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Lubricants

Lubricants and lubrication processes are among the most effective means of reducing wear and friction in the wheel-rail contact, while also minimizing noise and vibration.

Contact persons

Optimized lubricants not only lower maintenance costs but also enhance quality of life in surrounding communities by reducing disruptive noise and limiting the release of metallic particles into the environment.

Our services and customers

We are testing new lubricant products and solutions in collaboration with Bane NOR, Vy, Flåmsbana, ELBA, and other partners. This includes in situ measurements of the wheel–rail contact to assess performance under real operating conditions.

We work in these areas

We conduct failure and wear analysis of worn wheels and rails, along with on-site monitoring of the wheel-rail contact using thermal cameras and acoustic sensors.

Method

SINTEF has developed and implemented a novel approach to categorizing wear and friction-related losses in the wheel-rail interface. By combining thermal imaging and acoustic sensing, this method enables precise detection and analysis of wear mechanisms. When applied alongside newly developed environmentally friendly greases, it has led to a significant reduction in wear-related losses, particularly on the Flåm Railway.

Typical tasks we do

We perform lab-scale testing of new greases and lubricants, combined with monitoring of the wheel-rail contact to identify critical areas where lubrication procedures can be optimized.

Relevant projects

  • WINTER - Wear and friction reduction in wheel-rail interaction

Relevant laboratories

Explore research areas