With different types of draft gears and supplementary collapsible tubes, the new Voith SA3 coupler now offers several variations of energy absorption. In addition, it allows automatic coupling of the main reservoir and brake pipes. Especially in Eastern and Northern Europe, the usually semi-automatic centre buffer coupler has proven itself in heavy goods and passenger transport. This coupler type can be found in locomotives, railcars and passenger trains, particularly in Russia and the former Soviet states, but also in Scandinavia, Turkey and Iraq. Specifically in heavy goods transport, where the load capacity of conventional screw couplers is by far exceeded, train operators prefer to opt for the SA3 coupler.

Voith offers this coupler type with main reservoir and brake pipes as well as an automatic uncouple device. As a result, the SA3 head now allows fully automatic coupling and uncoupling. This adds to safety, efficiency and comfort. The coupler heads are extremely robust and withstand high loads and temperatures of up to -50° Celsius. Voith complements the coupler head with a range of draft gears with energy absorption features which - in the event of a collision - ensure an energy absorption capacity that is adapted to the vehicle crash concept. The new SA3 coupler therefore already meets the rising safety requirements in passenger traffic, which, among others, result from the new Russian GOST Norm 32410 on crash safety.

The unit’s modular design allows different energy absorption solutions to be integrated. Customers are therefore able to retain compatibility to existing systems while simultaneously meeting the new requirements. The standard coupler head has been modified in order to allow the integration of mixed couplers. This way, vehicles with draw hooks and side buffer systems can also be coupled. In addition, the quality and the performance of the existing SA3 couplers have also been upgraded.

Voith Turbo, a Group Division of Voith GmbH, is a specialist for intelligent drive solutions and systems. Customers from diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and metal processing, mechanical engineering ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on advanced technologies from Voith Turbo.  

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 43 000 people, generates €5.7 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. www.rsa.voithturbo.com