Platform Wagon PW
for BGE
The PW platform wagon is a rail-bound, non-powered heavy-duty platform manufactured by HUBTEX as a bespoke special-purpose solution for the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE). A total of 25 platform wagons have been produced for this project. They are used to carry transport units containing radioactive waste, as well as exchange pallets and drums containing operational waste from the controlled area. The platform wagon is therefore a key component in ensuring safe and clearly defined transport operations within a strictly regulated emplacement process.
Schacht Konrad, a former iron ore mine in Salzgitter, is being converted by BGE into a repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The facility is currently still under conversion. The platform wagons manufactured by HUBTEX have already been completed, placed in storage and are intended for future Operation.
Use at BGE
In future operation, the platform wagons will perform internal transport operations within the controlled area and support material flow within the process. As rail-bound, non-powered platforms, they are moved using the designated conveying and loading equipment. This allows transport units to be picked up, moved along the rail system in a guided manner and brought to the transfer points within the emplacement process.
Safe transport and defined positioning on the rail system
The platform wagons are designed to transport one transport unit each, meaning one container in which the waste is made available for the emplacement process. The structural design supports secure load retention and reproducible load alignment. A closed, flat trough surface, together with a trough featuring stepped sections for securing and aligning the transport unit, helps ensure stable and controlled transport within the intended process. In addition, an interface for position detection on the rails is provided to support integration into facility operations.
Designed for demanding operating conditions within the controlled area
For future operation, the platform wagons have been designed with ease of maintenance, serviceability and decontamination in mind. Continuous welds and sealed joints help make cleaning easier and reduce areas where residues could accumulate. Additional measures for corrosion protection and reusability are also provided.
High quality standards through regulated inspection and approval processes
The project environment is subject to strict requirements regarding verification, materials and inspections. Extensive inspection certificates are required for the materials used, alongside defined inspections of components and weld seams. It is also specified that manufacturing may only begin once the relevant documentation has been reviewed and approved. This framework ensures traceability and controlled implementation throughout the project phases.
The platform wagons are rail-bound and do not have their own drive system. Connection to the designated rail conveying system is provided via defined interfaces on the wagon.
The platform wagon is designed as a robust steel structure and essentially consists of the running gear, frame and trough assembly. The trough is cast from austenitic steel, providing a high level of corrosion resistance and ductility. The running gear features two axles with rail wheels, which guide the wagon on the rail system. The frame is designed as a welded structure and forms the load-bearing base for carrying the load. For rail operation, shock absorbers are fitted to the frame, while the axle bearings are spring-mounted. Defined connection points on the wagon enable connection to the drive and traveling equipment of the facility.
The platform wagon is designed as a robust steel structure and essentially consists of the running gear, frame and trough assembly. The trough is cast from austenitic steel, providing a high level of corrosion resistance and ductility. The running gear features two axles with rail wheels, which guide the wagon on the rail system. The frame is designed as a welded structure and forms the load-bearing base for carrying the load. For rail operation, shock absorbers are fitted to the frame, while the axle bearings are spring-mounted. Defined connection points on the wagon enable connection to the drive and travelling equipment of the facility.
A trough with stepped sections is used to secure and align the transport unit on the wagon. The geometry is designed to prevent jamming and to allow the transport unit to be received and guided within the specified tolerances. The end walls and overlapping sections support centering and secure attachment of the trough assembly to the frame.
Technical specifications
Vehicle weight: approx. 4.1 t
Load capacity: up to 20 t
Length: 3,600 mm
Width: 2,330 mm
Height: 970 mm
Maximum speed, loaded: 0.2 m/s
Rail-bound