Heavy traffic, long trains, high speeds, and tight curves are the main factors behind rail and wheelset wear — as well as the cause of wheel squeal. Across Europe, these challenges are successfully addressed with ELPA technologies — advanced friction management and noise reduction systems proven on both mainline railways and in urban transport.
ISTEL 3000, the exclusive distributor of ELPA in Ukraine, ensures the implementation of these solutions with full technical support and adaptation to local conditions.
Global Case Studies: Proven Effectiveness
Poland — CL-E1 for trams and railways. The installation of CL-E1 reduced rail wear by more than threefold (from 1.14 to 0.36 mm/year). In urban transport (trams), ELPA solutions lowered wheel squeal on curves by 2.5–16.6 dB and balanced noise levels across different types of rolling stock.
Slovenia — BREMEX ANNSYS® for hump yards. The system reduced braking noise from 130 dBA to 30 dBA and extended the service life of brake shoes by 8–10 times. This innovation not only lowered maintenance costs but also significantly reduced complaints from nearby residents.
Czech Republic and Slovakia — comprehensive ELPA solutions for mainlines. Friction management systems reduced noise levels in residential areas, enabling the preservation of high-speed operations while cutting infrastructure maintenance costs.
Technological Solutions for Mainlines
WONROS® technology — a patented friction management system at the core of most ELPA products. It uses a unique composite material that ensures stable lubrication and noise reduction even under challenging climate conditions.
CHFC — ELPA’s proprietary composite friction modifier, optimized for railways; resistant to washout, environmentally friendly, and compatible with all dispensing systems.
CL-E1 — a stationary system for precise dosing of friction modifier into the wheel–rail contact area; highly effective on curves and high-wear sections.
I-ROCK — an onboard automated system that treats rails during train movement, providing optimal lubrication on long stretches without stationary equipment.
BREMEX ANNSYS® — a specialized system for hump yards that reduces braking noise from 130 dBA to 30 dBA and extends brake shoe life by 8–10 times.
Why This Matters for Ukraine’s Transport Infrastructure
Longer infrastructure lifespan. Rail wear reduced more than threefold and wheelset life extended by up to 70% — cutting repair and replacement costs.
Compliance with European standards. Noise reduction of up to 99.9% ensures adherence to environmental and sanitary requirements, supporting integration into European transport networks.
Greater operational resilience. Fewer unscheduled maintenance windows and stable operations even under heavy loads.
Reduced social impact. Elimination of wheel squeal and noise reduction in cities lowers public complaints and litigation risks.
ISTEL 3000 carries out site audits, selects the optimal ELPA solutions, and provides installation, commissioning, and service. Our team applies methodologies proven on European railways and tram systems and is ready to deliver both pilot and large-scale projects for Ukraine.
Sincerely,
The ISTEL 3000 Team