https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Rig used to test brake characteristics

IMPROVED DYNO DCD Metpro completed the installation of the Gautrain brake pad rig onto its dynamometer in November 2013

Photo by Ngage

DCD METPRO The company can manufacture up to 720 000 on-tread railway brake blocks and up to 1.4-million brake-block backing plates a year

Photo by Ngage

11th April 2014

By: David Oliveira

Creamer Media Staff Writer

  

Font size: - +

Pretoria-based on-tread com- posite railway brake-blocks designer and manufact- urer DCD Metpro completed the installation of the Gautrain brake pad rig onto its existing dyna- mometer facility in November 2013.

A dynamometer, commonly known as a dyno, is designed to simulate the brake characteristics of a train while recording data that can be reproduced, thereby assisting with the analysis and comparison of brake blocks and disc pads.

The rig measures brake- cylinder pressure, brake pad and retardation force, speed, as well as disc temperature, DCD Metpro GM Hlayisani Matelakengisa explains, adding that the project started in March last year.

The capital cost for the rig modification and the software to conduct brake testing was about R350 000. The structural steel rig weighs about 500 kg and has a maximum cylinder pressure threshold of 4.3 bar at 140 km/h.

“The Gautrain is Africa’s first modern mass rapid transit railway system. By adding its brake pad rig to our dyno, DCD Metpro can conduct comparative tests for brake pad development on this world-class project. This upgrade also gives DCD Metpro an opportunity to compete in international brake pad markets,” notes Matelakengisa.

He states that DCD Metpro, with a team of skilled railway brake engineers and its new rail brake dyno, can recommend suitable brake blocks for customers operating in standard and unique conditions. “This provides that quality ass-urance, environmental responsibility and safety are built into every facet of the manufacturing process, regardless of application.”

Matelakengisa highlights that DCD Metpro’s in-house design and manufacturing capabilities are a major driving force behind the company’s continued innovation in respect of new and existing products for railway applications in the mining, locomotive, freight and passenger sectors.

DCD Metpro’s rubber brake blocks are designed for surface and underground mining applications, with products that are suitable for use in water or where nonsparking materials are required. The com- pany’s range of low-friction surface hopper composite brake blocks is approved for use by several gold and platinum mines in South Africa. All mining products are also approved for use on underground locomotives with wheel diameters of 15 cm to 30 cm, commonly found in deep-level mining.

For locomotive applications, DCD Metpro offers a range of diesel and locomotive brake blocks, suitable for cast iron replacement. The brake blocks are characterised by low dynamic friction and high static friction to hold heavy freights on an incline during shunting and signalling operations.

An overflanged option is also available for ageing heavy locomotives that are subject to field-side flanging.

Further, the company boasts a comprehensive freight range, from low-friction cast iron replacement blocks to high-friction blocks for heavy haul applications such as coal transport.

For passenger applications, DCD Metpro designs and manu- factures brake blocks that are developed specifically for low noise and low odour levels, and are suitable for inland and coastal regions.

DCD Metpro continually strives for improved performance by decreasing the wear rate and reducing the noise levels of brake components, and improving wheel compatibility and cast iron replacements, says Matelakengisa.

“A key focus is also developing more environment-friendly products. To this end, the company is assessing the viability of manufacturing products using recycled materials.”

He enthuses that DCD Metpro is well positioned to double its output in the short term, as a result of increased demand locally and internationally. “I believe that the continued rise in rail infrastructure focus in African countries will increase the demand for our products, resulting in business growth.”

DCD Metpro forms part of the rail cluster of internationally recognised manufacturing and engineering company DCD Group.

“Since its inception 45 years ago, DCD Metpro’s innovation, competitive pricing and internation- ally certified quality standards have positioned the company to successfully adapt to varying market conditions,” Matelakengisa enthuses.

The company operates from a 14 136 m2 production facility, where it can manufacture up to 720 000 on-tread railway brake blocks and up to 1.4-million brake-block backing plates a year.

Matelakengisa notes that the company manufactures 30 products for use on railways carrying passengers, freight, locomotives and mining products, and is one of the preferred suppliers of original-equipment manufacturers to State-owned rail operators Transnet and Passenger Rail Association of South Africa.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

Comments

Showroom

SABAT
SABAT

From batteries for boats and jet skis, to batteries for cars and quad bikes, SABAT Batteries has positioned itself as the lifestyle battery of...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
John Deere (Pty) Ltd
John Deere (Pty) Ltd

In 1958 John Deere Construction made its first introduction to the industry with their model 64 bulldozer.

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.223 0.28s - 271pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now