Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ:FDML) has collaborated with a Tier 1 supplier to the rail industry to produce a revolutionary seal for the rail industry that significantly improves fuel economy, reduces emissions and requires less maintenance. The Eco-Turn(TM) Seal - named one of the year's most technologically significant products by R&D Magazine - is an advanced non-contacting labyrinth seal developed for railroad freight car wheel bearings that significantly reduces locomotive fuel consumption. The Eco-Turn seal is estimated to save a 100-car train traveling 100,000 miles approximately 14,000 gallons of diesel, potentially saving the industry millions of dollars a year in fuel consumption.
The Eco-Turn seal's value is in its ability to retain, or seal, lubricant inside the bearing while excluding external contaminants (water, dirt, debris) without the additional frictional drag generated by traditional contacting elastomer lip seals. Wheel bearing seals are typically comprised of one or two piece elastomer lips that seal well but produce undesirable frictional drag on the wheel bearings. This additional drag increases the required energy to move the train, reducing operating efficiency and resulting in higher bearing operating temperatures and seal wear.
The Eco-Turn seal offers a non-contact labyrinth technology, aided by a number of specific geometric features, which eliminates torque, heat generation and wear - all typical with contacting lip seals. The seal has a seal element and a stamped metal shield element. The shape of the labyrinth path between the seal element and the shield is one aspect that makes this product unique, and enables the seal to effectively and efficiently retain lubricant inside of a bearing while, at the same time, prevent outside pollutants from contaminating the bearing.
"The Eco-Turn seal has the potential to save millions of dollars in fuel consumption and maintenance costs, as well as dramatically reduce the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere," said Gerard Chochoy, Federal-Mogul Senior Vice President, Powertrain Sealing and Bearings. "The non-contact seal eliminates seal-generated torque and temperature while maintaining sealing integrity. As a result, it not only saves fuel, but requires less maintenance."
Eco-Turn seal has been named a recipient of a 2009 R&D 100 Award - or one of the year's 100 most technologically significant products - by R&D Magazine. Federal-Mogul engineers will accept the award at a ceremony later this year. Winners of the R&D 100 Award are selected by an independent judging panel and the editors of R&D Magazine. The R&D 100 Awards honor the latest technology developments that are designed to meet societal, scientific or business challenges facing us today - and tomorrow, according to Rita Peter, editorial director of R&D Magazine.
While the Eco-Turn Seal is currently only available for railroad wheel bearing applications, the product has the potential of serving other market applications in power generation, agricultural and mining, and processing industries.
About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety technologies, serving the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty, industrial, agricultural, marine, rail, off-road and industrial vehicles, as well as the worldwide aftermarket. The company's leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, as well as marketing and distribution deliver world-class products, brands and services with quality excellence at a competitive cost. Federal-Mogul is focused on its sustainable global profitable growth strategy, creating value and satisfaction for its customers, shareholders and employees. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs nearly 40,000 people in 36 countries. Visit the company's Web site at www.federalmogul.com.
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