Lubricant

Abstract

A solid lubricant composition which can be used for lubrication of railway wheel to rail contact points. The composition can be adjusted to create lubricants having targeted coefficient of friction properties for optimal performance at the specific sites of application whether on the wheel flange or wheel tread areas. The compound is preferably composed of powder and liquid elements and extruded directly into a finished solid lubricant stick.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates lubricants, principally stick or solid lubricants such as those used in the railway industry to control friction between the contact points of a track and railway wheel.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Rail transportation imposes a unique environment in that the common means of transit involves the use of steel wheels on a steel track. Generally the wheels of a train comprise a tread surface for contacting the crown of a track and a flange extending downward that rides along the inner face of the rails, keeping the train on the track. These two conjoined points of contact provide for unique lubricating challenges. There is both a need for reduced friction, particularly as to the flanges to permit less wear on wheels and flanges and more efficient travel, and at the same time there is the need for friction between the wheel tread and the rail crown to permit traction and the application of motive force to drive a train. This envir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention aims to provide a solid lubricant that can be applied to different zones of a wheel-to-rail contact area with various COF requirements. By using a single production process and varying the components of the lubricant, it can meet the specific needs of each zone without compromising the performance of other zones. The lubricant can be adjusted for application rates due to temperature variations, and can be designed for high or low wear rates, depending on the desired outcome. The invention provides a more efficient and effective lubricant that reduces friction, wear, and noise in the wheel-to-rail contact area, leading to improved safety and performance.

Problems solved by technology

However, in this Howard process the oil is then extracted to leave a microporous membrane and is not used for lubrication.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,415 to Davis discloses a method of dispersing ultra high molecular weight polyethylene into oil to create rigid state gel lubricants; however the Davis '415 gel based lubricants lack the ability to compensate for variable coefficient of friction requirements found in this application.

However the Jamison '856 patent also fails to anticipate the need for varied coefficient of friction applications.

However the Mitrovich patents also focus on the use of molybdenum disulfide as the primary lubricant and fails need of a higher coefficient of friction product for the rail crown point of application.

None of the disclosed prior art provides for a solid lubricant which is both economical and relatively environmentally friendly and which can be manufactured with a singular system for use in a wide range of environments.

Values this high result in high wear rates and significant noise when relative motion is experienced between the wheel and rail.

It has been found that maintaining a coefficient of friction (COF) value in this zone of 0.3 to 0.4 results in significant rail wear and noise reductions without significant loss of motive traction or braking performance.

Given all the variabilities of weather, climate, and rail conditions found in the field, reaching and maintaining this critical window is very difficult.

Misapplication and over application can cause window overshoot and result in compromised braking, traction, and safety issues.

Adjustment of the ratio of the abrasion resistant olefin in the polymer matrix phase can result in a very rapid wearing, high application rate stick or a very slow wearing, low deposition rate stick.