Passenger Rail Car Freeze Protection

Passenger rail car freeze protection is a concern for rolling stock, with potable water-bearing systems typically supplying onboard toilet facilities and galleys. During frigid weather, the potable water-bearing system on a passenger rail car is at risk of freezing, resulting in expensive and lengthy repairs.

Typically, a passenger rail car’s heating will keep the water from getting too cold. However, when the heat is turned off for switching locomotives, during layovers, or due to a power outage, the temperature inside of the cabin can quickly fall towards freezing. If the water in the system is not heated or drained, it can freeze, causing massive damage and disrupting galleys and sanitary systems. Passenger cars should have a freeze protection plan for winter weather to mitigate this risk.

ThermOmegaTech®’s line of GURU PC® passenger car freeze protection valves are self-operating, thermostatic drain valves that protect potable water-bearing systems from freezing. The GURU PC ¾” and 1″ valves monitor ambient temperatures. They will automatically drain the water tanks if the temperature falls to the valve’s set-point (35°F), preventing burst piping and frozen tanks. Completely mechanical, with no outside power required, its high flow design rapidly drains the system eliminating costly freeze damage from occurring.

Once power and heat are restored to the rail car and the GURU PC® valve warms up, it will modulate closed, allowing the passenger car’s water tank to be refilled before returning to service. ThermOmegaTech® recommends using our electric heater assembly to quickly close the valve after activation to get the car back into service as soon as possible.

The advanced, reliable GURU PC® valves increase up-time on passenger cars by preventing water lines from freezing before any damage can occur.

GURU® Rebuild Program

GURU PC® valves are recommended to be replaced every 18-24 months. ThermOmegaTech® offers a rebuild kit that allows your maintenance personnel to quickly and easily replace the valve cartridge assembly in the field. To learn more, visit our Rebuild Program page.