New high tech rubber from BATEGU
With the most recent development from BATEGU, it is now possible for the first time to produce components that are dynamic resilient (e.g. axle springs, primary layer springs, joint bushings, layer springs, bushings, etc.) and still fulfil all fire protection specifications pursuant to the Standard CEN/TS 45545-2:2009.
Fires on railway vehicles are a massive hazard to humans and the environment. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that the cause of fires can usually be traced to technical issues on the vehicle (such as brakes, cables, circuitry or motors). The development and spread of a fire can potentially have massive negative effects on the health of passengers and workers.
Elastomers, usually natural rubber, are used for producing rubber and rubber-metal components. As a result of the high demands in railway vehicle construction, these components must possess excellent technical properties. With current techniques, obtaining useful fire protection properties (flame retardant, self-extinguishing, low smoke gas density with low smoke gas toxicity) is only possible with the direct use of flame retardant materials in the elastomer. Many of these flame retardant materials, however, do not meet norm thresholds with regard to smoke gas density and toxicity, and are a potential hazard to health and the environment. The functionality of components also experiences a very negative compromise when flame retardant materials are added.
The development from BATEGU makes it possible for the first time to fulfil the Standard CEN/TS 45545-2:2009 specifications on bogie components with regard to fire protection properties without compromising the functionality of the components.
Tests performed by correspondingly accredited companies have demonstrated the newly developed rubber from BATEGU is well within norm thresholds.
You can find out more about this new high tech rubber from BATEGU in our product description and/or in a film, in which you can follow a fire test with conventional material and the new BATEGU rubber.
Product description as PDF
Download film "flammability test"