REVISION OF SPECIFICATION / STR

Item Name: Rubber components, Air brake, ALCo locomotives-

Specification No.: IRS-R-48-88 (with 03 Corr.) (Draft under revision)

1. RDSO is reviewing the specification/STR to cater to the latest technological developments in the
field, modify clauses not relevant in the present context and making them more enabling with focus
on functional requirements.

2. It is requested that your comments / suggestions with regard to improvements / modifications in

specification/ STR of the above mentioned item may be submitted in the following format along with
the justification for the changes required.

Part A: Basic Information

SN Particulars Information
1. Name
2. Designation
3. Professional Qualification
4. Organization / Firm’s Name
5. Address for correspondence
6. Email ID
7. Whether firm is registered with RDSO for the subject item.
If yes, details like date of registration, current status etc.
If no, firm’s experience in manufacturing of subject item or
similar item.
8. Whether any technical document/ Report/ Study to support
suggested changes in available/ enclosed for better
appreciation.

Part B: Comments / suggestions on the specification

SN Clause No. of Clause, as it exists Clause, as it should read Justification for

RDSO STR/ Spec in RDSO STR/ Spec after incorporation of changes
comments/ suggestions in
RDSO Spec / STR

Comments may be sent to following address within one month from the date of publication on
rdso.indianrailways.gov.in

Jt. Director/ Brake

Research Designs and Standards Organization
Manak Nagar, Lucknow – 226011

Email: [email protected]
Indian Railways Standards Specification for Rubber Components Used In the Air Brake Equipment of Diesel and Electric Locomotives, Electric Multiple Unit (Emu) Stock & Diesel Rail Cars

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

डीजऱ एवं इऱैक्ट्रिक ऱोकोमोटिव, इऱैक्ट्रिक मक्ट्टिपऱ यनू िि (ई॰एम॰ य॰ू ) स्िॉक एवं डीजऱ
रे ऱ कारों के एयर ब्रेक उपकरण में प्रयर
ु त रबड़ कॉम्पोिेंि के एऱए रारतीय रे ऱ मािक शबए्क्ट् ि

INDIAN RAIWAY
STANDARDS SPECIFICATION
FOR

RUBBER COMPONENTS USED IN THE AIR BRAKE EQUIPMENT OF DIESEL AND

ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES, ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNIT (EMU) STOCK AND DIESEL
RAIL CARS

Serial No. R-48-88 21 (with 03 Corr.)

January’ 2021

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Indian Railways Standards Specification for Rubber Components Used In the Air Brake Equipment of Diesel and Electric Locomotives, Electric Multiple Unit (Emu) Stock & Diesel Rail Cars

RESEARCH DESIGNS & STANDARDS ORGANISATION

LUCKNOW - 226 011
CONTENTS

Sl. No. Particulars Page No.

0. Foreword 1

1. General Requirement 2

2. Diaphragms 3

3. ‘O’ Rings 5

4. Piston Packing Cups 6

5. Valve Seats, Gaskets & Gland Packing Washers 8

6. Field Trial 9

7. Preference To Make In India 9

8. Vendor Changes In Approved Status 9

Appendix ‘A’ Code of Practice for Quality Control and Inspection of 10

Rubber Component

Appendix ‘B’ Characteristics of Liquid ‘B’, Lubricating Oil & Grease 11

Appendix ‘C’ Air Leakage Test for Diaphragms 12

Indian Railways Standards Specification for Rubber Components Used In the Air Brake Equipment of Diesel and Electric Locomotives, Electric Multiple Unit (Emu) Stock & Diesel Rail Cars

LIST OF AMENDMENTS

S. No Amendment Rev. Revised Details of Revision

Date Para
1 January‟ 2021 - 0.5 & 0.6 Para deleted, in view of revision of this specification.
1.3.1 Para revised to incorporate changes mentioned in amendment no. 3 dt.
28.09.2000.
1.3.4 New para added to incorporate changes mentioned in amendment no. 3
dt. 28.09.2000.
5.2.4.1 Para revised to incorporate changes mentioned in amendment no. 1 dt.
(b) August 1989 and amendment no. 2 dt. June 1990.
6 New para added to incorporate field trial and field trial performance
feedback format.
7 Addition of new Para (Preference to Make In India) in compliance of
directives issued by GOI for promotion of Make in India policy.
8 Addition of new Para (Vendor Changes in Approved Status) in
compliance to Vigilance cell note no. 13/Vig/Policy dated 08.09.2016.
B.2.1 Para has been revised to address restrictive/narrow eligibility criteria.
 INDIAN RAILWAY STANDARDS SPECIFICATION FOR RUBBER COMPONENTS USED IN THE AIR
BRAKE EQUIPMENT OF DIESEL AND ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES, ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNIT (EMU)
STOCK AND DIESEL RAIL CARS

0. FORWORD
0.1 This specification is issued under fixed Serial No. R-48; the final number indicates year of
adoption as standard or in case of revision, the year of last revision. This specification was
adopted in 1972.
0.2 This specification is intended to cover the technical provisions relating to materials, constructions
and tests, and does not include all the necessary provisions of the contracts.
0.3 This specification draws reference to some of the relevant IS Specifications. Latest Versions of
these Specifications shall be taken as references.
0.4 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied, with,
the final value observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be
rounded off in accordance with the IS:2. The number of significant places retained in the
rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
0.5 In this revision, due consideration has been given to the development in the field of elastomeric
materials & process technologies, serviceability requirements of the Indian Railways & the
practices followed in advanced countries in this field.
0.6 In this revision, physical properties of the rubber of various components have been uprated.
Tension set for „O‟ rings & swelling test in lubricating oil/grease used in service have been
incorporated. Performance test for diaphragms has also been introduced.
0.7 This specification contains a code of practice for quality control & inspection of rubber
components (Appendix „A‟) to ensure satisfactory process & quality control at the works of the
manufacturers. The provisions of this code shall be applicable for all the rubber components
being used on the Railways. Similarly, provisions on „Sampling and criteria for conformity‟ and
„Inspection and testing facilities‟ shall be applicable for all rubber components.
0.8 Tests for compression set on „O‟ rings & development of reinforced piston packing for brake
cylinders with adhesion values between the reinforced fabric & the rubber are currently under
standardization and shall be included in the specification when finalised.

