EN 15427-1-1: Railway Friction Management – Wheel Flange Lubrication Equipment

What is EN 15427-1-1?

EN 15427-1-1 is a European Standard titled “Railway applications – Wheel/Rail friction management – Part 1-1: Equipment and Application – Wheel Flange Lubrication.” It is part of a multi-part series designed to harmonize how friction is managed at the Wheel/Rail Interface across European networks.

The primary goal of this standard is to regulate the equipment that applies lubricant to the wheel flange. Proper lubrication is critical for reducing Flange Wear, minimizing noise (squeal) in curves, and preventing derailments caused by wheel climb. It ensures that onboard systems are reliable and compatible with various Rolling Stock types.

Functional Requirements for Equipment

The standard specifies the Technical Delivery Conditions for the hardware used to deliver lubricant. This includes:

• Application Control: Equipment must be capable of precise delivery, often triggered by distance traveled, time intervals, or curve detection (GPS or gyro-based).
• Consistency: The system must deliver a consistent volume of lubricant regardless of the vehicle speed or ambient temperature (ranging from -40°C to +70°C).
• No Contamination: A critical safety requirement is that the lubricant must never reach the wheel tread or the rail head, as this would compromise Braking Performance and traction.

Testing and Validation

To ensure Interoperability and durability, the equipment must undergo several validation tests defined in the standard:

• Vibration and Shock Testing: Because the equipment is mounted directly on the bogie or axle box, it must withstand intense mechanical stress without leaking or failing.
• Climatic Testing: Verification that the spray nozzles do not clog in freezing conditions and that the pumps maintain pressure in extreme heat.
• Spray Pattern Analysis: Ensuring the lubricant is targeted accurately on the flange throat to maximize effectiveness while minimizing waste.

Impact on Rolling Stock Maintenance

Adhering to EN 15427-1-1 directly impacts Rolling Stock Maintenance costs. By standardizing the equipment:

• Extended Wheel Life: Controlled lubrication can increase the interval between wheel re-profiling by up to 300%.
• Infrastructure Protection: While Trackside Lubricators exist, onboard equipment provides “mobile” protection that follows the train, reducing rail side-wear globally.
• Environmental Compliance: The standard encourages the use of biodegradable lubricants and precise dosing to prevent soil contamination.

Comparison: Onboard Lubrication vs. Trackside Lubrication