|
Seoul Metro steps up its efforts to reduce subway noise
- Seoul Metro installs a rail-coating system between City Hall Station and Jonggak Station to
reduce subway noise.
- Seoul Metro expects to reduce subway noise by about 10 decibels by using an environmentally-
friendly lubricant on tracks.
|
Seoul Metro said that it has started test operations of its environmentally-friendly rail-coating system on tracks between City Hall Station and Jonggak Station in a bid to reduce subway noise.
The rail-coating system is intended to reduce subway noise by spraying an environmentally-friendly lubricant on tracks. Seoul Metro applied the lubricant-spray to two sharply-curbed tracks running between the two stations. The tracks in question are two meters long.
When a train approaches these sections of track, a sensor activates the lubricant-spraying system that then coats the designated sections, creating a strong oil film between the train's wheels and the tracks. This film reduces friction, resulting in a reduction in subway noise.
Seoul Metro said that it will closely monitor the operation of the coating system to determine the optimal oil amount, spraying angle and other factors needed to best minimize subway noise.
Unlike previous systems, the rail-coasting system uses an environmentally-friendly lubricant that can be mixed with water and decomposed by microbes. Also, only a small amount of the lubricant is needed to coat the tracks.
Seoul Metro expects the newly-installed system to reduce subway noise by at least 10 decibels, greatly cutting the noise pollution that could potentially damage the hearing of its passengers.
"We have been considering many methods of reducing subway noise to make travel more convenient for our customers," a Seoul Metro official said. "We expect the rail-coating system will likely significantly reduce noise in sharply-curbed locations."
※ Components of Seoul Metro's rail-coating system and its installation
※ Features of the environmentally-friendly lubricant used in the rail-coating system
▶ Product name: NEO RT-40
▶ Main Features
- The rail-coating system uses a biodegradable lubricant that can be decomposed by microbes
and easily mixed with water.
- Only a small amount of the lubricant is required to create a solid oil film to minimize friction and
subway noise.
- The lubricant does not easily mix with dust and there is little chance of it causing air pollution or
fires.
|
|
※ Features of the environmentally-friendly lubricant used in the rail-coating system
