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Preventive-gradual on-cycle grinding: a first for MRS in Brazil

From National Research Council Canada

Linkhttps://discovery.ntroknowledge.com.au/discovery/search?query=any,contains,Preventive-gradual%20on-cycle%20grinding:%20a%20first%20for%20MRS%20in%20Brazil&tab=Everything&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&vid=61NTRO_INST:ATRI&offset=0
AuthorSearch for: ; Search for: ; Search for: ; Search for: 1ORCID identifier: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2643-1078
Affiliation
  1. National Research Council of Canada. NRC Centre for Surface Transportation Technology
FormatText, Article
Conference8th International Heavy Haul Railway Conference: Safety, Environment and Productivity (IHHA 2005), June 14-16, 2005, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Subjectaccelerated preventive-gradual; rail grinding; RCF
Abstract
MRS Logistica S.A. operates a 1674 km railroad in southeastem Brazil. Loads are primarily unit iron ore trains running from mines in the Brazilian mountains of Minas Gerais to tidewater harbors at Rio de Janeiro. Located in a region that concentrates 65% of the gross national product, MRS Logistica S.A. has experienced tremendous growth since privatization in the later part of 1996. Since that time the annual revenue tonnage more than doubled from 71 to 146 mmgt - metric millions gross tonnes (from 78 to160 mgt - millions gross tons) in 2003. Future plans call for another doubling of capacity to 304 mmgt (335mgt) by 2009. Prior to 2002 there were no rail grinding services at MRS. Under the strains of rapid growth, rail breaks and replacement due to RCF related surface defects were a daily occurrence, resulting in train traffic interruptions and significant increases in maintenance costs. Attempts were made to address the RCF conditions with a rail planer but in the end, rail replacement was the only alternative. This paper describes the strategies and actions taken to implement a cost effective, state-of-the-art grinding program at MRS in only 2 years. A partnership between MRS, Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. and the National Research Council Canada was established to face the challenge. Specialized rail profiles for curve and tangent track were developed and implemented under an accelerated Preventive Gradual grinding program using a Loram RGI-48 stones rail grinder machine. The benefits of the rail grinding program will be detailed in terms of significant reductions in rail purchases, extended rail life, and reduced rail failures, fewer train delays and a 3% increase in fuel economy.
Publication date
PublisherCompanhia Vale do Rio Doce
International Heavy Haul Association
In
  • Proceedings of the 8th International Heavy Haul Railway Conference (2005): 435–445.
LanguageEnglish
Peer reviewedYes
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Record identifier4af0f56d-6c9f-4673-926c-037c46501cbc
Record created2024-09-05
Record modified2025-09-03
Date modified: