange Lubrication FAQs
What is a wheel flange lubrication system and why is it necessary?
A wheel flange lubrication system applies lubricant to train wheel flanges to reduce friction and wear, particularly on curves, enhancing component lifespan and reducing noise.
How does wheel flange lubrication improve rail transport efficiency?
It reduces the energy required to operate trains by minimizing friction, thus improving fuel efficiency and reducing wear on wheels and tracks.
What are solid wheel flange lubrication sticks?
Wheel flange lubrication sticks are precision-engineered composites, composed of solid lubricants bound by a thermosetting resin that delivers superior protection to wheel flanges. These solid sticks come in both interlocking and non-interlocking designs and are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate the specific requirements of any train system.
How often should wheel flange lubrication be performed?
Solid lubricant sticks are continuously applied to ensure consistent lubrication of the wheel flange, forming a thin, protective film. The application rate is self-regulating, with the consumption rate significantly influenced by the curvature of the system.
What are the cost benefits of implementing wheel flange lubrication?
It significantly reduces maintenance costs by extending the life of wheels and rails, decreasing downtime, and improving energy efficiency.
Ordering and More Information
Learn more about this product, complete our short contact form to connect with our expert team.
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