Wheel and Rail Noise Suppression
The characteristic and disturbing squeal that comes from steel wheels running on steel tracks, particularly at curves or in tight radiuses, can be minimized or eliminated by employing the proper lubricating products and methods.
Several railroads and transit companies have reduced or eliminated this noise problem by using
Patented Synco Super Lube® rail lubrication products. Super Lube® is applied to the rails with standard wayside lubricators.
Because of the high lubricating properties of the Super Lube® product, and its adhesive and tracking ability, very efficient lubricating and
noise suppression effects can be achieved. It is particularly effective for the high pressure conditions which can occur in the traditional wheel to rail contact in track operations.
Super Lube® is 100% synthetic. It is based on a Polytetrafluoroethylene polymer, one of the
lowest coefficient of friction materials known to science. It contains no silicone or petroleum distillates. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and
non-polluting. The temperature operating range is -45°F to +500°F. Super Lube® is waterproof and will not wash off.
Super Lube® is an excellent dielectric compound. It is inert and can be safely applied to all rubbers, plastics, and metals. It is a very efficient switch and contact lubricant.
Super Lube® prevents rust and corrosion while reducing friction and
wear. Several railroads have indicated that they are experiencing a
significant reduction in rail and wheel wear since installing the Super Lube® lubrication system.
Neleco, Inc. Is The
Exclusive Authorized Distributor
Of Super Lube To The
Rail And Transit Industry
Introduction to the Superior Tracking Characteristics of SuperLube Rail Lubricant
SuperLube™ Rail Lubricant is a synthetic composition that incorporates Polytetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE) into a unique and patented product. The PTFE polymer provides maximum lubricity because of its very low coefficient of friction and its very high affinity for metal surfaces. The PTFE polymer, which is combined in a synthetic base, yields a product that has ideal visco-elastic properties for maximum tracking and lubrication in rail operations.
The rheological and adhesive characteristics of SuperLube™ enable the product to achieve remarkable tracking and lubricating efficiencies. One study demonstrated
tracking capability in excess of 20 miles.
SuperLube™ has the desired ability to achieve and maintain high grease column height so that it efficiently lubricates the throat of the wheel flange. This feature also contributes to the product’s tracking performance.
The high adhesive nature of the SuperLube™ Rail Lubricant enables it to transfer from the applicator bars to the wheels very effectively. This dynamic feature allows the wheels to become excellent applicators of the lubricant to the rails. With the wheels functioning as efficient applicators of the SuperLube™, tracking performance rises to
impressive efficiency and economical levels.
- This remarkable tracking performance is directly attributable to the unique composition of SuperLube™. This composition has been granted U.S. and foreign patents.
In addition to the superior tracking features, Super Lube® is
non-toxic. It is approved for use by the USDA for use in food manufacturing processes and carries an H-1 rating. The product is
non-hazardous, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. It does not contain any heavy metals, metallic salts, or soaps. It is
waterproof and will not wash off the treated surfaces
Neleco, Inc. Is The
Exclusive Authorized Distributor
Of Super Lube To The
Rail And Transit Industry
Rail Lubricant Specifications
The product described in this data sheet is for a synthetic lubricant based on Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It was
explicitly designed for noise reduction at wheel and rail interfaces. PTFE has a particular affinity for metal, making it unique for this application. Additionally, PTFE has a very low coefficient of friction, enabling it to function as a very efficient lubricant for rail and wheel wear reduction
- The Super Lube® Rail Lubricant is applied to the gauge face of rail using standard wayside lubricators with minimum or no modification.
- Super Lube® Rail Lubricant is capable of tracking twenty (20) or more miles from the point of application
- Super Lube® Rail Lubricant is waterproof so as not to wash off during rainstorms
This product is inherently biodegradable, achieving 50% degradability within 28-35 days in the time extended test (CEC -1.33-T82) for “Comparative Biodegradability.” It continues to biodegrade indefinitely, reaching 60+ percentages in 56 days.
SuperLube™ Rail Lubricant is a stable homogeneous dispersion of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in a synthetic base and is protected by
US Patent #5,037,566 plus other domestic and foreign patents.
The unique rheological properties of SuperLube™ enable the product to build a high column of lubricant at the applicator head for efficient transfer to the flange of the railcar wheel. Furthermore, its adhesive and cohesive nature allows the product to track at an extremely high rate.
SuperLube™ is listed with the USDA under the 11-1 classification indicating that it is safe for use in food handling and processing facilities. It carries FDA sanctions under CFR-176.3570 for incidental contact with foods.
