Rail Locomotive Traction Sand

JETMAG The ultimate traction sand for your locomotive.

Train efficiency is based on the low adhesion of steel wheels to steel rails. It's thanks to this grip that trains can carry a load such as theirs so quickly, and with so little power per ton (in the case of a typical European freight train, the power per ton carried by locomotives is only a fraction of that of the tractors that haul semi-trailers down the road).

The cost of this poor grip is mediocre acceleration and comparatively long braking distances.

The problem is that it's very easy to lose grip. If the track is wet, if the train is very heavy, or if the train is climbing (the angle of incidence of the force in relation to the vertical is a very important factor in maintaining grip, and a few tenths of a degree can make all the difference), the grip coefficient will be too low to maintain grip when the power needed to move the train is applied to the wheels. When this happens, the wheels slip. Conversely, when an attempt is made to stop the train, this low adhesion coefficient may cause the wheels to lock, and the train to skid on the rails. In modern trains, electronic systems (ABS and traction control, just like in cars) help to mitigate these problems.

However, they can cause considerable damage to both rolling stock and infrastructure.

To alleviate grip problems, locomotives are equipped with sand blasters, nozzles that project sand (which can also be mixed with various chemicals to ensure virtually zero humidity) under the drive wheels, either by compressed air or gravity. As a general rule, there is at least one nozzle per direction of travel and per side of the engine, i.e. 4, but there can be (and often are) more than that.

This sand considerably raises the coefficient of friction between the drive wheel, under which it is thrown, and the rail, enabling grip to be regained.

Traction sand for locomotives. We offer 2 different sand sizes for your needs: JETMAG 16-60 and JETMAG 30-60. Our traction sand has a very low density, providing a very interesting economic advantage. A very dry sand that provides maximum grip thanks to its high hardness. What's more, JETMAG reacts very well to a humid environment, which prevents clumping and reduces the risk of blocking sand transport lines.