Sandite
Sandite
Railway adhesion substance
Sandite is a substance used on railways in the UK, Ireland,[1] US,[2] the Netherlands[3] and Belgium[4] to combat leaves on the line,[5] which can cause train wheels to slip and become damaged with flat spots. Sandite consists of a mixture of sand, antifreeze and steel shot.[6]
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United Kingdom and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (November 2010) |
Leaf build up on the railhead can also cause signalling issues and 'disappearing trains' on the rail control systems (because of the electrically insulating effect of the leaves, which can prevent operation of track circuits).
British Rail conducted research, in 1976, to determine the suitability of Sandite for use as an adhesion improver.[5]