The E-Fastener System plays a critical role in railroad tracks and proper installation is critical. The installation process will vary depending on the type of sleeper.
Sleeper Installation
Prepare the components: Each sleeper rail seat requires 1 rolled steel tie plate, 2 E-Clips (such as E-2055), and spiral spikes. The number of tie plates is determined by the application.
Place the tie plate: Place the tie plate on a new or flat sleeper before laying the rails. The tie plate should be tilted toward the center of the tie with the higher raised heel seat on the outside. Note that the tie needs to be compacted before installing the clips.
Drilling: With the tie plate centered, drill pilot holes for the spiral spikes. For a 15/16" diameter spiral spike, drill a 3/4" diameter hole 6" deep from the top of the tie plate.
Installing the Clips: Facing the rail, install the E-clip from the right side of the pad with the "toe" or open end of the clip facing the bottom of the rail. You can do this by hand or tap with a sledgehammer. The standard for proper installation is that there is about 3/8 inch (about the diameter of a pencil) gap between the edge of the pad and the inside edge of the clip's back arch. Mechanical equipment can also be used to install to the above specifications, and there are many such equipment available. After installation, check that the pad fasteners are fully in place and that the pad fits tightly against the wood sleeper.
| Specifications Of Rail E Clip | ||||
| Item | Railway E clip | |||
| Chemical Composition | 60Si2MnA | 60Si2CrA | 55Si2Mn | 38Si7 |
| C:0.56-0.64, Mn:060-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.40-0.70, Si:1.40-1.80, | C:0.52-0.60, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.50-2.00, | C:0.35-0.42, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:1.50-1.80, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | |
| Cr:0.70-1.00 P:≤0.03, | Cr:≤0.35 | |||
| S:≤0.03 | P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03 | |||
| Hardness | 44-48 HRC | |||
| Fatigue Life | 3-5 million cycles without breaking | |||
| Surface | Plain Oiled, Oxygen Black, Zinc Plated, Hot Dip Galvanized, Dacro coating, Color Painting | |||
| Standard | UIC, AREMA, BS, RDSO, DIN, JIS, ISCR, VALEC, GOSTR- EASC, GB/T or other upon requirements | |||
Concrete Sleeper Installation
Prepare the Parts: Each concrete sleeper rail seat contains 1 rail pad, 2 insulating blocks, and 2 E-clip. The manufacturer of the concrete sleeper has pre-embedded the appropriate P-type shoulder in the sleeper.
Place the Pad: Make sure the rail seat and pad are clean and free of debris, then place the pad on the rail seat.
Installing the Rails and Tamping: Place the rails and tamp the rails and sleepers.
Installation of Insulation Blocks: Install insulation blocks on both sides of the rail, making sure they fit snugly against the bottom of the rail.
Installation of Spring Clips: Install E-clip by hand from the right side of the shoulder, or tap with a sledgehammer to assist. The spring clip is in place when there is approximately 3/8 inch clearance between the edge of the shoulder and the back of the spring clip. E-clip can also be installed mechanically. If using deep post rail insulators, make sure they are firmly seated under the rail and in the grooves of the pad. When deep post pads are placed on the sleepers, the thin membrane should be on the sleeper with the open side facing up, and the deep post insulator will extend under the bottom of the rail and rest on the pad membrane (or the pad if a "sandwich pad" is used). It should be noted that deep post insulators and standard rail pads should never be mixed. Although standard insulators can be used with deep post pads, it is not recommended as it may cause the pad to shift.
During the installation process, relevant standards and specifications must be strictly followed to ensure that the E-type fastener system is installed correctly and firmly, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the railway track.