Reduction of Rail Track Misalignment from Heat

In December 2000 the manager of the RIC (Rail Infrastructure Corporation of NSW) depot in Lismore asked us to give a quote to Solacoat the RIC depot in Lismore. They had a huge problem with heat from the roof, making working in the demountables and lunch area unbearable. Consequently we got an order and people could not believe how cool it was under the roof. Because of the extreme heat all the tools and tool boxes on the back of the RIC service vehicles would burn the user's hand and it was impossible to handle the tools or tool boxes boxes without gloves. these were painted with Solacoat and the problem solved.

We suggested that Solacoat may help reduce the temperature of the rail track. We obtained some short off cuts of rail and started a series of tests using Unidata logging equipment. To prevent rust affecting the Solacoat we use a zinc primer base which has a specially developed rust inhibitor.

Early testing showed that on a clear day and with the ambient temperature peaking at 28°C the Solacoat had reduced temperature in the rail track by 7°C. Later tests show as much as 12°C difference. So impressed was the engineer in charge of the Rail Infrastructure Corporation of NSW (RIC) for the North Coast area that we received an order to spray around 10 kilometres or rail track between Grafton and Kyogle in October 2001.

Further trials have been sprayed with Solacoat. 20 kilometres in the Dungog area was completed in mid January 2003 and a further 20 kilometres in the Yass area in February 2003.