This product is very safe for handling by personnel. It is considered low-to-non-toxic and non-irritating to mammals. This is according to the criteria of the Federal Hazard Substance Act (FHSA, 16CFR 1500).
|
Oral LD50 |
Skin Irritation |
|
>5 g/Kg |
Negative |
| | |
|
Eye Irritation |
Comedogenieity |
|
Negative |
Negative |
| | |
| Inhalation: Because of the very low vapor pressure, inhalation is not a probable route of entry when handled at temperatures of 0-140°F. |
Very Low Fire Potential
|
|
Flash Point |
Fire Point |
>428°F
Cleveland Open Cup Method (COC) |
> 572°F
ASTM D-92 |
| | |
HMIS Codes (Hazardous Material Information System:
Fire-1, Health=0, Reactivity-0, Other-0
|
| NFPA National Fire Prevention Association:
Flammability-1, Health=0, Reactivity-0, Other-0 |
Environmental Impact
|
This product exhibits no Bio-Resistance when challenged with mixed bacterial and fungal inoculums under aerobic conditions (modified ASTM method E686-85).
This product is not expected to Bio-accumulate because of very high log Kow values greater than 10 (the calculated log octanol/water partition coefficient). High values of log Kow indicate extremely low water solubility thus preventing them from entering the organisms and being biologically available.
This product is not expected to be toxic to aquatic organisms. It is not readily bio-available due to its low water solubility. It is expected to be relatively
inert in aquatic systems. Due to its high viscosity, spills are not likely to occur. Good environmental management practices dictate that measures should be taken to prevent material from entering any and all water systems.
|
Physical Properties
Synco SuperLube™ Rail Lubricant
|
|
Physical Appearance |
Viscosity |
|
Translucent, colorless high viscosity
gel |
850,000+50,000 cps |
| | |
|
Flash Point |
Specific Gravity |
|
>428°F (220°C) |
0.87 g/cc |
| | |
|
Fire Point |
Water Solubility |
|
>572°F (300°C) |
Insoluble |
| | |
|
Dielectric Constant |
Dielectric Resistance |
|
2.5 (ASTM-D924) |
1.7 X 112 |
| | |
|
Oil Separation |
Evaporation Loss |
|
nil (ASTM-D1402) |
< 1% (ASTM-D972) |
| | |
|
Oxidation Stability |
Copper Corrosion |
0 psig
(ASTM-D942 & 943) |
1B Shiny
(ASTM-D4808 & 130) |
| | |
|
Shelf Life |
|
2 Years |
Typical Performance Characteristics
|
|
Four Ball Test (ASTM D2596 & 2783) |
Load Wear Index – 81.73 Kg
Weld Point – 400 Kg |
| | |
|
Four Ball EP Test (ASTM D2266 & 4172) |
|
Scar Diameter - < .5 |
| | |
|
Timken OK Lead (ASTM 2509 & 2782) |
|
40 Lbs |
| | |
Neleco, Inc. Is The
Exclusive Authorized Distributor
Of Super Lube To The
Rail And Transit Industry
Why is Synco Super Lube Different From Other Lubricants?
The majority of other lubricants are derivatives of petroleum, and subject to the inherent shortcomings of petroleum distillates. They evaporate, gum-up, pollute, and are limited in their operating temperature and pressure ranges.
Super Lube® is Patented, It contains no silicones or petroleum distillates. It is non-toxic, inherently biodegradable, and does not pollute the environment.
Super Lube® operated over a temperature range of -45°F to +500°F. It is listed H-1 by the USDA for use in food application areas.
Super Lube® is Biodegradable. It is listed H-1 by the USDA for use in food application areas.
Super Lube® is waterproof. It will not wash off. It is ideal for use in outside, weather-exposed applications.
Super Lube® will not melt and does not significantly thin out even at high temperatures exceeding 400°F.
Super Lube® essentially is inert. It can safely be applied to all rubbers, plastics, and metals. It is compatible and mixable with most other lubricants.
Super Lube® is based on Polytetrafluoroethylene (commonly referred to as “Teflon”™-Dupont) polymer. It is one of the most efficient lubricating materials known.
Super Lube®’s Patented process keeps the Polytetrafluoroethylene polymer particles uniformly dispersed in the base compound. This assures a continual replenishment of “PTFE” polymer at the surface.
Super Lube® prevents rust and corrosion while reducing friction and wear.
Super Lube® suppresses noise by eliminating squeal in high-pressure applications, such as rail/wheel friction.
Neleco, Inc. Is The
Exclusive Authorized Distributor
Of Super Lube To The
Rail And Transit Industry
