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FIELP OF APPLICATION
The present invention relates to an improved wagon for transportation of alumina powder
by freight trains.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Freight trains are utilized for transportation of alumina powder. In India the wagons used
in these freight trains are owned by the alumina smelters.
The wagon sets itself in a type of geometry which will limit the cross-section of the wagon
as well as its length over coupler centers. Both cross-section and length of the wagon will
limit the volume of the wagon container. Length of a freight train being limited, length of
the wagon will also limit the number of wagons in a train.
The standard wagons available have an axle load of 20.32 tons and a tare weight of 27.28
tons for carrying a payload of 54.00 tons.

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In the existing wagons (Figures l(a) and l(b)) for transportation of alumina powder by
freight train, the manhole cover frame 2 provided does not allow shell top to be raised to
the maximum height permissible by the moving dimensions 10 of an existing standard 'X'
class engine. This feature will restrict effective volume of the wagons. The profile at
position 3 of the existing wagon also limits the volume of the wagon. The wagon is
provided with heavy short depth frame 4 for strength requirements, which also limits the
volume.
The end 5 of the existing wagon has a substantially flat profile which tend to increase air
resistance while moving, thereby increasing fuel consumption. The wagons are provided
with multi-level brake arrangement 6 which is of heavy construction work. This tends to
increase the tare weight of the wagons.
In order to overcome the above mentioned problems associated with the existing wagons,
there was a need to develop an improved wagon with increased volumetric capacity for
carrying higher payloads, thereby resulting in more material stock readiness for processing
and higher revenue.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main object of the present invention therefore, is to provide an improved wagon for
transportation of alumina powder with increased volumetric capacity for carrying higher
pay load.
Another object of the present invention is to effect reduction in empty wagon weight by
reducing the heavy brake iron work.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a wagon end with a profile that can reduce
the air resistance, resulting in saving of fuel during train operation.
These and other objects of the invention can be achieved by redistribution of the structural
design of the superstructure of the wagon as a whole with innovative application of design
skills at various levels.

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In a preferred embodiment the invention provides an improved wagon for transportation of
alumina powder by freight trains comprising: a shell with manhole covers at loading points
located within the moving dimensions of a standard 'X' class engine, and a bottom frame
work with a profile; characterized in that said manhole cover frame work is so designed to
allow said shell to be raised upto the maximum height permissible within said moving
dimensions; and in that said bottom framework is with a larger depth, light weight
construction with an improved profile for substantial increase in the volumetric capacity of
the shell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention can now be explained with the reference to the accompanying drawings
where
Figure 1(a) shows the existing standard wagon in end view.
Figure 1(b) shows the existing standard wagon in side view.

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Figure 2(a) shows the improved wagon of the present invention in end view.
Figure 2(b) shows the improved wagon of the present invention in side view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The existing wagon has been shown in end view in Figure l(a) and in side view in Figure
1(b). The end and side views of the improved wagon of the present invention are shown
respectively in Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b).
In the present invention, a manhole cover framework 20 is so designed that it allows the
shell top to be raised upto a maximum height permissible within the moving dimensions 10
of an existing standard 'X' class engine. This will provide considerable extra volume in the
shell of the wagon.

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The bottom framework 40 is provided with a larger depth light weight construction having
a profile 30 allowing substantial increase in volumetric capacity of the shell.
The wagon ends are provided with aerodynamic profile 50. This will reduce the air
resistance during train operation resulting in savings in fuel consumption.
The redesigned ends also will result in increase in length 70 of the wagon which also
increases the volumetric capacity of the wagon.
Single level brake arrangement 60 is provided at the bottom with reduced weight
construction. This will result in reduction in empty wagon weight and also ease of
maintenance during service. The brake levers 60 provided are also of light weight
construction.
Table 1 shows a comparison between the wagon of the present invention and the existing
wagon. Items 1 to 7 relate to wagon envelop where there is no change. Items 8 to 15 are
results of the improved design of the present invention.



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Thus from the improved wagon of the present invention for transportation of alumina
powder by freight trains a very high volume can be achieved for carrying higher payload.
The revenue increases because higher stock levels of raw materials can be achieved for
higher production capability of the aluminium plant
Increase in payload is achieved for a very insignificant increase in the tare weight of the
wagon. An uncomplicated natural type of brake is provided which can be re-aligned at
single level with lesser number of components resulting in weight reduction as well as
lower maintenance cost. The provision of aerodynamic shape of the wagon ends result in
reduced wind resistance and consequent saving in fuel consumption during train operation.
Dated this 3rd day of August 2007.

The main object of the present invention therefore, is to provide an improved wagon for
transportation of alumina powder with increased volumetric capacity for carrying higher
pay load.
Another object of the present invention is to effect reduction in empty wagon weight by
reducing the heavy brake iron work.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a wagon end with a profile that can reduce
the air resistance, resulting in saving of fuel during train operation.
These and other objects of the invention can be achieved by redistribution of the structural
design of the superstructure of the wagon as a whole with innovative application of design
skills at various levels.
In a preferred embodiment the invention provides an improved wagon for transportation of
alumina powder by freight trains comprising: a shell with manhole covers at loading points
located within the moving dimensions of a standard 'X' class engine, and a bottom frame
work with a profile; characterized in that said manhole cover frame work is so designed to
allow said shell to be raised upto the maximum height permissible within said moving
dimensions; and in that said bottom framework is with a larger depth, light weight
construction with an improved profile for substantial increase in the volumetric capacity of
the shell.