Q&A With Our Experts: Noise & Thermal Solutions for Rail/Mass Transit
Leave a CommentSome of our experts at Technicon Acoustics joined Modus Advanced to discuss our acoustic and thermal solutions for Rail/Mass Transit. In our discussion, not only do we speak to best practices of treatments in the industry, but the alternatives we offer in replacement of commonly sourced materials and their advantages. This includes our
Here at Technicon, we frequently field questions regarding this topic in the Rail/Mass Transit industry. So, we are sharing a few common questions and our answers.
PF-091
Q: What prompted you to develop the PF-091 product, did you see a niche in the mass transit market that wasn’t addressed or did a particular customer need it which drove the R&D?
A: Over 10 years ago, it was originally developed as an alternative to foam. It had similar properties, its vertical orientation allowed for better dimensional stability, and it also addressed many of the downfalls of other fiber products. One of the big issues at the time was the blend was not fire-resistant, so we saw an opportunity to put some time into figuring out how to make it unique and meet the UL94 standard’s like all of our foam products.
During testing, we knew it would self-extinguish and not drip, but it also produced far less smoke. Under combustion, it would not produce any toxic off–gassing. So knowing these properties and understanding the current supply chain hiccups in the mass transit market, this prompted us to send the product to get tested further for transit applications.
Q: Do you see a space for this product in other markets other than rail/mass transit?
A: Absolutely. Any type of vehicle, heavy equipment, industrial equipment, and anywhere requiring sound insulation. This is a perfect alternative product to foam. There are not many applications where we wouldn’t recommend this product.
Additional Information: Technicon Acoustics was the first in the industry to be using this type of product and we further improved it by getting the fire-retardancy up. This polyurethane fiber PF-091 product meets flammability standards, but also has equal or better acoustic performance, better durability, and other advantages over traditional urethane or melamine foams – all with significant cost savings.
It’s been successfully tested to the E162 and E662 standards and bombardier smoke standard for toxicity.
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Tech Shield™
Q: Is the Tech Shield doing well for Technicon Acoustics? If so, in what industries specifically?
A: It’s doing very well. It’s our most successful development effort to date! We also have many power generation customers and there are undoubtedly hotspots that come up in this type of equipment that can cause discomfort. So, having a product that can be peel and stick for easy application on the desired spot is beneficial.
We had a situation where a hotspot reached 1200°F. After applying the Tech Shield™ you were able to lay your hand on the back of it 1-inch away where it was only 110°F. The performance is exceptional and would help with passenger comfort anywhere in a mass transit application.
Additional Information: The Tech Shield™ is a heat shield product that is fire-retardant and thermally insulating designed for hotspots. Some areas on a generator or engine can reach extremely high temperatures, and this product addresses these surface temperature issues. Without our product, this can be harmful to people and other sensitive components close by. It is a thin product that is only 0.125 inch thick so it barely takes up any space in equipment.
Tech Shield Sleeve™
Q: What are you guys hearing from customers about the Tech Shield Sleeve™?
A: Customers are liking it! Many manufacturers who are sourcing engines for their equipment are looking to implement some sort of exhaust sleeve for thermal insulation. To do this, they need the engine OEM to come out and approve if the product their using works on it. If not, there is no guarantee it’s suitable.
For the Tech Shield Sleeve™, we are waiting on approvals from these OEMs to verify and qualify the product beforehand so it can be used more widely.
Before our Tech Shield Sleeve™, if you had a pipe that makes a 180-degree bend then a 90-degree bend, you have to custom make a wrap. It has to be scanned, digitized, custom sewed, and it’s only good for this one particular pipe/equipment. If you have another pipe with two 90-degree bends at the same diameter, you still need another custom design wrap for each bend.
In contrast, our Tech Shield Sleeve™ is universal and easier to install. If you have a 4-inch diameter pipe, it doesn’t matter what shape it is. You cut the length which you need, you install it on the pipe, and you’re done.
Another method manufacturers are using is a “bandage” exhaust wrap around an exhaust pipe. Though universal, it takes time to wrap an individual pipe for how long that section that may be. Our Tech Shield Sleeve™ is a universal product, fits custom applications, and doesn’t involve a lot of time/effort toward manual labor or the customization costs.
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Additional Information: We have quite a few customers that use exhaust wraps to keep surface temperatures down for similar reasons someone would need the Tech Shield™ product. In addition, it keeps internal exhaust gasses hot for diesel particulate filtration of Tier 4 engine regulations for emissions. Below are some benefits customers are finding with our alternative exhaust sleeve product:
- No custom sewing
- Fewer options for a better price
- Improved function
- Streamlined design
- Accommodates various bends without customization
- Multipurpose across equipment models
- Easy to install
This product works for all kinds of engine manufacturers. OEMs are beginning to approve this product, finding that it is the right solution that meets the need for superior construction.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us today! For additional resources, please see below:
Exhaust treatments are for on- and off-road equipment that must operate reliably in harsh conditions. This may include vehicles such as: