Since its conception in the late 19th century, the railroad industry has changed the American way of life. We owe the development of several early cities and towns to our railroads.
And here’s something else we owe them: a little maintenance.
The last century has been hard on those railroads. So finding ways to update and repair them is imperative. Fortunately, some industry experts are already revitalizing our railroad systems via friction modifiers.
What, though, is a friction modifier? And how are friction modifiers helping the railroad industry thrive?
Continue reading to find out how friction modifiers are benefiting the railroad industry.
What Is a Friction Modifier?
A friction modifier is a polar molecule you can find in commercial lubricants. Manufacturers add these modifiers to lubricants to minimize light surface contacts.
They’re essential in the railroad industry because trains continuously roll and slide atop rails. This contact causes friction which leads to less effective journeys for freight trains.
That said, let’s take a look at how friction modifiers benefit the railroad industry.
Lengthening Rails’ Lifespans
Friction wears down rails. And worn down rails increase maintenance costs for companies.
But friction modifiers reduce these costs by reducing surface contacts because fewer surface contact means less friction.
Of course, modifiers can only prevent so much friction. As a result, they don’t negate the need for regular preventative maintenance.
Improving Trains’ Fuel Economy
There’s another unfortunate truth about friction:
It slows down trains while they’re traveling from one destination to another. And slower journeys have two major effects on the railroad industry:
- Goods aren’t delivered as quickly as they could be.
- Extra fuel is used to combat the friction.
The first point is relevant to both manufacturers and consumers. When goods don’t arrive in a timely fashion, manufacturers can’t ship them off to retailers or customers as quickly as they’d like.
The loss of fuel is a significant problem for anyone who has a stake in the railroad industry because lost fuel is lost money for investors.
Reducing Noise
As of 2015, approximately 48 million Americans were suffering from some degree of hearing loss. And why are we telling you this?
It is because friction modifiers can significantly reduce the noise trains emit. This noise reduction is a boon to train engineers and workers who are subjected to loud noises at work.
Noise reduction can also be beneficial to residents who live near railroads. This noise is an inconvenience and can lower the property value.
Providing Green Solutions
Railroads pass through several different types of terrains on each journey. They pass by rivers, valleys, and canyons.
Which is why you want the chemicals used on them to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Luckily, there are several green friction modifiers on the market. These modifiers are making our railroad systems better for our environment.
Interested in Learning More About Friction Modifiers?
The benefits of friction modifiers listed here have only scratched the surface of modifiers’ utility to the industry. There’s much more to learn about how they’re benefiting the industry.
That said, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re still curious about friction modifiers. We’ll help you figure out if they’re a practical solution for you.