Device and method for coating rails

Abstract

A treatment assembly (1) adapted for the heat treatment of railway rails (300), comprising a mobile cleaning unit (100) and a coating unit (200) including several coating nozzles (219a, 219b) of which at least two pairs of nozzles are oriented so as to spray the surface of the rails except the tread (304); Method for heat treatment of railway rails, thermal coating of rails and cleaning (100) and coating (200) units.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a railway track rail coating unit for treating the surface of rails, or more particularly the surface of rails, preferably outside the running surface. The surface treatment aims to make the rails less sensitive to heat and / or sunlight, and consequently to limit rail expansion. The present invention further relates to a treatment assembly comprising such a coating unit. The treatment assembly further includes a cleaning unit adapted for preparing the rail surface for coating. The present invention also relates to a surface coating adapted for the heat treatment of railway rails, particularly for lowering their temperature. The present invention further covers a method for treating the surface of rails for reducing their temperature. State of the art

[0002] The wide temperature range in certain regions, particularly in the sunniest areas, can place significant stress on transport infrastructure, especially rail transport. High temperatures lead to substantial expansion of the rails, resulting in increased mechanical stress on the tracks, necessitating enhanced monitoring, more intensive maintenance, and sometimes posing risks to transport safety.

[0003] Light-colored coatings, particularly white ones, are known to reflect light and reduce the heat generated by objects coated with them. Many buildings, including their roofs, are therefore whitewashed to maintain interior coolness during periods of intense heat.

[0004] Technical surfaces such as railway tracks are, however, more demanding in terms of regulatory constraints, technical performance, and safety. Attempts to coat railway tracks have so far yielded only moderate results in terms of rail thermal performance. Furthermore, difficulties related to the durability or resistance of the coatings limit their benefits.

[0005] Reflective coatings are also subject to environmental standards. They must not contain any toxic substances, such as solvents, that could leach into the environment. However, they must offer sufficient thermal performance to justify their use. Furthermore, they must be sufficiently resistant to the mechanical and climatic stresses associated with railway track use. Brief summary of the invention

[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a railway track treatment system adapted for rail coating. Specifically, it involves coating the rails with a light-reflecting material, in this case, infrared-reflecting. The objective is, in particular, to coat the rail surface without compromising safety standards. The rail surface in contact with train wheels must remain unaffected.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a coating unit adapted for the heat treatment of railway tracks. Such a coating unit aims to coat the surface of the rails, or a portion thereof, precisely and reproducibly.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning unit suitable for preparing rail surfaces for coating. A specific aim is to provide a cleaning unit that enables durable coating of railway tracks.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a surface coating for railway tracks that limits their thermal expansion. Specifically, the aim is to provide a material with sufficient performance to significantly reduce the surface temperature of the rails, and consequently their expansion. One objective is to provide a thermal coating that lowers the surface temperature of the rails by more than 5°C, or even more than 7°C or 10°C, and more particularly by more than 12°C. Such a temperature reduction is particularly significant in environments where the ambient temperature exceeds 30°C, or even 40°C or 50°C.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for treating railway tracks suitable for lowering the surface temperature of the rails by at least 5°C, or even by more than 7°C or more than 10°C, and more particularly by more than 12°C. The method aims in particular to carry out surface treatment in compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and the mechanical constraints related to the use of railway tracks.

[0011] According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of the cleaning, coating units and their combination, as well as the coating material and the coating method which are the subject of the independent claims, and described in more detail in the dependent claims.

[0012] This solution has the advantage over the previous art of limiting the adverse effects of rail expansion under the effect of high temperatures, particularly in terms of maintenance, monitoring and safety of tracks and transport operations. Brief description of the figures

[0013] Examples of implementation of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the following figures: Figure 1 : schematic representation of a processing unit according to an example of the present invention Figure 2 Schematic representation of a cleaning mold according to an example of the present invention Figure 3 Details of a cleaning module according to an example of the present invention Figure 4 Cross-sectional representation of a railway track Figure 5 : schematic representation of a coating unit according to an example of the present invention Figure 6Schematic representation of a coating module according to an example of the present invention Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a rail after treatment according to the present invention Figure 8 : schematic representation of the arrangement of the coating nozzles according to an example of the present invention Figure 9 Details of the coating module according to the present invention Figure 10 Schematic representation of the orientation of the coating nozzles according to an example of the present invention Figure 11 Schematic representation of a modular trolley according to an example of the present invention Figure 12 Schematic representation of a coating unit according to an example of the present invention Figure 13 Schematic representation of the coating layers according to an example of the present invention Example(s) of an embodiment of the invention

[0014] With reference to the figure 1 The present invention covers a set of treatments 1,including a cleaning unit 100 and a coating unit 200. The cleaning units 100 and coating 200 They are mobile along the track being treated. They can be individually motorized so as to be autonomous. Alternatively, they can be, independently or in combination, towed by a motor (not shown).

