Transport - Case Study

Brush Traction/Wabtec

Industry: Transport
Product: Foam

Brush Traction/Wabtec supplies freight and passenger rail vehicle services, equipment and components to rolling stock owners, operators and maintainers.

The team at Nobel Fire Systems has been working with Brush Traction/Wabtec for over a decade now, providing fire protection of their rolling stock. The team are currently providing the fire protection systems for their Class 319 Flex project which is designed to create bi-mode trains by fitting two diesel-powered alternators – one under each of the driving trailer cars.

Due to the delay in the government’s electrification plan across the rail network, many trains are having to be converted to be tri-modal which means installing a diesel engine so they can run on networks that have not yet been electrified.

Brush Traction/Wabtec require fire protection systems for the diesel generator set on diesel rafts which are mounted under the rolling stock. Therefore, upon detailed investigation, fire testing and comprehensive risk assessments, the team at Nobel recommended a foam-based fire suppression system. Bespoke twin tank systems were designed to enable the application of a frost protected foam at the correct application rate over the areas required to be protected. This was due to the compact space available and the flammable nature of the materials being protected.