Indian Railways' Transition to Sustainable Metal Degreasing Solutions: A Case Study
Case Study-24
- Home
- Case Studies
- Indian Railways’ Transition to Sustainable Metal Degreasing Solutions: A Case Study
Indian Railways' Transition to Sustainable Metal Degreasing Solutions: A Case Study
Introduction:
Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest railway systems, is committed to enhancing sustainability and reducing costs. This case study explores how Evergreen Solutions has facilitated Indian Railways’ sustainability efforts by providing eco-friendly metal degreasing solutions, replacing hazardous solvents like kerosene and diesel.
Background:
Maintenance and cleaning are essential for the smooth operation of Indian Railways, which encompasses a vast and intricate system. Traditionally, air brake assemblies of coaches, wagons, and bogies were cleaned using expensive and environmentally harmful solvents such as kerosene and diesel. Seeking a more sustainable and effective alternative, Indian Railways sought eco-friendly solutions that could ensure optimal performance while minimizing environmental impact.
Solution: Implementing Safe and Effective Metal Degreasers
To address these challenges, Indian Railways partnered with Evergreen Solutions, a specialist in eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Evergreen Solutions provided a range of bio-based cleaners, organic solutions, and natural oil-based cleaners, specifically designed to be safe for the environment and human health while effectively degreasing and sanitizing metal surfaces. These sustainable alternatives replaced kerosene, diesel, and other hazardous solvents in the maintenance of air brake assemblies.
Implementation:
Indian Railways initiated a small-scale testing phase to evaluate the efficacy of Evergreen Solutions’ bio-based cleaners, organic solutions, and natural oil-based cleaners. This involved applying the products to clean a few air brake assemblies of coaches, wagons, and bogies. The results were impressive, demonstrating the products’ effectiveness in sanitizing surfaces while meeting environmental safety standards. Based on these positive outcomes, Indian Railways decided to adopt the entire range of Evergreen Solutions’ metal degreasing products system-wide.
The implementation process involved replacing all traditional cleaning methods with the eco-friendly alternatives provided by Evergreen Solutions. Comprehensive training programs were conducted to educate staff members on the proper use of these products, and regular cleaning schedules were established to ensure the air brake assemblies remained clean and sanitized.
Results:
The implementation of eco-friendly metal degreasing solutions yielded several notable results for Indian Railways. First and foremost, the transition reduced the reliance on kerosene, diesel, and other hazardous solvents, consequently safeguarding the environment and decreasing associated costs. The bio-based cleaners, organic solutions, and natural oil-based cleaners provided by Evergreen Solutions effectively cleaned and sanitized surfaces while promoting environmental and human health safety. Consequently, Indian Railways successfully met compliance standards set by regulatory bodies.
Furthermore, the maintenance of air brake assemblies improved significantly. The sustainable cleaners effectively removed accumulated dirt and grime, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the equipment. In addition to their performance benefits, the bio-based cleaners, organic solutions, and oleo surfactants provided by Evergreen Solutions proved to be more cost-effective than traditional cleaning methods, resulting in significant savings in terms of time and money.
Preventing Flash Rust: A Beneficial Side Effect
By adopting the eco-friendly metal degreasing solutions, Indian Railways inadvertently discovered an additional advantage: the prevention of flash rust. The bio-based cleaners and organic solutions helped eliminate residue and moisture, which are common triggers for flash rust formation. Consequently, the implementation of these sustainable solutions provided a secondary benefit, improving the longevity and durability of the metal surfaces.
Conclusion:
Indian Railways’ collaboration with Evergreen Solutions has enabled a significant transition towards sustainable metal degreasing practices. By replacing kerosene, diesel, and other hazardous solvents with eco-friendly alternatives, Indian Railways achieved a dual objective of enhancing environmental safety and reducing costs. The bio-based cleaners, organic solutions, and natural oil-based cleaners effectively cleaned and sanitized air brake assemblies, resulting in improved equipment performance. Moreover, these solutions prevented flash rust formation, further extending the lifespan of the metal surfaces. Indian Railways’ commitment to sustainability serves as a shining example for the transportation industry, demonstrating that eco-friendly solutions can lead to positive outcomes for both the environment and the bottom line.
