#41208 - Preliminary market engagement exercise for de-icer product for third rail applications

Description

The purpose of this preliminary market engagement exercise is to identify de-icing products that might assist Network Rail in overcoming operational difficulties associated with the operation of third-rail traction systems during icy conditions. Electric railway vehicles that obtain their power through a DC third rail system rely on the quality of the electrical connection between the conductor rail and the train's pick-up shoe. In winter conditions, ice can form on the conductor rail degrading the quality of the electrical connection to such an extent that the trains are unable to function properly. Network Rail operates a winter treatment program on Southern, and North West and Central, Regions where anti-ice products are deployed on the conductor rail to help prevent ice build-up, thereby maintaining the required electrical connection. At present, Network Rail does not have a suitable de-icing product that can be deployed in the event of ice forming on the conductor rail and it is undertaking this preliminary market engagement exercise to identify products that might serve that purpose. The request for information (RFI) response form and associated documents can be accessed via the link to pqq_3701.