Retrofitting of rail vehicles

Choose Dürr Technik for retrofit projects and the modernisation of your trains:

Alongside Knorr-Bremse and Atlas Copco, Dürr Technik is one of the leading manufacturers of compressors for rail vehicles. Our oil-free piston compressors, developed specifically for the rail sector, support you in the cost-effective modernisation and retrofitting of your rolling stock fleet.

From initial consultation through to the right compressed air solution, we support you throughout retrofit and modernisation projects, ensuring that existing train models can be quickly and reliably fitted with modern, compatible railway compressors.

• A wide range of oil-free main and auxiliary air compressors for rail vehicles – also available in certified versions
• Robust and durable: designed for S1 continuous operation, tested at temperatures ranging from –40 °C to +50 °C and under high vibration conditions
• Many years’ experience with various train types, vehicle platforms and technical requirements in rail transport
• Oil-free technology: clean compressed air for braking and control circuits, longer maintenance intervals and reduced life-cycle costs
• Compact design: ideal for confined installation spaces in retrofit projects

Typical modernisation projects in the rail sector

A retrofit compressor replaces outdated or worn-out compressed air generators in the vehicle – often as part of a modernisation programme or to extend the service life. With a compressor from Dürr Technik, you can modernise the existing compressed air technology in your rail vehicles in a sustainable manner. Our oil-free piston compressors enhance operational reliability, comply with current standards and noise protection requirements, and significantly reduce life-cycle costs. This allows you to extend the service life of your fleet by many years – in a way that conserves resources, is energy-efficient and ensures reliable day-to-day operation.

• ETCS Level 2 retrofitting – the ideal time to modernise the compressed air system
  As part of the transition to the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, many trains are undergoing extensive work in the workshop – the ideal time to modernise the existing compressed air systems as well. Retrofit compressors from Dürr Technik supply oil-free, clean compressed air for brake and control circuits, optimally tailored to modern signalling systems and various train types.
• Brake air supply
  Main and control air for safe train braking.
• Door actuators
  Fast, reliable opening and closing operations.
• Pantograph and current collector retrofitting
  When replacing or upgrading current collectors changes to the pneumatic control system are often required. Our oil-free compressors ensure a constant supply of compressed air – for smooth raising and lowering of the pantograph.
• Air suspension modernisation
  Upgrading the air suspension significantly improves ride comfort, particularly on regional and long-distance services. Dürr Technik retrofit compressors supply the necessary compressed air consistently and reliably – even under varying loads.
• Optimisation of track sanding systems
  New or optimised track sanding systems improve wheel grip in wet conditions, on leaves or in snow. Our compressors provide the necessary pressure to dispense sand precisely and quickly.
• Wheel flange lubrication
  Targeted lubrication of wheels and rails to reduce wear and running noise on bends.

Find the right replacement compressor for your retrofit project

In order to select a suitable compressor for your modernisation project, we require the following information:

• Manufacturer and model of the train, e.g. a specific model of railcar
• Details of the compressor to be replaced:
  • Manufacturer and vehicle model or series
  • Manufacturer, vehicle model or series and, where applicable, vehicle serial number
  • Technical performance data, e.g. operating pressure (bar) and air delivery (l/min)
  • Drive type: electric or axle-driven
• Requirements for the new solution, e.g. available installation space, desired performance adjustments or special installation scenarios

Airflow ranges by train type and application

In the list below, we have compiled the air flow requirements for a number of train types and applications. The air flow rates quoted serve as typical guidelines for retrofit projects in the rail sector. The actual design depends, amongst other things, on the vehicle type, train length, pressure level, tank capacity, duty cycle and the connected compressed air consumers.

Dürr Technik compressors are compatible with many train types and have been tried and tested in railway operations worldwide. We would be happy to assist you with suitable retrofit solutions for your modernisation project.