DEVELOPMENT OF LONG-LIFE TRAIN AIR HOSE

With rising labor costs and labor shortages, railway maintenance has been the target of research to reduce it and the costs associate with it. Air hoses are a big source of maintenance work because they generally don't last more than four years because the materials they are made out of break down from exposure to ultraviolet rays and water, heat and shock from being hit by rocks and pieces of ballast. This report studies ways to make them last longer. Current air hoses have several weaknesses, such as the rubber coating that is susceptible to sunshine and heat. The reinforcing fabric can be damaged from being struck by rocks and ballast. The authors propose two types of air hoses made of synthetic rubber and fabric that is more durable. Accelerated deteriorating tests suggest that the new hoses can stay in service for more than 13 years, which would reduce maintenance costs.