Kilfrost - News/Media

GETTING ON TRACK FOR WINTER SEASON

Archived on: Wednesday 7th December 2011

De/anti-icing expert, Kilfrost, is urging rail operators to finalise their winterisation plans in light of the start of what is expected to be another challenging winter season.

With many companies still counting the cost of delays and disruptions caused by last year's prolonged cold snap - even before taking into account the recent outbreak of adverse weather - it is imperative they act immediately to ensure that rails, brakes, platforms, points and switches, walkways, crossings, pneumatic systems like air brakes, rolling stock and other infrastructure are properly prepared to deal with any further periods of heavy snow and frost.

North East-based Kilfrost supplies a comprehensive range of products suitable for all rail applications, including 'eco-friendly' anti-icing fluids for use on electric third rails and the Ice Melt collection of de/anti-icing solutions, which enables large public areas to be treated in advance of any bad weather, reducing the risk of slips and trips for passengers and employees.

Based on monopropylene glycol, Kilfrost Rail and Kilfrost Rail Plus can protect the track against corrosion, prevent points and switches from freezing, and reduce the problems snow and frost can cause to third rail systems, such as damaging electrical arcing and loss of power. While the Ice Melt range, including Power Pellets, Super Grip and Liquid Melt, can be applied to areas such as platforms, footbridges and walkways before snow and ice is able to form. These materials have been used as a viable alternative to traditional rock salt, which can damage concrete, corrode steel and cause problems with track circuitry.

"Kilfrost Rail and Kilfrost Rail Plus are water-based, biodegradable and non-toxic. They prevent frost from forming on the rails and ensure trains can run safely at temperatures of -25oC and below," said Gary Lydiate, Chief Executive of Kilfrost. "An independent assessment of Kilfrost Rail Plus by engineering consultants ARUP has recognised its superior performance and the fact it exceeds the safety specification requirements," he added.

"Whilst in an ideal world it's far safer - not to mention more cost-effective - to be proactive and prepare in advance of any cold weather, it is still possible to ensure normal rail services aren't disrupted and public safety remains the top priority even once the snow and ice has formed,” he concluded.

For over 75 years Kilfrost has led the global de/anti-icing sector and is proud to work closely with customers in over 50 countries and five continents. With facilities in the UK, Europe, North America and Japan, Kilfrost is able to deliver its safety critical products to the Rail, Aviation, General Aviation, Heat Transfer Fluid and Ground De-Icing sectors. Its world-renowned R&D facility continues to develop groundbreaking new products, and the company is continuing to invest heavily in the innovation of ever-more environmentally-friendly de/anti-icing solutions. For more information about Kilfrost please visit www.kilfrost.com, email info@kilfrost.com, or call +44 (0)1434 320332.

-ENDS-

For further editorial information, please contact:

Felicity Owen, Rhiannon Williams or Chris Owens | Zen Communications |+44 01743 453186 |

felicity@zen-communications.co.uk | rhiannon@zen-communications.co.uk|

chris@zen-communications.co.uk

 

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