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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does a reverse pitch fan work?
A reverse pitch fan (or variable pitch fan) works differently to traditional fans and is effective in preventing
contaminants from blocking both the radiator and cooling system of a vehicle engine.
Traditional fans are fixed to only draw air in through the radiators.
These existing fans do create an efficient cooling process, but due to the one rotational direction, also pull contaminants into the radiator fins which can clog and overheat a vehicle’s engine cooling system.
Blockage very quickly effects air flow, and the radiator becomes inefficient, forcing the system to work harder to maintain a sufficient cooling temperature.
This forces the thermostatic control to engage, shutting down the engine.
This engine failure is known as ‘Return to Idle’ (RTI).
The blades of the reverse pitch fan are unique in that they rotate on their own axis to change the pitch and reverse through the cross position.
This guarantees the air will always be increased and be in the optimum position to produce maximum air flow.
This is in both cooling and cleaning modes.
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Fitting a reverse pitch fan (variable pitch fan) effectively maintains radiator cooling efficiency by eliminating blocking contaminants and maintaining air flow through the radiator.
A reverse pitch fan helps to increase energy savings and eliminates return to idle engine malfunctions.
Flotec uses reverse pitch fan technology to reduce downtime and increase efficiency for DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) train fleets.
How do Gates PowerGrip Clamps work?
Gates PowerGrip Clamps are predominantly used in vehicle coolant hosing applications and offer a superior finish compared to more traditional hose clamp devices.
PowerGrip Clamps are composed of a heat shrinkable thermoplastic material, which offers an exceptional seal and is effective in preventing leakage after fitment.
As temperatures fluctuate, PowerGrip clamps expand and contract with the coolant hose which not only provides a leak free solution but also ensures they never need to be re-tightened.
Cold fluid leaks are quite common in automotive applications and the PowerGrip clamp is effective in eliminating this frequent failure.
Flotec uses the PowerGrip Clamp to great effect in conjunction with its BlueStripe EPDM coolant hose, which is applied to train fleets.
What is an alternative to silicone coolant hoses?
Whilst silicone hoses are a common coolant product for many applications (predominantly automotive), a more effective coolant solution is available.
Flotec recommends using an EPDM BlueStripe alternative.
Bluestripe EPDM qualities include a high resilience to oxygen, ozone, and sunlight which substantially reduces degradation of the material.
Additionally, Bluestripe EPDM hoses have been proven to be ten times more resistant to water permeation than silicone hoses.
The significance of this being an elimination of engine coolant water vs ethanol glycol imbalances.
This helps to make a more efficient cooling system.
Raw material costs are significantly lower than traditional silicone hoses.
The EPDM BlueStripe coolant hose also works incredibly well with PowerGrip Clamps.
What is the EN 45545-2 Fire Safety Regulation?
Simply, EN 45545-2 European fire safety regulations have been critical in ensuring fire safe continuity with train operations throughout the EU and UK.
Understandably, low smoke density and low toxicity to the components of a train vehicles construction is incredibly important in slowing down the spread of both fire flames and intoxicating smoke.
There were major concerns regarding various rail companies in differing countries adopting their own manufacturing processes and to individual specifications.
This resulted in an inconsistency in train safety and resistance to fire.
As such, a formalised EN 45545-2 fire safety regulation was implemented to regulate fire safety standards throughout the EU and UK.
All Flotec rail products conform to EN 45545-2 fire safety regulations.
