British power transmission specialist, Renold, has won a major contract in Australia to supply chain for the
escalators on the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (MURL). The contract was won following Renold's ability to demonstrate clear improvements in reliability and uptime using its specially designed Renolube chain.
The MURL encircles Melbourne's business district and is partly surface level and partly underground. It connects the five stations of Flinders Street, Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament. Three of the stations are underground and access to them is gained by a system of escalators. Increasing passenger numbers mean that the escalators are operating at near peak capacity at
many times throughout the day and maintenance engineers were keen to identify a chain with increased reliability, low maintenance requirements and improved wear life.
Renolube chain is designed with escalators in mind and requires no lubrication. This increases uptime and
enhances safety as lubricant oils and greases can pose a potential fire risk. The chain is designed around a composite polymer bush that delivers long working life with stable and predictable wear rates. Following initial trials Renold won the order to supply Renolube chain for eleven escalators on the MURL's three underground stations.