Grease dispensing equipment, also called lubricators, is typically operated by batteries that are charged on location by solar collectors. A wheel sensor placed ahead of a lubricator senses the arrival of the train wheels and signals the battery-operated electric motor to run the pump to force the grease into the grease delivery bars attached to the inside of the gauge faces of the track.

In this study, two grease lubricators from two OEMs were placed in the middle of an S-shaped track curve. Each lubricator delivered grease to one of the tracks. Then, using a tribometer, engineers collected friction readings on the tracks at different distances from the lubricators in both directions. Additionally, the collected data included daily temperature readings, grease flow via an automated flow recorder, and other pertinent information.

The results of this study should be helpful to railroad friction management personnel, grease manufacturers, and grease lubricator designers and manufacturers.