Sheffield specialist engineering firm SCX is playing its part in making travelling on the new underground lines of the Crossrail project easier, safer and more comfortable.
The Wincobank-based company is supporting Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors (WPSD), a division of Knorr-Bremse UK Rail, in optimising the installation of their platform screen system on the multi-billion-pound Crossrail project.
The mechanical handling rig, devised by SCX Special Projects’ world-class engineers for rail systems contractor Knorr-Bremse, has helped to transform the installation process and generate significant benefits.
SCX worked closely with WPSD to design and build the rig, resulting in increased efficiencies, including time and cost savings. The solution has earned widespread praise for SCX’s engineering excellence.
In the region of 500 platform screen doors are being installed at the eight new underground stations on the Crossrail project, protecting passengers from the track and train, creating a quieter and cleaner platform environment and economical air-conditioning.
Installation of the platform door modules – weighing up to two tons - needs to be performed from the track, rather than a conventional ‘on platform’ construction. The SCX rig facilitates fast, accurate and safe mounting of complete door modules onto the platform, as well as being easy to operate.
Danny Pickard, lead engineer at SCX Special Projects, said: “Our clients tend to have one thing in common: a unique and complex mechanical handling problem, which needs an engineering solution. In looking to solve those problems we innovate in every area of the design, whether that’s mechanical, electrical, controls, structural or safety.”
Danny continued: “SCX’s mechanical handling expertise encompasses the entire process from concept design, to fabrication and assembly, right through to final installation. The brief from WPSD/Knorr-Bremse touched on all of those disciplines. It’s a real pleasure to work with a client like WPSD/Knorr-Bremse, and a genuine privilege to play our part in the success of the London Crossrail project.”
Knorr-Bremse, project manager Robert Harker, said: “SCX Special Projects has worked closely with us and delivered a solution which demonstrates ingenuity and engineering excellence. The quality and functionality of the rigs are outstanding and they are proving easy to operate on site.”