Metronet Rail is responsible for maintaining, replacing and upgrading all infrastructure on nine of the 12 London Underground tube lines, which includes work to 347 trains, over 471 miles of track and 1,263 points and crossings.
The new Pfaff systems are to be installed as an integral element of Metronet Rail’s ongoing preventative maintenance programme. Each system comprises eight screw jacks synchronised by a central control panel. The screw jack systems lift complete train car bodies to facilitate the changing of bogies which incorporate the drive motors. Their use significantly speeds up the process of replacing the bogies ensuring that rolling stock can be returned to service in the minimum time.
Many safety features are incorporated into the screw jacks, including wear monitoring nuts which also act as fail safe devices in the unlikely event of failure of the main load bearing nuts.
Pfaff-silberblau screw jacks are also installed in London Underground depots at Hainault and Waterloo. With the addition of Northumberland Park, the total number of Pfaff-silberblau screw jacks installed at London Underground depots will exceed 100.
This latest order includes installation and commissioning of the screw jack systems by members of Pfaff-silberblau’s team of engineers who already undertake maintenance of the London Underground screw jacks.
Pfaff managing director Paul Kelly said: “Rail safety is of critical importance to all of us and we are pleased to be able to contribute to Metronet’s preventative maintenance programme in this way.” He continued: “Pfaff Actuator Systems are highly versatile – they combine proven technology with years of experience and engineering expertise in rail and road applications such as this.”
