In the Netherlands, will use lasers to clean the rails of leaves

As strange as it may sound, but on the rails of fallen leaves can create serious problems for train drivers. If the foliage will stick to the wheels, then the braking distance of the locomotive can increase significantly. However, a rather unusual solution to this problem was proposed by Dutch engineers.

As the resource Engadget, the Dutch Railways begin testing the new laser system, which will use to remove the leaves from the rails during the movement of the train.

Previously, for this purpose, use water or sand, but the use of these materials have one serious drawback – they might end up. In addition, the use of water jet for cleaning can lead to the destruction of the rails themselves.

At the moment the system has some limitations and its use is only effective at speeds below 80 kilometres per hour, but in the future engineers plan to Refine laser system for use at higher speeds.

In addition, the engineers plan to use the laser, not only to clean the leaves, but also clearing paths of debris, which also creates obstacles to the movement of the train.

Source: hi-news.ru