[0015] According to one embodiment, as schematically represented by the figure 1 , the cleaning units 100 and coating 200 represent two distinct and separate, or separable, units. In particular, each of these units can take the form of a railway carriage and can thus be separated from the other. Alternatively, the two cleaning units 100 and coating 200can form a single, inseparable platform. In this case, the corresponding equipment can be combined on a single railway wagon. Alternatively, the processing unit 1 It includes other elements such as a platform or a feeder or storage wagon. One or more wagons can thus be connected to one or the other of the cleaning units. 100 and coating 200. An intermediate trolley can, for example, be inserted between the cleaning unit 100 and the coating unit 200. Depending on the size of the equipment, the distances to be treated, or any other relevant parameter, the professional will be able to adapt the configuration of the cleaning units. 100 and coating 200 in the best way.

[0016] The processing unit 1 can thus move in at least one direction of advancement DA.In its functional configuration, the cleaning unit 100 is positioned upstream of the coating unit 200. In other words, the cleaning unit 100 is the first in the direction of advancement DA and the coating unit 200 is next. Such an arrangement corresponds to the order of implementation of the treatment steps, which are detailed later, in which the cleaning of the rails 300 intervenes before their coating. The functional configuration refers to the arrangement in which the processing unit is able to apply the rail coating. This does not preclude the processing unit 1 can move in the opposite direction to the direction of advancement DA. This provision makes it possible in particular to return to a section that has already been treated or partially treated and to perfect or finalize the coating.

[0017] Each of the cleaning units 100 and coating 200 can be independently activated during the movement of the processing assembly 1 on the tracks. According to one embodiment, the two cleaning units 100 and coating 200 are activated simultaneously, so that during the movement of the entire processing unit 1 in the direction of advancement DA, the rails are cleaned by the cleaning unit 100 then processed by the coating unit 200 in the same movement of the entire processing unit 1. According to another embodiment, the cleaning unit 100 can be deactivated or even detached from the coating unit 200, the coating unit 200 being the only active one. This arrangement allows, for example, the rails to be covered. 300A surface treatment material can be applied if the rail surface is deemed sufficiently clean or has already been primed. Alternatively, a section already treated with a first layer of coating can be covered, and this first layer can be supplemented with one or more additional layers of coating. In this case, cleaning is no longer required.

[0018] The cleaning unit 100 is equipped with a cleaning module 110 rails 300. The cleaning module 110 is preferably in contact with the rails 300, in solidarity with the cleaning unit 100 so as to progress along the track during cleaning. The cleaning module 110 is shown in more detail at the figure 2It includes, in particular, a wheel system 111 allowing it to move on the rails 300. It has at least one wheel per rail, arranged in a specific configuration. The cleaning module 110 has four wheels 111, arranged opposite each other in pairs. The cleaning module 110 thus spans the track and allows for the simultaneous cleaning of both rails 300 that make up the track. The wheels 111 can be fitted with fairings to protect them during cleaning operations.

[0019] The cleaning module 110 includes at least one transverse structure 112 for securing the wheels 111. The transverse structure 112 can, according to one embodiment, be adapted in length so as to adjust the wheel spacing 111 to the rail spacing 300. The cross-sectional structure 112 may therefore include a first part 112a and a second part 112badjustable relative to each other. The first 112a and the second 112b Parts can, for example, be combined telescopically. Locking points such as pins can be provided to maintain the wheel spacing. 111 suitable. Alternatively, a clamping system allows continuous adjustment of the first 112a and second 112b sections. Thus, different types of tracks can be cleaned with the same cleaning module. 110. In particular, the cleaning module is suitable for both 1435 cm and 1668 cm metric gauge track. Other types can of course be considered.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cleaning module 110 includes a longitudinal structure 115 oriented in the direction of the cleaning module's movement along the tracks. The longitudinal structure 115It may, for example, include two parallel side rails joined by the transverse structure. The wheels 111 can be attached to each of the longitudinal structure's longitudinal members 115. The parallel stringers can, in particular, be aligned with the rails. 300 on which the cleaning module progresses 110.

[0021] Transverse structures 112 and longitudinal 115 thus form a rigid trolley that can be towed on the track. It is understood that other arrangements can be envisaged, according to which the transverse structure consists, for example, of several parallel transverse stringers, or of a platform.

[0022] The cleaning module 110 includes a hanging device 113 allowing it to be attached to the cleaning unit 100.The towing device includes, for example, a tow bar and suitable fixings at each of its ends. The towing device 113 can be attached to the cross structure 112, to the longitudinal structure 115, or to other structural elements of the cleaning module 110. The attachment structure 113 is preferably articulated so as to pivot around a vertical plane to adapt to the height of the cleaning unit 100 to which it is connected.

