EARTHING: Morgan Advanced Materials has launched a new design of axle earthing unit, which it says reduces movement between the brush box and shaft, improves brush-shaft contact and offers better system performance and lower maintenance costs.
The company says the problems caused by electrical currents damaging axlebox roller bearings are growing as a result of more widespread electrification and the presence of increased on-board power equipment.
The new unit can be fitted to new vehicles or retrofitted as required. The earth return brush holder has been designed to overcome the problems of vibration and system movement, and movement between the brush and shaft that frequently reduce the quality of brush contact which directly affects performance.
The earthing unit uses a freshly-designed single piece casing, in contrast to previous composite designs, which along with the flange and brushes is insulated with a high-strength powder coating. The brush is CM1S grade while the whole unit has been both vibration and shock tested to RIA20, category 3 standard. The entire unit is fitted to the axle within the wheelset assembly of a railway vehicle.
