Bombardier Uses CuproBraze® Heat Exchangers in Overhaul of Electric Locomotives in South Africa, Says International Copper Association
NEW YORK--The International Copper Association announces that an innovative CuproBraze® copper-brass brazed oil cooler for locomotives is now being specified by transportation giant Bombardier.
With more than 55,000 employees, Bombardier is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative transportation products including regional aircraft, business jets and rail transportation equipment. Founded in 1942 as a manufacturer of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, the company later diversified into railway and aeronautical solutions. In the United States, along with Alstom, it is renowned for the development of the high-speed Acela® Express train and is also known for the restoration of New York City subway cars.
South African Railways (SAR) recently hired Bombardier to overhaul its line of 45 Class 11E locomotives. One of the priorities of the restoration was to upgrade the oil coolers for the electric converter and transformer, which deliver power to the engine. The original coolers were subjected to dust along the 400 km route through harsh terrain. The dust led to increased temperatures in the electrical equipment, and ultimately the premature failure of the rectifier, transformer and oil cooler. The new CuproBraze oil coolers offer superior durability and substantial cost savings when compared to the original design.
According to Jan Andersson, former Bombardier employee and consultant for the restoration project, “The oil cooler design was one of the weakest components in the locomotive. These heat exchangers were manufactured at great expense yet they were not measuring up in terms of durability. The oil coolers frequently had to be overhauled, taking the locomotives out of service due to overheating.”
CuproBraze technology provides flexibility of design with superior thermal performance. Though the technology is most commonly used to make heat exchangers for diesel engines, progressive companies like Bombardier are now using the technology in a variety of new applications.
Andersson concludes, “We are looking to replace traditional oil coolers with CuproBraze models not only in South Africa but also in Sweden, Australia and the United States. Many locomotives are reaching the 20 to 30 years of service, which is about the middle of the their life cycle. They are ready for refurbishing.”
For more details about CuproBraze technology please visit the website at www.cuprobraze.com or contact the International Copper Association at 260 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016-2401 – (212) 251-7245.
The International Copper Association, Ltd. is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association’s twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world’s refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world’s largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.