[0023] The cleaning module 110 includes a support structure 114a, 114b allowing cleaning tools to be held in a functional position relative to the rails 300. Depending on the needs, the support structure 114a, 114b is linked to one or more of the cross-cutting structures 112 and longitudinal 115.The support structure allows, in particular, for the placement of cleaning tools on either side of each of the rails. 300 of the track. The inner and outer sides of the rails 300 can thus be cleaned. The support structure 114a, 114b In this case, it can be fixed to the longitudinal structure, in particular to the parallel stringers that are aligned with the rails. 300.

[0024] Cleaning tools can take the form of projection nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c of an abrasive element such as sand or any equivalent ( figure 3 The projection of such an abrasive element onto the surface of the rails 300 This allows them to be stripped and any residue removed, especially rust. Cleaning tools can also take other forms, such as rotary brushes or other suitable devices. Various cleaning tools can also be arranged on a cleaning module.110. The number of cleaning tools is theoretically unlimited. However, it is advisable that at least two cleaning tools be positioned opposite each other for each rail. 300 and oriented so as to clean the external and internal faces of the rails 300. According to a specific provision, the cleaning module 110 may include a set of three pairs of nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c on each of the longitudinal stringers, each producing a jet of abrasive material 118a, 118b, 118c ( figure 3 The jets of abrasive material are directed so as to cover the entire surface of the rail 300 to clean. In particular, one of the pairs of jets 116a can be oriented towards the base 301 of the rail ( figure 4 ), a second pair of jets 116b can be oriented towards the head 303 and one of the pairs of jets directed towards the lateral surfaces 302. The pair of nozzles directed towards the base 301can be inclined downwards at an angle of approximately 10° to 50° from the horizontal, for example, at an angle of 30° to 40°. A second pair of nozzles directed towards the lateral surfaces 302 They can be inclined downwards at the same or different angles, within a range of approximately 10° to 50°, or even 20° to 40°. A pair of nozzles facing the head 303 The rail can be positioned horizontally or at an angle ranging from 20° to -20° from the horizontal, or even from 10° to -10°. The installation of the cleaning nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c on the cleaning module 110 is adapted to the section of rail to be treated. The cleaning nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c For example, they can all be installed on the cleaning unit 110 at the same height from the ground and at an appropriate angle of inclination to specifically treat the base 301, the lateral faces 302 and the head of the rail 300.Alternatively, the cleaning nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c They can be installed on the cleaning unit at different heights and / or with appropriate orientations. To optimize cleaning, one or more additional pairs of cleaning nozzles can be arranged on the cleaning module. 110.

[0025] Cleaning operations using cleaning nozzles 116a, 116b, 116c These generally refer to sandblasting or air-abrasive blasting operations familiar to those skilled in the art. Rigid or flexible pipes 117 allow the abrasive material to be conveyed to the cleaning nozzles.

[0026] The cleaning unit 100 It includes, for this purpose, the equipment necessary for conveying the abrasive material to the nozzles. 116a, 116b, 116c. It may include, for example, at least one compressor 101, at least one container of abrasive material 102 and a control console 103allowing an operator to implement the cleaning unit ( figure 5 Other devices, such as a generator for producing electricity, or a water or additive reservoir, can be implemented as needed. For example, the cleaning nozzles can be combined with a compressor capable of delivering flow rates of 10 to 30 m³ of air per minute, typically around 20 m³ of air per minute or more.

[0027] The coating unit 200, is equipped with a coating module 210, illustrated at figure 6 The coating module 210 is preferably in contact with the rails 300 that it aims to address. The coating module 200 may have a structure similar or identical to the cleaning module 110, including in this case at least one cross-sectional structure 212, 212a, 212b,which can be adjusted in length to fit the rail gauge. Thus, different types of track can be treated with the same track lining module. 210. In particular, the track module is suitable for both 1435 cm and 1668 cm gauge track. Other gauges can, of course, be considered. The track module 210 may include at least one longitudinal structure 215 combined with the transverse structure 212. At least one pair of wheels 211, Preferably, two pairs of wheels are arranged on the longitudinal structure to allow the movement of the coating module. 210 along the track. The wheels 211 They can be enclosed to protect them from splash residue. The longitudinal structures 215 and transversal 212 They thus form a rigid trolley that can be towed along the track. A coupling device 213is designed to tow the coating module 210. Such a trolley can be identical to the trolley used as a cleaning module 110, on which the tools necessary for coating the rails 300 are suitable. The coating unit 210 also includes a support structure 214a, 214b. The support structure can, for example, be fixed to the longitudinal structure. 215 so as to keep the coating tools in the correct position for applying the rail coating 300.

