M/W: switch Heaters
direct-drive centrifugal fan features matched and balanced motor and impeller sets. Hovey employs a direct spark ignition system with a thermostatically limited track-duct nozzle outlet temperature of 340-380 degrees F. The HELLFIRE 400 also features remote operation, remote run indication, force-off provided by a normally closed contact, and a programmable delay ON timer of 0 to 99 seconds that allows staggered startup of a series of heaters. The blower motor is equipped with a magnetic contactor and thermal overload protection. The HELLFIRE’s ignition features an air pressure (flow) switch that’s disabled until adequate air pressure is developed. It’s high-temperaturelimited, so in the event of thermostat failure and nozzle temperatures exceeding 420 degrees F, the heater is shut off to avoid tie damage. Heater operation is restored by manual reset. If a loss of flame occurs, the ignition module closes the gas valve, provided that after a six-second ignition trial period of 6 seconds no flame is sensed, or if flame detection is lost for more than 1 second during normal operation. Hovey’s Horizontal Air Curtain (HAC) System produces a high-velocity curtain of ambient air to prevent ice and snow accumulation. A blower feeding duct mounted below the rails delivers the air to the point-end of the switch mechanism through nozzles mounted within the switch. Two 130-mph streams of air prevent snow and freezing rain from entering the 26
Railway Age
July 2016
mechanism. A “Quiet HAC” version with a reduced noise level of 5 decibels is available for applications in residential areas. Hovey’s Tie Duct is a hollow, thermally and electrically insulated structural tie capable of carrying heavy axle loads and delivering hot or cold air to a Switch Heater or HAC duct system. It can remain in place during automated tamping, eliminating the need remove cross-ducts for switch tamper. A thermally insulated Tie Duct, Hovey says, improves switch-clearing performance by delivering up to 18% more heat to the switch points. RECo: Get Caught in the Rail-NET™
Railway Equipment Company’s (RECo) line of Magnum® switch heaters are available as gas- or electric-fired hot air blowers, cold air blowers and electric rail switch heaters. All are compatible with Rail-NET™ remote monitoring and iHab™ software, increasing efficiency and functionality. RECo’s newest gas-fired heaters are described as “integrated, simple-tooperate and troubleshoot.” Standard features include CSA (Canadian Standards Association) listing in the U.S. and Canada; 30- and 66-inch height above foundation; stainless steel burner; galvanized nine-foot steel tie duct; two point nozzles; optional AC drive for less strain on the electrical grid; three-phase motor; electrical isolation that prevents damage from lightning strikes; robust over-temperature device that prevents tie fires and is more capable of standing
up to harsh environments; duct nozzles; pressure switch that verifies airflow during startup with no moving parts for less maintenance; rodent screens; optional Rail-NET™, allowing access to equipment status and data, from any location 24/7, and iHAB™ software. Remote monitoring and control of switch heaters via RECo’s proprietary Sno-NET® software “further increases switch heater reliability and efficiency while reducing associated operating costs,” the company says. “Ductwork is available in different sizes and styles to use with a variety of Magnum® products.” RECo’s fiberglass track switch covers keep the switch clear by preventing snow and ice from accumulating on switching rails. “In addition, use of track switch covers aids in reducing switch heater heat loss, reducing energy costs,” the company says. “New design modifications allow for continuous flow of heated air down the side and center covers. This provides more efficient operation of the heating elements, resulting in a lower operating cost. Track switch cover racks come fully assembled, providing an easy and safe method for transportation and storage.” Rail-NET™ collects and circulates railroad-defined asset operating data. RECo’s interface modules, which monitor a variety of analog and digital inputs, collect data that is transmitted to a secure online portal for processing and accessibility. “The portal allows the user to customize data presentation as well as when an alert should be sent out, and to whom,” the company says. “Alerts are sent out whenever an asset is operating outside normal parameters. Railroads can remotely determine the status of their equipment and prioritize their responses to better utilize their maintenance resources.” Fastrax® for Freight and Transit
Canada’s CCI Thermal Technologies recently acquired Fastrax®, a manufacturer of engineered electric rail heating packages. CCI’s Fastrax® FEB Electric Hot Air
Railway Equipment Co.
RECo’s newest gas-fired heaters feature a stainless steel burner and galvanized nine-foot steel tie ducts.