When taking a train, many people will notice the black sleepers under the tracks. These sleepers were not blackened by the train, but were specially treated and dressed in "black armor". This treatment enables the sleepers to better resist harsh environments, extend their service life, and ensure safe railway operation.

1、 Why do sleepers wear black armor?

Early railway sleepers were made directly from wood, but wood was prone to decay and insect infestation in outdoor environments, resulting in a short service life. Especially in areas with high rainfall and humidity, sleepers may be damaged within a few years, affecting railway safety. To solve this problem, engineers began researching how to make sleepers more durable.

After multiple experiments, it has been found that treating wood with anti-corrosion oil can significantly extend the lifespan of sleepers. Anti corrosion oil can penetrate into the interior of wood, forming a protective layer to prevent erosion by moisture, microorganisms, and insects. The surface of this processed sleeper appears black, appearing to be smoked black, but in fact it is wearing "black armor".

2、 How do I put on the black armor of the sleepers?

The process of making anti-corrosion sleepers is not complicated, but it requires meticulous operation. Firstly, the wood will be cut into standard sized sleepers and then placed into a huge autoclave, which resembles a massive 'pressure cooker'.

Next, the steel tank will be vacuumed to extract the air from the internal space. Then, the anti-corrosion oil is injected into the steel tank under pressure, penetrating into every corner of the wood. This process is like enchanting wood, giving it the ability to resist decay.

3、 What are the advantages of wearing black armored sleepers?

The biggest advantage of anti-corrosion sleepers is durability. Ordinary wood may only last for a few years outdoors, while the service life of anti-corrosion sleepers can reach several decades. This greatly reduces the cost and time of railway maintenance.

In addition, anti-corrosion sleepers can also adapt to various harsh environments. Whether in the cold northeast, humid south, or dry northwest, anti-corrosion sleepers can maintain stability and will not deform or be damaged due to environmental changes. This stability is crucial for railway safety.

Finally, the maintenance of anti-corrosion sleepers is also very simple. Even if there is some wear on the surface, the internal anti-corrosion oil can still function and does not require frequent replacement. This makes railway operations more efficient and reduces resource waste.

In short, the black color of railway sleepers is not smoked black, but rather they are dressed in "black armor". This treatment makes the sleepers more durable and stable, becoming a solid guarantee for railway safety. Next time you take the train, why not take a closer look at these silently guarding black guards? Their stories are also worth remembering.