[0028] An additional protective device 218 may be designed to limit the dispersion of the coating in the environment and on the elements of the coating module 210. The protective device 218 for example, it can take the form of blackout screens, arranged perpendicular to the rails. 300, that is to say, parallel to the transverse structure 212and near the coating nozzles 219, 219a, 219b. Such a protective device 218 can extend downwards on either side of the rail 300, right up to near ground level. In other words, the protective device 218 can take the form of a screen with openings in its lower central part, extending down to below wheel level 211 of the coating unit 210. Such a screen can be a rigid plate, such as a metal plate, or a flexible flap such as a rubber or plastic flap.

[0029] Coating tools can take the form of spray nozzles. 219a, 219b adapted for the application of a coating material. The coating material refers to a fluid product suitable for covering the surface of the rails. 300.A coating material can, for example, take the form of paint or plaster, and can be single-layer or multi-layered. The coating material is described in more detail later. Spray nozzles 219a, 219b are, for example, arranged on the support structure 214a, 214b of the coating unit 210 so as to be able to cover the two opposite lateral surfaces of each of the rails 300 of the road.

[0030] The arrangement of the nozzles 219, 219a, 219b coating on the coating module 210 is adapted to spray the surface of the rails 300 except for the inner upper part 304 ( figure 7 ) corresponding to the tread. A first delimitation 305 The coating corresponds, for example, to the upper longitudinal central axis of the rail. In this way, the inner half of the upper surface of the rail 300remains uncoated. Depending on the requirements, the first boundary can be shifted towards the outside of the rail. 300 so that less than 50% of the upper surface of the rail is covered, for example only 40% or 30%. The coating nozzle settings are adjusted accordingly. In particular, the spray angle, height, and width can be adjusted. The second boundary can, for example, correspond to the field angle. 306 between the upper surface of the rail and the internal field of the head 304. The surface of the rail located between the first 305 and the second 306 The boundaries thus remain free of coating, so that the running conditions remain unchanged by the treatment of the rails. 300.

[0031] According to one embodiment, several coating nozzles are arranged at heights, distances from the rail, and inclinations suitable for enabling such partial coating of the rail surface. 300. THE figures 8 And 9 They provide an example of such an arrangement. For each of the treated rails, a set of 4 coating nozzles can be provided, including a low external nozzle 219a1, an external high nozzle 219a2, a low internal nozzle 219b1 and a high internal nozzle 219b1. The terms "internal" and "external" refer respectively to the space between the rails, internal to the track, and the space external to the track. The terms "high" and "low" refer to the relative height between the nozzles in question, with the high nozzle being located at the head of the track. 303 of the rail or higher, and the lower nozzle being positioned facing the lateral surface 302 of the rail.

[0032] The external high nozzle 219a2is preferably positioned overhanging the head 303 of the rail so as to spray a portion of its upper surface, up to the first boundary 305. The internal high nozzle 219b2 is preferably positioned lower than the outer high nozzle, so as to avoid spraying the tread 304. For example, it can be positioned opposite the head 303. The outer low nozzle 219a1 is arranged so as to cover the entire external lateral surface 300e rail 300. The internal lower nozzle 219b1 can be positioned opposite, at a height approximately the same as the external lower nozzle, or lower or higher. In this way, the internal lower nozzle 219b1 allows to cover the internal surface 300i of the rail not yet covered by the internal upper nozzle 219b2.A partial overlap of the jets from the upper and lower external nozzles is permitted. An overlap of the jets from the upper and lower internal nozzles is also permitted. However, any overlap of the jets from the upper internal and external nozzles is excluded to avoid covering the tread. 304.

[0033] In addition to the relative height of the nozzles, their inclination can be adjusted. The coating nozzles can independently assume an inclination angle between 0° and 60° relative to the horizontal. The external high nozzle 219a2 can, for example, take on an angle of inclination Ta2 downwards suitable for spraying the required surface of the head 303 rail 300. The tilt can be adjusted according to the height of the nozzle. 219a2. An angle of inclination Ta2can be, for example, between 10° and 60°, or between 20° and 50°, or limited to a value of 25° to 40°. The internal upper nozzle 219b2 can be tilted downwards at an angle Tb2 with a value between 0° and 40°, such as 5° to 30°, it being understood that the value of 0° corresponds to horizontal and therefore does not designate any inclination. The internal lower nozzles 219b1 and external 219a1 They can remain relatively shallowly inclined relative to the horizontal. They can independently assume an inclination of approximately -20° to +20° or between -10° and +10° on either side of the horizontal, with negative values ​​indicating, for example, a downward orientation. Inclination is understood here as a vertical angular position.

[0034] The terms "vertical", "horizontal" and their related terms are understood according to their usual meaning.

