Source: Wabtec announcement
PITTSBURGH — Wabtec and RATP, Paris region operator as well a major international public transport operator, announced a partnership to test Wabtec’s innovative “Green Friction” braking solution.
The test will study the solution’s ability to improve air quality in Paris tunnels by drastically reducing the micro-particles emitted from friction braking.
“Transit authorities around the world are looking for ways to improve air quality throughout their network and especially in their tunnels,” said Lilian Leroux, President of Wabtec’s Transit Business. “One challenge is to offer an innovative new friction material with nearly no particle emissions, while at the same time maintaining performance, durability and safety. Through this partnership, we will demonstrate how our Green Friction solution meets all those requirements and significantly reduces braking emissions.”
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Wabtec’s “Green Friction” technology is the result of the company’s expertise in friction materials and significant investments in the methodology of measuring the particles emitted during braking.
The solution is expected to reduce particle emissions from friction braking on metro trains by up to 90 percent.
The testing with RATP started in October 2020. The study will assess the materials currently used on the trains, as well as evaluate the performance and particle emissions of the most suitable “Green Friction” material. Finally, the companies will conduct operational testing of the new friction materials on the disc brake system of suburban type trains.
About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems.
Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. The freight portfolio features a comprehensive line of locomotives, software applications and a broad selection of mission-critical controls systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC). The transit portfolio provides highly engineered systems and services to virtually every major rail transit system around the world, supplying an integrated series of components for buses and all train-related market segments that deliver safety, efficiency and passenger comfort. Along with its industry-leading portfolio of products and solutions for the rail and transit industries, Wabtec is a leader in mining, marine and industrial solutions.
Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world.
