What is the corrosion resistance of rail joint bars?

Hey there! As a supplier of Rail Joint Bars, I often get asked about the corrosion resistance of these essential components in the railway industry. So, let's dive right into what corrosion resistance of rail joint bars actually means and why it's so important.

First off, what are rail joint bars? Well, they're also known as fish plates. These bars are used to connect two rails together, ensuring a smooth and stable track for trains to run on. You can check out more about Heavy Haul Fish Plate, Fish Plate Rail Joint, and Fish Plate in Rail on our website.

Now, let's talk about corrosion. Corrosion is basically the process of a material deteriorating due to chemical reactions with its environment. For rail joint bars, this usually means reacting with moisture, oxygen, and other chemicals in the air or on the ground. If rail joint bars corrode, it can lead to a whole bunch of problems.

One of the biggest issues is reduced strength. When corrosion eats away at the metal, it weakens the structure of the joint bar. This can cause the bars to break or become loose, which is extremely dangerous for trains. A loose or broken joint bar can lead to derailments, which can result in serious accidents, injuries, and even loss of life.

Another problem is that corrosion can affect the alignment of the rails. Rail joint bars are designed to keep the rails in the correct position. But if they corrode, they may not be able to hold the rails properly, causing the track to become misaligned. This can lead to a bumpy ride for trains, increased wear and tear on the wheels and tracks, and higher maintenance costs.

So, how do we measure the corrosion resistance of rail joint bars? There are a few ways. One common method is through salt spray testing. In this test, the joint bars are placed in a chamber where they're sprayed with a saltwater solution. The length of time it takes for the bars to start showing signs of corrosion is then measured. The longer it takes, the better the corrosion resistance.

Another way is to look at the type of material used to make the joint bars. Different metals have different levels of corrosion resistance. For example, stainless steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance because it contains chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal. This layer helps to prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the metal underneath, reducing the risk of corrosion.

We also use coatings to improve the corrosion resistance of our rail joint bars. There are various types of coatings available, such as epoxy coatings and zinc coatings. Epoxy coatings form a hard, protective layer on the surface of the joint bars, while zinc coatings work by providing a sacrificial layer. The zinc corrodes first, protecting the underlying metal.

When it comes to choosing the right rail joint bars with good corrosion resistance, it's important to consider the environment in which they'll be used. If the tracks are in an area with high humidity, lots of rainfall, or near the coast where there's a lot of salt in the air, you'll need joint bars with high corrosion resistance. On the other hand, if the area is dry and has a low level of pollution, you may be able to get away with joint bars that have a lower level of corrosion resistance.

As a supplier, we offer a wide range of rail joint bars with different levels of corrosion resistance to meet the needs of our customers. Whether you're looking for joint bars for a heavy - haul railway or a light - rail system, we've got you covered.

We understand that choosing the right rail joint bars is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your railway. That's why we work closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and recommend the best products. Our team of experts can provide you with detailed information about the corrosion resistance of our joint bars, as well as help you with installation and maintenance.

If you're in the market for rail joint bars and want to learn more about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to answer your questions and discuss your needs. Whether you're a railway operator, a contractor, or someone involved in the railway industry, we're here to provide you with high - quality rail joint bars that offer excellent corrosion resistance. So, why wait? Contact us today to start the conversation about your rail joint bar needs.

References

• Railway Engineering Handbook, various editions
• Journal of Corrosion Science and Engineering articles on metal corrosion in railway components