MOBIPACK B30 biofuel service stations for SNCF
SNCF has opted for service stations from the MOBIPACK filling its rolling stock with B30 biofuel.
Erla Technologies SAS has for some years been equipping several SNCF petroleum depots for biofuel refuelling of railcars in the Poitou Charentes and Champagne Ardennes regions.
The SNCF Champagne-Ardenne regional direction has been involved in tests of rail biofuels. A fleet of eight X73500 type railcars, maintained at the TER Champagne-Ardenne maintenance centre, will soon be using fuel made of 70% diesel and 30% plant-based biodiesel (B30).
This rolling stock will serve two TER (French regional trains) routes. Given that there is a need to supply the rolling stock with biodiesel the supplementary conventional fuel will have to remain on an exceptional basis. Two MOBIPACK refuelling stations, designed and produced by Erla Technologies SAS will be dedicated to B30 biofuel. These two distribution pumps will have to be installed and financed by SNCF as part of the company’s approach to respect for the environment. Indeed, SNCF has committed to a medium-term programme which aims to reduce the pollutant emissions from its trains and other equipment.
The material will thus be adapted and prepared: water filter separators, motor assessments, adaptation of maintenance cycles, doubling of workshop visits. Erla Technologies SAS will deploy its technical teams to the rail depot zones. Erla Technologies SAS will also handle training of SNCF’s technicians to ensure maintenance and correct operation of the installed MOBIPACK service stations.
The length of this test is stated and put into operation by an initial two-year contract and during this period there will be very specific monitoring of all the equipment involved.
Erla Technologies SAS is not only hoping to develop innovative solutions with a view to obtaining more market share in the national rail transport market. The company is also aiming to export its technology and the expertise of its teams, technicians and engineers beyond the borders of France.