[0035] In addition to the relative heights and orientations of the coating nozzles, their distance from the rail surface 300 can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the upper nozzles are preferably arranged close to the rail 300. In other words, the upper nozzles are closer together than the lower nozzles. The distances can be determined relative to the rail. 300. For example, the external high nozzle 219a2 can be placed at a distance Da2 of the external surface 300e of the rail, the internal high nozzle 219b2 at a distance Db2 of the internal surface 300i of the rail, the external lower nozzle 219a1 at a distance Da1 of the external surface 300e of the rail and the external lower nozzle 219b1 at a distance Db1 of the external surface 300e of the rail. The distances can be determined according to a horizontal projection between the nozzle and the rail.

[0036] Alternatively, or in addition, distances are determined between two nozzles. For example, internal high nozzles 219b2 and external 219a2 can be separated from each other by a high nozzle distance Dh. The internal low nozzles 219b1 and external 219a1 can be separated from each other by a low nozzle distance db. The high nozzle distance Dh is preferably less than the low nozzle distance db. Thus, the precision of the spraying on the head 303 rail 300 is increased. The spray width can also remain limited and focus on the head 303 of the rail. The greatest distance between the low nozzles Db allows for wider spraying of the lateral surfaces of the rail.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the spray angle, which determines the width of the jet from the coating nozzles, can be adjusted. The spray angle of the coating nozzles can vary independently from 10° to 70° or 60°. The spray angle Jb2 of the internal high nozzle 219b2 For example, it can remain limited, so as to focus the jet on the field of the head 303 without covering the tread 304. It can, for example, be between 10° and 50°, preferably in the range of 20° to 40°. The spray angle Ja2 from the external high nozzle 219a2 It may be possible to adapt it to cover the outer half of the head surface 303 and the external field. It can be larger than the angle Jb2. In this case, it can take a value of approximately 15° to 60°, or preferably 25° to 45°. The spray angle Ja1The outer lower nozzle can be wide enough to cover a large portion of the external surface 300e. It is typically greater than 45°, sometimes even greater than 60°. The spray angle Jb1 of the internal lower nozzle 219b1 may be substantially equivalent to that of the external lower nozzle.

[0038] The spray angles can be adjusted according to the distances from the rail. Therefore, several combinations of angle and distance can be applied for the desired result.

[0039] The inclination of the coating nozzles can alternatively or additionally be adjusted according to either the spray angle and distance parameters.

[0040] The relative heights of the coating nozzles, their distance from the rail or between each other, and their inclination can be adjusted using suitable adjustment devices. In one embodiment, the nozzle height can be adjusted via a height adjustment device. 221 ( figure 9 Such a height adjustment device can, for example, take the form of a jaw in which a suspension slides. 222 Now, the nozzle needs adjusting. The jaw can be tightened or loosened by a suitable device, such as a clamping screw, a quarter-turn lever, or any equivalent. Alternatively, the suspension can be provided with several holes into which a pin can be inserted to hold it at the required height. Other equivalent systems may be considered.

[0041] The distance between the nozzles and / or from the rail can be adjusted via a distance adjustment device.220. Such a device can take the form of a sliding flange along the support structure. 214a, 214b or another suitable structure. The sliding flange can be linked to the suspension. 222 via the height adjustment device. The sliding bracket 220 can be locked onto the support structure by means of a lever or clamping screw or any equivalent system.

[0042] The angle of the nozzles can be adjusted, for example, using an angular adjustment device. 223, This can take the form of a ball joint or a set of articulated axes. Such a device can be rigid enough to allow manual adjustment of the tilt by force, so that the tilt remains stable. Alternatively, a free tilt can be provided, which can be fixed in a required position by a locking or clamping device.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the coating nozzles 219a, 219b are oriented with respect to the direction of advancement DA ( Figure 10 ) with an angle of orientation 2a, 2b different from 90°. According to a preferred arrangement, the coating nozzles 219a, 219b are oriented in the direction of travel, making, for example, an angle with the direction of travel between 30° and 89°, or even on the order of 40° to 80°. The external coating nozzles 219a can have an angle of orientation 2a identical or different from the orientation angle 2b internal coating nozzles 219b. Alternatively, or in addition, the high internal coating nozzles 219b2 and low 219b1 Each can assume a specific orientation angle, which may be identical or different from one another. Alternatively, the high external coating nozzles 219b1 and low 219a1can each take on a specific angle of orientation, identical or different from each other.

[0044] There figure 7 shows the details of a rail treated according to the terms of this description. The inner surface 300i denotes the lateral surface oriented towards the center of the track, between the two rails, while the external surface 300e denotes the opposite surface, oriented towards the outside of the lane. The surface 500 covers a proportion of the rail surface 300 between 70% and 95%, for example, around 80% to 90% of the rail surface, the free surface 304 the remaining area corresponding to the tread. The free surface then represents between 5% and 30% of the rail.

[0045] The coverage area is therefore large enough to achieve a significant thermal effect.

