Seals in cold
November 1st 2005

When London Underground installed a freezer area to test the performance of train parts at low temperatures, Caydor designed a system that seals around the train to maintain a temperature of -10°C.

The train drives into the freezer box. The sealing system is then inflated at both ends to seal against the train. A foam insert goes under the carriage to stop ingress of warm air under the train.

Due to the low temperature over a period of days, the seal has to be heated to ensure the inflatable seal does not stay frozen to the carriage. After a pre-determined time, the heater is switched off, seal deflation occurs and a traffic light system signals to the driver that the train may be moved.