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Transportation MarketModern Rail TractionProduct: Twiflex Laylink and Layrub Couplings
This means that the connection between an AC motor and gearbox or drive shaft and track wheel has to be designed with higher excitation torques, speeds and shock loadings, reduced space and the necessity to absorb greater movements and misalignments. Twiflex with its many years of experience is continuing to service these new demands with Layrub and Laylink couplings specifically designed to meet the requirements of the modern rail traction engineer. The Twiflex coupling is based on a standard rubber component which can be designed and adapted into housings to meet these many varying requirements. An experienced design and engineering team operate from the company’s UK base using CAD and computer modelling systems linked to some of the most modern manufacturing facilities in Europe. Twiflex is approved by organisations such as the MOD, Aerospace, Rolls Royce and British Coal and is certified to ISO 9001. Twiflex couplings are used by rail operators world-wide and have a proven record of toughness, reliability and long service in climates and track conditions ranging from the Arctic wastes of Northern Scandinavia to the arid conditions of the Australian outback. BR High Speed Trains (HST)Product: Twiflex Laylink Coupling Type LB 6/340 & Cardan Shaft
The Laylink coupling employs pre-compressed rubber blocks in a link type configuration, and the links are arranged circumferentially between the driving and driven flanges. The power and speed of the application is matched by selecting from a range of link designs, and this particular application required the type LB 6/340 & cardan shaft. The Laylink coupling has a high torsional stiffness which allows it to transmit particularly large torques and support heavy floating shafts, while the link configuration allows the coupling to accommodate large levels of misalignment and movement between the driving and driven units. To ensure accuracy and dependability, Twiflex uses computer simulation to test and calculate the operational characteristics of their designs, thus ultimately guaranteeing the success of the Laylink coupling on these high speed trains. Queensland Railway TrainsProduct: Twiflex Layrub Coupling Type 100 5/10
The trains needed to cope with angular, axial and radial mis-alignment while meeting stiffness and damping specification. The Twiflex Layrub coupling was selected for its unique design and effective control of torsional vibration. Able to fit large misalignments, the Layrub coupling type 100 5/10 covers torque ratings up to 64 kNm and is suitable for high speed operation. The large volume of the rubber blocks in the coupling gives it a relatively low torsional stiffness and good damping characteristics, making it the perfect selection for this application. The introduction of these new inter City trains successfully reduced the traveling time between Brisbane and Rockhampton by five hours. They incorporate a sober yet lightweight interior with radially self-steered bogies providing a smooth and comfortable ride. LRV for Mass Transit AdministrationProduct: Twiflex Layrub 70 Coupling Type 5/10
This mass transit requires a maximum speed of 89 km/h with a continuous power of 640 kW. To meet these specifications, Twiflex Layrub 70 Couplings were installed to provide a uniquely customized design that accommodates large misalignments. The Layrub couplings are used to cover low to medium power ranges up to torque ratings of 64 kNm, and the Twiflex type 5/10 helps provide the continuous and shock torque necessary to make this transit a success. All the cars are equipped with regenerative braking and the special attention given to the climatic conditions ensure that all passengers enjoy a safe and comfortable journey. Electric LocomotivesTwiflex Layrub 120 Coupling Type 2/4
Requiring a maximum power of 2900 kW and speeds of 100 kmh, the electric locomotives used on the railways are built with the Twiflex Layrub 120 Coupling type 2/4 installed to ensure low torsional stiffness and high-quality damping characteristics. The Queensland railways have a continuous torque of 21 kNm and shock torque of 54 kNm with the maximum coupling speed topping out at 500 rpm. These 7000 tonne trains can pull as many as 100 wagons fully loaded with coal. A total of four locomotives are used; two at the head and two in the mid-train position. Control is by radio from the leading locomotive, and the trains are designed by ASEA Traction in Sweden. Suburban Train Class X10Product: Twiflex Layrub 70 Coupling Type 5/10
The advantage of the Layrub product is the ability it provides to engineer a coupling to suit the application. In this instance, the maximum coupling speed required is 4000 rpm with a continuous power of 1140 kW (4 drives), making the type 5/10 the ideal selection. With a continuous torque of 1320 Nm, the Layrub coupling is particularly suitable for the control of torsional vibration, and the coupling’s compactness makes it ideal for high speed operation. The X10 trains are a new design meeting the need for greater passenger comfort and reduce the wheel and rail wear. The suspension on the bogies permit radial self steering of the wheel axles when running through curves, and the design was based on the experience gained on the high speed routes within Sweden. |
Rail traction systems have undergone a change from the traditional use of DC motors to the use of more compact AC systems. These motors are lighter, require less maintenance, operate at higher speeds and provide braking to stopping conditions; however they also carry the penalty of greater torque “ripples” and generate higher shock torques.
The first of 20 high-speed trains delivered to the Swedish State Railways for operation
In Australia, a special design of coupling was required to meet the demands of the system characteristics for the Inter City ICE Queensland Railways trains.
To improve its mass transit system Maryland’s MTA constructed a new line through the city of Baltimore.
Transporting coal from the vast reserves of Queensland, Australia’s Blackwater Valley to the port of Gladstone calls for a massive investment in rail haulage.
In order to service the growth in suburban rail traffic, the Swedish State Railway (SJ) introduced two car units of the X10 design. Each consists of one motor car and one driving trailer and is installed with Twiflex 70 Layrub Couplings.