[0046] There figure 11shows an example of a modular trolley that can be used as a cleaning module 110 or as a coating module 210. According to this embodiment, such a cart 410 including a cross-section 412, which can be adjusted thanks to a first 412a and a second 412b parts, a longitudinal structure 415 and at least one pair of wheels 411 ( figure 7 ) can be used interchangeably as a single base that can be equipped as a cleaning module 110 or as a coating module 210. For this purpose, accessories can be fitted to it, allowing the attachment of either cleaning tools or coating tools. Such a modular trolley offers great flexibility of use.

[0047] The coating unit 200 includes the equipment necessary for rail coating ( figure 12) including at least one initial storage tank 201 adapted for storing a primary coating material. This primary coating material can be a fluid of varying viscosity or a liquid. Examples include an adhesion promoter, paint, or rust inhibitor. The primary coating material can be stored in its directly applicable form or combined with other products such as hardeners, additives, or reagents during application. Viscosity-modifying agents may also be included. The primary storage tank 201 is connected to the coating module 210 via suitable pipes, so that the coating nozzles 219a, 219b, or at least some of them, disperse the first coating material onto the rails.

[0048] The coating unit 200 includes at least one second storage tank 202adapted for storing a second coating material. The second coating material can be a fluid of varying viscosity or a liquid. It can be, in particular, a paint or any equivalent coating. The second storage tank 202 is connected to the coating nozzles 219a, 219b or at least to some of them via conduits adapted to the path of the second coating material.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the coating module 210 It includes one or more additional coating nozzles for spraying surfaces adjacent to the rails. 300. In particular, one or more coating nozzles can be directed towards the ballast, close to the rails.

[0050] The coating unit 200 may include one or more additional tanks, for example a third storage tank 203.Such a storage tank can be used to store a larger quantity of either the first or second coating material. In this case, the first coating material can be stored in the first storage tank. 201 and the second coating material in the second 202 and third 203 storage tanks. According to such an arrangement, the first coating material may refer to a primer and the second coating material to a paint.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the coating unit comprises a first storage tank 201 comprising a first lining material and a second storage tank 202, comprising a mixture of a second and a third coating material.

[0052] The first 201, second 202 and third 203The storage tanks have a suitable capacity for treating a track length of approximately 10 to 50 km, particularly 15 to 30 km. They can independently hold, for example, 200 to 1500 liters of material sprayable by the coating nozzles. In this case, they can hold 600 to 700 liters or 1000 liters of the required material.

[0053] According to one embodiment, all the coating nozzles 219a, 219b are adapted for dispersing all coating materials, sequentially or in combination. Alternatively, some of the coating nozzles 219a, 219b can be dedicated to either of the coating materials.

[0054] More than three storage tanks can be provided. More than two coating materials may also be required, depending on the needs. Several coating materials can be pumped simultaneously into multiple storage tanks and sprayed together onto the surfaces to be treated. In addition, cleaning products can be stored in suitable tanks for rinsing the coating nozzles after use. A water tank can also be provided for this purpose.

[0055] One or more of the storage tanks may be equipped with an agitator or mixer to keep the lining material sufficiently homogeneous.

[0056] The coating unit 200It also includes any necessary pumps, power sources such as generators, compressors, and other suitable equipment, particularly valves that can be operated manually or by motor. It may also include a control panel independent of the cleaning unit's control panel. 100.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the coating unit 200 includes in the upstream position of the coating module 200 a dusting module 204 adapted for the removal or suction of any dust still present on the rail after the cleaning module has passed 110. Such a dusting module can take the form of a vacuum cleaner, or on the contrary a compressed air device, or a mechanical sweeping device such as a rotating brush or any other tool deemed suitable to rid the surfaces to be treated of their impurities.

[0058] The present invention covers a coating 500 suitable for thermal protection of rails 300. The coating 500 includes in particular at least a first layer of a first coating material 501. The first layer of a primary coating material is in direct contact with the surface of the rail to be treated. The rail surface is cleaned beforehand, for example using the cleaning unit. 100 described above. The first layer of the first coating material 501 It can be an adhesion primer, facilitating the adhesion of a second coating material. 502. Alternatively, or in addition, the first layer helps to protect the surface of the rail 300. The first layer can therefore have anti-rust properties.

[0059] The second material 502is applied over the first layer. The second coating material preferably has low thermal conductivity properties. The second material has a thermal conductivity of less than 1 mW / mK (milliwatt per meter Kelvin), preferably less than 0.9, or even less than 0.8 or 0.7 mW / mK, or even less than 0.50 mW / mK. A thermal conductivity of the order of 0.68, 0.66 mW / mK or less is advantageous.

[0060] The coating 500 preferably has a third layer 503. The third layer 503 may consist of a third coating material. It is preferably on the surface of the coating 500and exhibits reflective properties. The third layer, in particular, has a natural light reflectance index of over 80%, or even over 90%, and preferably over 95%. In one embodiment, the infrared reflectance index is greater than 90% or 95%. One or both of the outermost layers, specifically the second and third layers, are light-colored, or even white.

