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railPrime
12/11/2015
MPL Technology: NatureBlend rail lubricant
MPL Technology Inc. has developed a patent-pending NatureBlend formulation, which is expected to be the rail industry’s first and only lubricant made completely from renewable and biodegradable materials, the company said.
This friction modifier is composed of renewable biodegradable polymers and oils that provide enhanced lubrication while reducing the environmental footprint of wheel and rail lubricants, MPL said. The NatureBlend formulation provides the rail industry with an alternative to traditional hydrocarbon-based lubricants and polymers.
The lubricant fits into existing applicators and can be produced in a number of forms to fit various applications for both freight and passenger rail operations.
The formulation was developed in conjunction with Kansas State University and has been tested at a wide range of test facilities, including the National Research Council of Canada and the Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, Colo. Test results prove the product’s ability to effectively transfer onto steel surfaces and provide friction reduction for a prolonged period of time: Analysis at TTCI documented the formulation’s ability to reduce energy required, measured through both electrical and mechanical force reduction, the company said.