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ContiTech Contributes to Enhanced Rail Safety
- Air actuators fulfill the stringent requirements of the new fire protection standard EN45545
- ContiTech sets new standard with air actuators in fire-resistant material
Shanghai, November 2016. Whether in Russia, Japan, or China, trains transport millions of passengers every day. To ensure that safety is always “on board” too, ContiTech has developed an air actuator for pantographs that is manufactured from an extremely fire-resistant material and fulfills all the requirements of European fire protection standard EN45545.
ContiTech air actuators set new standards
Pantographs play an important role in rail technology by transmitting the power from the overhead line to the rail cars, supplying the electric motor, electronic controller, and on-board systems with electricity. As a central pneumatic drive component of the pantograph, the air actuator generates the right pressure required for contact between the conductor lines and the overhead line. And this contact must be ensured for as long as possible if a fire breaks out so that the vehicle functions can be maintained and people can, if necessary, be safely evacuated.
Thanks to the new fire-resistant material, this new product fulfills the stringent requirements of the new European fire protection standard EN45545 at the very highest safety class, “Hazard Level 3” (HL3). “With this development step, we are setting new standards in the industry. We have never before seen a comparable product that meets these requirements,” says Manuel Mosich, product developer at ContiTech Air Spring Systems.
ContiTech products in rail transportation: the right choice
In rail vehicles, fire hazards are everywhere – especially in electrical systems such as switch cabinets and machine rooms. In passenger trains, many fires start in the toilets as a result of careless behavior like throwing a smoldering cigarette butt into the wastepaper basket. As a result, fire protection is an ever-present issue – both in the design of the vehicle and in the choice of materials used in and on the train. From the very smallest bolt to the very last window, the safety of rail vehicles depends on the quality of the materials.
As a material manufacturer, ContiTech takes this responsibility seriously. For years now, the company has been developing hoses, drive systems, and air springs to the highest standards and in accordance with the latest rail industry safety requirements. When developing and refining its products, ContiTech can build on the expertise of the Continental Corporation and use the effects of synergy to set new standards. Whether in the bogie of the carriage or locomotive, in air-conditioning and heating systems, or in the interior trim, ContiTech products are robust and durable – and, above all, safe.
CT_AS_Balgzylinder_Pantograf.jpg
Setting new standards: ContiTech air actuators for use in pantographs meet fire protection standard EN 45545.
Photo: ContiTech
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2015, the corporation generated sales of €39.2 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 215,000 people in 55 countries.
Continental commenced its business in China in 1994 and has built successful partnership with all major customers in China. So far, Continental has expanded its presence in 26 production locations and 17 R&D centers, representing a workforce of over 24,000 in the country. Continental offers market specific solutions to the Chinese market with all of the corporation's five divisions.
As a division in the Continental group, ContiTech is one of the world's leading industrial specialists. Its customers can be found in key industries such as machine and plant engineering, mining, the agricultural industry, and the automotive industry. With around 43,000 employees in 44 countries, the company uses its development and material expertise for products and systems made of rubber, plastic, metal, textile, and electronic components to combine these with individual services. ContiTech always thinks in terms of customer-friendly and environmentally-friendly solutions – going well and truly beyond its roots as a producer of rubber products. With sales of €5.4 billion (2015), this international technology partner is active with core branches in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
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Phone: +49 511 938-1304
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Li Che
Communications China
ContiTech Division
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