[0061] The second and third layers can be arranged sequentially, one after the other. According to an advantageous embodiment, the second 502 and third 503 layers form a mixed layer applied in one pass, and exhibiting both the required reflection index and the appropriate thermal conduction index.

[0062] The coating 500It has a total thickness of approximately 500 to 1000 micrometers, for example 600 to 900 micrometers. A total thickness of 800 to 900 micrometers produces optimal effects.

[0063] The present invention further covers a method or process for heat-treating tracks. The treatment method according to the present invention comprises a first step E1 cleaning aimed at removing residues, such as rust, from the surface to be treated, which could impair the adhesion of the coating 500.The cleaning stage is preferably carried out using the cleaning unit described above. Specifically, cleaning can be performed using an air compressor with a minimum capacity of 20 m³ / minute at 7 bar pressure, dispersed through four 9.5 mm diameter venturi silicon nitride nozzles, and suitable abrasive sand. The sand could be, for example, Jet Mag 35-70S, medium size. Other arrangements can be considered depending on the requirements.

[0064] The method according to the present invention comprises a second step E2 application of a first coating material 501. The first material 501 is preferably a primer as described above. The application of the first coating material 501 is preferably dispersed by means of the coating unit described above.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the steps E1cleaning and E2 The application of the first coating material is carried out simultaneously, during a single pass of the entire treatment process. 1, including in combination the cleaning unit 100 and the coating unit 200. Alternatively, the two steps E1 cleaning and E2 The application of the first coating material is carried out by successive passes of the cleaning and coating units.

[0066] Optionally, a step E3 Dusting can be scheduled between the steps E1 cleaning and the step E2 application of the first coating material. Dusting can be carried out using the dusting module described above. The dusting step can be performed concurrently with one or both of the steps E1 And E2 described above, or independently.

[0067] The steps E1 cleaning and E2 The application of a first coating material is carried out continuously in a forward direction. DA over a length of track L.Track lengths can range from a few kilometers to several tens of kilometers, typically 1 to 10 or 1 to 5 km. Longer track lengths, up to 20 or 30 km, can be considered depending on the amount of material carried and the size of the equipment. The forward speed is adjusted, in particular, to the flow rate of the cleaning and / or coating nozzles. The forward speed can be between 1 and 5 km / h, typically around 2 to 4 km / h. The forward speed is determined to remain constant, with variations of less than 10% or even less than 5%, preferably with no variation at all. A self-stall traction system can be advantageously used to ensure consistent forward speed at low speeds. Alternatively, a motorized wagon can be used, although the maximum speed is limited to 40 km / h.

[0068] The method according to the present invention comprises a stepE4 application of a second coating material 502 on the first coating material 501. The application of the second coating material 502 is preferably carried out after the first coating material has dried 501, for example, after a drying time exceeding 30 minutes, 2 hours, or 5 hours. The drying time may vary depending on the materials used. According to one embodiment, the step E4 application of a second coating material 502 is carried out using the coating unit 200 used for applying the first coating material 501. In this case, the coating unit 200 retraces its steps back to its starting point and resumes the dispersal of the second coating material 502 in the direction of advancement DA over the track length L. The pavement unit 200can be separated from the cleaning unit before the application of the second coating material 502. Alternatively, the cleaning unit 100 can be simply deactivated. According to an alternative embodiment, a second coating unit is used after the first coating unit to dispense the second coating material. 502. This approach avoids backtracking and allows for the treatment of a larger section of track within a given timeframe. The second coating unit is positioned at a sufficient distance from the first treatment unit to allow the first coating material to dry. 501.

[0069] The method according to the present invention comprises a step E5 application of a third coating material 503.The application of the third coating material can be carried out by the same coating unit previously used or by another coating unit.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second 502 and third 503 coating materials are dispensed together using a single coating unit 200. In other words, the steps E4 application of a second coating material and E5 Applying a third coating material is a single step. The second 502 and third 503 Coating materials can be stored separately, although dispersed together. Alternatively, they can be a single mixture placed in a storage tank within the coating unit. The application steps of the second 502 and third 503Coating materials are applied continuously in the direction of travel. DA along the length of the track L. The application speed can be adapted, for example, to the flow rate of the coating nozzles. It can be, for example, in the range of 3 to 7 km / h, typically in the range of 4 or 5 km / h. Examples

