Freight Rail, Major Projects & Infrastructure, Operations & Maintenance, Rollingstock & Manufacturing, Track & Civil Construction

CRRC rail train at work on the mine

A 400 metre rail train developed by CRRC is being used by Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri iron mine development project in Western Australia, for the seamless laying and post-maintenance of the branch line connecting the site to the existing Rio Tinto Iron Ore railway network in the south at Lyre Siding. 

The internationally advanced engineering train – designed for transporting, unloading and collecting long rails – is composed of 23 wagons and one crane, the longest piece of running equipment in the assembly. 

The 23 wagons are divided into nine types in five categories: end buffer stop wagon, roller gate wagon, central tie down wagon, transition wagon and chute wagon. 

Primarily used for transporting, unloading and collecting rails, the train can transport 40 steel rails with a length of 400 metres at 68 kilograms per metre. 

Based on many advanced types of technologies, the rail train achieves safe, efficient and convenient transportation, unloading and collection operation of long rails. 

Efficient collection and unloading mode 

The crane is equipped with its own power that runs through the train, enabling it to efficiently pull and guide the rails during the whole process of collecting and unloading, without the need for other manual assistance. 

Accurate rail stress and dynamic trajectory  

Based on geometric non-linearity and contact element technology, finite element analysis was carried out on the running position trajectories of rail heads and tails, as well as the state curves of whole rails at different positions and working conditions. 

The most reasonable solution was adopted to arrange equipment on the train, to reduce the rail stress by as much as possible. 

The wireless controlled hydraulic operation arm is used together with the crane to realise accurate control of rail running trajectories and motion states. 

Convenient and quick operation mode 

A roller gate uses a mechanised locking mechanism when power is switched off. 

After the roller beam rotates in place, the lock is automatically triggered, and only one person is needed to operate it to open and close on a single side of the train, making it convenient and fast. 

Wireless remote control and logic control technology 

The train-mounted mechanised equipment, such as operation arm and anti-slip device, adopts wireless control technology. 

The control system also has action identification and logical judgment function, to prevent mechanism mis-operation and ensure safety and reliability. 

Clean and environmentally friendly 

The pneumatic hydraulic system – which replaces fuel generator sets – provides power for the operating equipment, which is suitable for non-electrified lines. 

At the same time, solar panels and batteries are used to power the control circuit of the system, reducing carbon emissions, saving energy and protecting the environment. 

Advanced wagon technology and outstanding performance 

The train adopts many technologies such as high strength steel materials, hydraulic shock absorber bogies, high strength couplers and forging coupler yokes. 

These apply constant strength and reliability to the wagon structure, leading to excellent dynamics performance. 

The rail train has performed impressively since it was put into use, and has been recognised for its advantages such as high safety, high degree of mechanisation, high work efficiency, low labour utilisation rate and convenient operation. 

So far, CRRC’s railway equipment products in Australia have included passenger cars, metro trains, locomotives and wagons. CRRC has established long-term and close cooperative relationships with EDI, FMG, Roy Hill, MRL, SCT, Rio Tinto, BHP, Adani, Aurizon, GWA, PN and other local Australian enterprises.