For decades, the railway industry has been underserved with safe and efficient friction management technologies.
With the introduction of WONROS® technology more than twenty years ago, a new era began in rail conditioning.
Instead of conventional and potentially hazardous wheel flange lubrication, WONROS® introduced friction balancing through Composite Hardly-Fluid Compounds (CHFC) – a completely new and advanced approach.
These CHFC composite materials contain a high concentration of anti-noise, anti-wear, and anti-vibration additives.
They form a highly durable microfilm on the wheel–rail interface, balancing adhesion while precisely controlling friction.
The result: significant reductions in gauge wear, gauge corner cracking (GCC), rolling contact fatigue (RCF), top-of-rail corrugation, and track vibration.
With over 40% solid microparticles of precisely selected size, shape, and hardness, CHFC materials outperform traditional lubrication methods.
To ensure precise, targeted, and stable application, dedicated dispensing and delivery systems have been developed – optimised for maximum efficiency in real-world railway operation.
Proven Performance
- Up to 70% reduction in lateral rail wear on curved tracks – extending rail life by over 300%.
- Up to 87.5% reduction in brake shoe wear in hump yards – extending component lifespan by up to 800%.
- Complete elimination of high-frequency friction noise, ensuring quieter and smoother operation.
- Reduced vibration impact on structures and nearby buildings – clearly noticeable for residents close to the track.
Originally developed as an anti-friction noise technology, WONROS® has evolved into a comprehensive rail conditioning system.
Its material formulations have remained unchanged since their inception – proof of technical maturity – while application technologies continue to advance and improve.
The outcome: a quieter, cleaner, and more durable railway, delivering substantial cost savings through reduced wear on wheels, rails, and infrastructure.
VAKO-A.R.T. is the exclusive distributor of WONROS® in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
WONROS® – Quiet. Clean. Efficient.
ELPA CL-E1® Trackside Devices
Intelligent Rail Conditioning at Its Best
The CL-E1® trackside device from ELPA represents the latest generation of modular rail conditioning systems, engineered for maximum performance, durability, and operational efficiency.
These sophisticated units adapt flexibly to different track configurations and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal application of WONROS® composite materials or other approved friction management agents.
By applying the right compound in the right quantity and at the right time, they achieve substantial reductions in rail and wheel wear, leading to lower maintenance costs and extended asset life.
The CL-E1® system is designed for long service intervals and minimal maintenance effort – requiring only two preventive maintenance checks per year.
Its large-capacity reservoirs and efficient dosing control allow very long refilling cycles, making it an ideal solution for busy mainlines, tunnels, bridges, and high-traffic corridors.
Modular in design, the CL-E1® devices can be easily configured and expanded to suit a wide range of operational scenarios – from urban light rail to heavy freight applications.
Every unit is engineered for precision, reliability, and simplicity, combining advanced technology with proven field performance.
ELPA CL-E1® – Modular. Reliable. Low-Maintenance.
ELPA Marshalling Yards
Anti-Noise & Anti-Wear Systems
A globally unique technology designed to reduce high-frequency noise generated by rail track brakes in hump yards, setting a new benchmark in railway noise and wear reduction.
This system directly addresses the loudest source of noise in the railway sector – brake squeal on marshalling yard humps – which often exceeds 130 dBA.
By applying advanced anti-noise and anti-wear composite materials, squealing noise is reduced by up to 99.9 %.
In addition to noise reduction, the technology achieves a dramatic decrease in wear on brake shoes, frogs, rails, and check rails, significantly extending component life.
Operational data from installations worldwide show annual maintenance cost reductions of tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros per yard.
Proven in continuous operation, the ELPA system delivers a highly effective, economical, and sustainable solution for railway operators seeking to enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and optimise life-cycle performance.
ELPA Marshalling Yard Systems – Quieter. Stronger. Smarter.
