JR Central plans to equip overhead line insulators with a protective coating, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

JR Central plans to equip overhead line insulators with a protective coating.

Porcelain insulators are key components of the overhead line system as they prevent the leakage of electric current between live wires and metal supports.

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However, over time, their operational performance can deteriorate due to exposure to airborne pollutants.

In particular, salts and chemical compounds commonly found in coastal areas pose a significant problem for railways in Japan.

This issue is especially relevant for high-speed lines, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen, which run close to the coastline.

To protect insulators from adverse effects, a special protective coating is periodically applied to their surface.

This coating, made of silicon-containing compounds, not only absorbs airborne pollutants but also has high hydrophobicity, thereby preventing the surface from getting wet.

However, this coating needs to be renewed every one to two years. This process requires considerable effort: the work is done manually, at night, at height, and near live electrical components, making it not only labor-intensive but also potentially hazardous.

To eliminate the need for regular coating renewal, JR Central proposes a new approach.

The company specialists suggest applying a silicone coating to insulators during their manufacturing process.

This technology, being introduced for the first time in Japan, has been developed in collaboration with NGK Insulators since 2017.

Test results have confirmed the effectiveness and reliability of the coating, allowing for a significant reduction in subsequent maintenance work.

The first insulators with factory-applied protective coating are planned to be installed on the Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed line in the 2025 fiscal year, which begins in Japan on April 1.

This step will significantly reduce operating costs and increase the reliability of the railway infrastructure.

JR Central’s solution represents a significant advancement in railway infrastructure technology, aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of overhead line maintenance in harsh environments.

Photo: JR Central

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