Pfaff Verkehrstechnik enjoys further international success with lucrative major projects

Pfaff Verkehrstechnik's international business is currently growing exceptionally well, as shown by various successfully completed major projects, such as the equipping of a new railway depot in Ashkelon, Israel.

Mobile axle changing system.

This is where electric trains of the type Desiro HC (High Capacity) from the manufacturer Siemens Mobility are maintained – these are considered state-of-the-art multiple unit trains that were first presented at InnoTrans 2014. In 2018, Pfaff Verkehrstechnik was awarded the major contract to equip the entire workshop of the depot. In addition to track systems, it also includes, among other things, an axle changing system, multiple lifting tables, mobile lifting jacks, hydraulic support jacks, turntables and roof working platforms ("flying carpets") for maintenance work on the train roofs.

New multiple units between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
In 2017, the operator, the state railway company Israel Railways, decided to use a total of 60 double-decker Desiro HC multiple units with 330 carriages on the railway line between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which were to run in units of four- and six-carriage trains. The six-carriage trains with a length of over 150 m offer space for 655 seats. The railway line from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a 56 km long new line and as such the first ever electrified line in Israel. The pairs of trains that have already been delivered and now run here every day can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h.

As part of the new-build project, a depot was built in Ashkelon to maintain the Desiros HC multiple units already in service. Pfaff Verkehrstechnik delivered the material for the depot in 2020 and started the installation on site in December 2020. At that time strict restrictions on entry were in place – therefore the installation was mainly carried out by local subcontractors under the supervision and responsibility of Pfaff Verkehrstechnik. Recently, in spring 2022, it was possible to complete the final tests, acceptances and training.



Lifting jack system with precisely synchronised lifting jacks.

High-precision synchronised lifting jack system
Now 24 mobile lifting jacks – each with a load capacity of 15 t – are used to completely lift the trains for maintenance and servicing work. The entire lifting jack system is controlled by frequency converters, whereby the synchronisation of the individual lifting jacks makes it possible to lift a train within a precision range of +/- 2.5 mm. In addition, two manual turntables with a diameter of 4000 mm were installed in the depot to move bogies between the different hall areas. The turntables are suitable for an axle load of 25 t and can therefore be driven over by the entire multiple unit without any problems.



Measuring track with lifting jacks.

Tracks for measurement and maintenance
A 60 m long track section for measuring vertical wheel and wheelset forces according to EN 15654-2 was designed with a height tolerance of less than 1 mm over the entire measuring range. This allows the axle loads of individual bogies to be determined with the help of two integrated pairs of measuring beams located in the centre of the measuring track.

Three elevated tracks with a length of 150 m are located 0.85 m above the hall floor. The pit depth is 1.75 m. A catwalk between the supports facilitates access to the vehicle during maintenance. An auxiliary rail system for hydraulic workbenches was installed in the pit itself. For example, a mobile lifting table in the pit area can be used to remove even very heavy components weighing up to one tonne. Stationary hydraulic lifting tables for loads up to 2.25 t then move these loads between the floor and the elevated track.



Elevated track with "flying carpets".

"Flying carpets" for ergonomic work on the roof
For maintenance and repair work in the roof area of the trains, all three maintenance tracks were equipped with so-called "flying carpets". These cradles are suspended from crane runways on the hall ceiling and can be moved over a wide range of 175 m along the entire length of the hall and thus along the entire length of the train.

Each "flying carpet" has two hydraulically lowerable gondolas that can be operated either as a pair or individually. The gondolas have electric extension modules to bridge the gap to the train and thus facilitate access to the roof. Telescopic guardrails can be used to secure the working area all around for safe working on the roof. To simplify the removal of components and their onward transport, vertically movable cranes were installed between the gondolas. These can also be controlled remotely via radio control.



"Flying carpets" with crane runways on the hall ceiling.

Remove axles and inspect wheels ergonomically
In addition to the elevated tracks, ground-level tracks were also laid. In the area of the elevated tracks, there are mobile axle changing systems, consisting of two pairs of track bridges, four support jacks and a mobile hydraulic lifting table with a load capacity of 25 t. With this system, axles can be removed at two positions and stored and retrieved on special axle pallets with an electric pallet truck.

In addition, Pfaff Verkehrstechnik has supplied six hydraulic support jacks with a load capacity of 11 t to lift bogies in pairs at the axle bearings. This allows the wheels to be turned and inspected for defects. A specially supplied service lift for 2.0 t transports the components from the ground floor to the warehouse on the first floor.

Versatile solutions for all maintenance and repair work
In conjunction with state-of-the-art control systems, the Pfaff-silberblau lifting jack systems guarantee maximum system safety and optimum operator ergonomics for maintenance personnel. In addition to mobile lifting jacks, the Pfaff Verkehrstechnik product range also includes all types of lifting platforms for rail vehicles, maintenance systems and roof working platforms. This enables Pfaff Verkehrstechnik to offer suitable solutions for all maintenance and repair work on bogies, wheelsets and vehicle frames.

Further information about Pfaff Verkehrstechnik is available at: www.columbusmckinnon.com/en-de/pfaff-silberblau

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