[0071] Temperature measurements were taken on the surface of an uncoated reference rail under sunny conditions with an ambient temperature of 30°C and on the surface of a rail treated according to the present invention. The surface temperature was on average 9°C to 10°C lower on the treated rail compared to the reference rail. Surface temperatures were measured using infrared detection. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0072] 1 Processing Assembly 100 Cleaning Unit 110 Cleaning Module 111 Cleaning Module Wheels 112, 112a, 112b Cleaning Module Cross Structure 113 Cleaning Module Hanging Device 114a, 114b Cleaning Module Support Structure 116a, 116b, 116c Cleaning Nozzles 2a, 2b Orientation Angle 200 Coating Unit 201 First Storage Tank 202 Second Storage Tank 203 Third Storage Tank 210 Coating Module 211 Coating Module Wheels 212, 212a, 212b Coating Module Cross Structure 213 Coating Module Hanging Device 214a, 214b Coating Module Support Structure 215 Structure Longitudinal coating module 218 Protection device 219, 219a, 219b Coating nozzles 219a1 Lower external coating nozzle 219a2 Upper external coating nozzle 219b1 Lower internal coating nozzle 219b2 Upper internal coating nozzle 220 Distance adjustment device 221 Height adjustment device222Suspense 223Angular adjustment device 300Rails 300iInner rail surface 300eOuter rail surface 301Rail base 302Side rail surface 303Rail head 304Running tread 410Modular trolley 500Coating 501First coating material 502Second coating material 503Third coating material DADirection of travel DbDistance between lower nozzles DhDistance between upper nozzles Ja1Spray angle of lower outer nozzle Ja2Spray angle of upper outer nozzle Jb1Spray angle of lower inner nozzle Jb2Spray angle of upper inner nozzle E1Cleaning stage E2First coating material application stage E3Dusting stage E4Second coating application stage coating material E5 Step of application of the third coating material

Claims

1. Treatment assembly (1) adapted for the heat treatment of railway track rails (300), said rails comprising a tread (304), the treatment assembly comprising: - a cleaning unit (100) and a coating unit (200) mobile on said railway track, - said cleaning unit comprising a cleaning module (110) in contact with the tracks and adapted for cleaning the tracks, - said coating unit comprising a coating module (210) in contact with the tracks, adapted for coating said tracks with a coating material (500), characterized in that the coating module (210) includes several coating nozzles (219a, 219b) of which at least two pairs of nozzles are oriented so as to spray the surface of the rails except for the tread (304).

2. Processing assembly according to claim 1, said pairs of coating nozzles comprising an external high nozzle (219a2), an internal high nozzle (219b2) disposed lower than the external high nozzle, an external low nozzle (219a1) and an internal base (219b1) disposed opposite the external low nozzle.

3. Assembly according to claim 2, said internal and external upper nozzles being separated by a high nozzle distance (Dh) and internal and external lower nozzles being separated by a low nozzle distance (Db) where the low nozzle distance (Db) is less than the high nozzle distance (Dh).

4. Assembled according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the coating nozzles independently taking an angle of inclination between 0° and 60°.

5. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the spray angle of the nozzles being able to vary independently from 10° to 70°.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the relative heights of the nozzles, their angle of inclination, their distance from high nozzle to low nozzle and their spray angle are determined so as to leave a free surface corresponding to a proportion of 5% to 30% of the total surface of the rail at the level of the tread.

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning module comprises several cleaning nozzles (116a, 116b, 116c) adapted for the projection of abrasive material.

8. Assembly according to claim 7, said cleaning nozzles being installed at different heights and / or with different orientations.

9. Method for heat treatment of railway track rails, said rails comprising a tread (304), the method comprising a cleaning step E1 and a first coating material application step E2 (501), said cleaning and first coating material application steps being carried out by the treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 continuously in a direction of travel (DA) over a track distance (L).

10. Method according to claim 9, comprising a step E4 of applying a second coating material (502) to said first coating material (501) by means of the coating module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A method according to any one of claims 9 and 10, comprising a step E5 of applying a third coating material (503), the step E5 following or concurrent with the step E4 of applying a second coating material.

12. Thermal coating (500) suitable for the heat treatment of railway track rails, comprising a first layer of a first coating material, a second layer of a second coating material (502) and a third layer of a third coating material (503), having a total thickness of between 500 and 1000 micrometers.

13. Coating according to claim 12, the first coating material (501) being a primer, the second (502) and third (503) coating materials designating respectively a material of thermal conductivity less than 1mW / mk and a material reflecting more than 80% of natural light, or together forming a layer of thermal conductivity less than 1mW / mk and reflecting more than 80% of natural light.

14. Mobile cleaning unit (100) adapted for cleaning railway track rails, comprising a cleaning module (110) in contact with the rails, cleaning nozzles (116a, 116b, 116c) adapted for projecting an abrasive material, an abrasive material container (102) and a compressor (101) providing an air flow of at least 20 m 3 / minute.

15. Coating unit (200) comprising a coating module (210) in contact with the rails, comprising coating nozzles (219), at least one first storage tank (201) of a first coating material (501), at least one second storage tank of a second coating material (502) and at least one second storage tank of a third coating material (503), or at least one first storage tank of a first coating material (501) and a second storage tank comprising a mixture of a second and a third coating material.

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