Combatting the Corrosive Environment of the Railways
By train, it only takes a few hours to go from a frigid tundra to arid desert climates. While exhilarating and scenic for a passenger, these extremes can make HVAC cooling and overall maintenance of rail vehicles extremely problematic.
In the rail environment, an HVAC system faces numerous challenges. Dynamic forces between the rails and the wheels of rail vehicles can have a negative impact on the performance of HVAC coils. Vibration can result in the cracking of tubing in the coils. With climate-changing in a matter of hours, the heating and cooling load can put additional stress on the HVAC system.
The harsh outside environments cause advanced degradation of the copper finned coils. Cleaning these copper coils is essential to help maintain heat transfer. With environmental laws, cleaning copper finned coils can be tricky. Typically, heavy-duty alkaline or acid cleaning agents are used. Coils must be cleaned over a recovery system where chemicals can be filtered to prevent contamination of the water table.
Innovative Solutions for a Demanding Environment
Because of these factors, railway HVAC systems require innovative solutions to combat the demanding environment. The Cooney HDRC e-coated coil’s robust design is engineered to stand up to the g-forces and vibrations experienced on the railway. Our HDRC e-coated coils are made with heavy-duty aluminum fins and dipped in an electrically charged blend of hydrophilic/HDRC e-coating. During production, Cooney HDRC coils are vapor degreased with perchloroethylene to assure optimal adhesion of the e-coating. This coating adds additional durability to prevent damage from impact.
HDRC e-coating has been tested and proven in over 3000 hours of salt spray testing per ASTM B 117. This corrosion resistance extends the lifetime of a railway coil. When it comes to the dirt and debris from the tracks, the e-coated coils are resilient. An HDRC coated coil can be cleaned anywhere on the railway since only high-pressurized water is needed.
At Cooney Rail Systems we are experienced within the rail industry and know the challenges that are faced every day. Our expert knowledge and state-of-the-art technology allow us to ensure your rail cars are equipped with the best HVAC solutions. Get in touch with us at Cooney Rail Systems, we will provide you with peace of mind on the railway. Contact us today at 610-783-1136.
