Media centre

Thursday 6 Jan 2005

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

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A more reliable, less disrupted train service is the result of Network Rail introduction of new technology that will reduce the time, cost and risk of replacing a key component of the  overhead line electrical equipment.  The new tool means that a job which can close lines for up to four hours, can be cut to just five minutes. Failures to droppers, which keep the contact wire at the correct height, are by far the single most common problem experienced with 25,000V AC overhead line equipment (OLE).  Dropper failure can cause delays to services and can lead to dewirements. The replacement of a failed dropper usually requires turning off the power to the overhead lines and stopping all train movements.  All this can take up to four hours before normal running can be restored.  This process is changing, thanks to a Doncaster based team of engineers.  They have developed a new dropper replacement tool that allows a failed dropper to be replaced without the need to turn off the power.  The tool is fitted on to the ends of standard insulated poles, enabling the dropper to be removed from the OLE by a member of the overhead line team from the ground.  No more ladders or hydraulic platforms. Peter Dearman, Infrastructure Maintenance Manager, Network Rail said: “Following five years of development this new dropper replacement tool will be used by overhead line teams along the East Coast main line.  With the reduction in time taken to replace droppers it will, in the long term, cut delays and improve train reliability.”