GLEITMO RAIL PL – Prevent ice formation on overhead lines

In our Nordic climate, ice and snow pose significant challenges for rail traffic during the winter months. These weather conditions often lead to delays, and require a huge work effort to ensure that rail services can run safely and reliably. One of the biggest challenges is keeping the electrical overhead contact lines free of ice. Ice formation on overhead lines is a common and serious challenge in the rail sector, especially during freeze/thaw cycles. Moisture condenses on the lines and freezes at low temperatures, thus leading to unwanted ice formation. The process is accelerated by the wind, which transports moisture to the lines and thereby further promotes ice formation. 

When water freezes on the overhead line, the insulating properties of the ice lead to high electrical resistance between the pantograph and the line. In extreme cases, this can lead to voltage flashover between the two, which in turn can lead to service disruption and costly repairs.  

Traditional prevention methods often require expensive, time-consuming journeys by the operator to de-ice the overhead lines. In most cases this is done overnight using a maintenance vehicle. In addition, glycerine is used widely in de-icing. This removes the ice immediately, but it doesn’t stop new ice from forming.

GLEITMO RAIL PL is the latest product from our development department, and is specifically formulated for use in the rail sector.  It is water based and environmentally adapted.The product reduces the freezing point and effectively prevents ice from forming on the overhead lines. Unlike glycerine-based products, GLEITMO RAIL PL offers optimum adhesion to and wetting of the overhead line thanks to its pseudoplastic flow properties. 

GLEITMO RAIL PL is easy to apply using a contact system, and this can be done without the need for additional personnel or a maintenance vehicle.