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 1 of 14

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Sampling And Criteria For Conformity
1.1.1 A minimum of six samples or 0.5 % of the lot offered for inspection whichever is higher, shall be drawn
for tests indicated in the relevant specification. In the event of no. of samples drawn for tests are not
adequate to carry out all the tests, as per the provisions given in the methods of tests, the
Inspecting/Purchasing authorities at their discretion shall draw more samples as required. Should the
samples fail to meet the requirements, double the number of samples from the same lot shall be
drawn for re-testing, Should any of the re-test samples fail to comply with the requirement, the entire
lot shall be rejected.
1.1.2 In the event of rejection after the re-testing of the samples, the entire lot offered for inspection shall be
made unusable in the presence of Inspecting/Purchasing authorities.
1.1.3 The manner of distribution of samples for different tests shall be at the discretion of the Inspecting /
Purchasing Authorities.
1.2 Inspection and Testing facilities
1.2.1 The Inspecting/Purchasing authorities shall have access, at all reasonable time to the works where
the materials/components are being manufactured or where they are stored. The materials offered for
inspection shall not be withdrawn during the course of inspection. Any move to withdraw the materials
or to interfere with the inspection in any way will render the entire lot being rejected. The
manufacturers shall supply all equipment & chemicals required for testing free of charge, and shall be
at their own cost, supply labour & apparatus for such tests as may be carried out at their works.
Should the manufacturers fail to provide facilities at their works for carrying out the prescribed tests,
they shall bear the cost of carrying out these tests elsewhere by an approved testing authority, with
the prior approval of the Inspecting/Purchasing authorities. Confirmatory test samples, in addition,
may be drawn by the Inspecting / purchasing authorities and submitted for tests to the approved
testing authorities.
1.3 Method of Tests
1.3.1 All the tests shall be carried out on finished components where practicable or from prepared test slabs
of approx. same degree of vulcanisation using the same rubber compound. The manufacturer shall
prepared adequate number of test slabs or conducting tests at the manufacturer‟s premises during
inspection by the inspecting authority, for the reference samples with inspecting authority and for the
tests by the consignee. The method of tests shall be as per IS:3400, unless otherwise special
conditions are stipulated in this specification.
1.3.2 Tension set-
The test shall be carried out on „O‟ ring with its original cross section dia. The gauge Length of the test
specimens shall be either 10 or 20 or 50 mm depending on free length available on cutting the „O‟ ring.
The length between the grip/jaw and gauge mark on either sides shall be 10 mm. The maximum
possible gauge length shall be selected. Where minimum gauge length on „O' rings of lower internal
dia, cannot be obtained, the tests shall be carried out on „O‟ rings with higher internal dia, specially
manufactured as test specimens using same rubber compound and approximately same degree of
vulcanisation.
1.3.3 Resistance to Liquid „B‟ Lubricating oils & greases-
While determining the swelling by volume % in liquid 'B‟ lubricating oils & greases, the volume of the
flat test specimens shall be 0.5 to 3 cc (select higher volume where practicable) & thickness 1 mm

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 2 of 14

 minimum. For test specimens, prepared from „O‟ rings, the volume shall be 0.5 to 2 cc. The
characteristics of Liquid „B‟ lubricating oils & greases referred to in this specification are given in
Appendix 'B‟.
1.3.4 For the purpose of confirming/co-relating the composition of the tests slabs with that of the
components, the following tests shall be performed both on tests slabs and the components and shall
comply with the requirements is given as under:
a) Identification of polymer Observation shall be identical.
b) Specific gravity The results shall be within + 0.02
c) Percent Ash content The results shall be within + 1.0 for ash content
upto 20% and + 1.5 for ash content above 20%
d) Swelling by volume % in The results shall be within + 5.0
Reference Fuel „B‟ at 27±2 0C for 24 +0/-2 hrs.
1.4 Marking
1.4.1 Letters 'IRS‟, part number, manufacturer‟s name (initials/trade mark) and the quarter/year ‟of
manufacture shall be inscribed on each component where practicable, except on 'O' rings, on the
locations shown in the drgs. on other components, where inscription is not practicable, the markings
shall be done with indelible ink. „O‟ rings shall be marked with indelible ink where practicable. 'O‟ rings
and other smaller components where even marking with indelible ink is not practicable, shall be
packed suitably and sealed with tags, bearing the above markings.
1.5 Packing
1.5.1 The components shall be dusted with French chalk & packed suitably to avoid movement or distortion
or damage during transit and storage. The package shall bear the order number, quantity and
markings similar to clause 1.4.
1.6 Storage
1.6.1 The rubber components shall be stored in cool and dry place, For guidance regarding proper storage
of rubber components, IS:6713 shall be referred to.

2 DIAPHRAGMS
2.1 Scope
2.1.1 This Specification covers the requirements / method of tests for diaphragms used in contact with oil,
grease or/& moisture at temperature upto 80°C,
2.2 Types
2.2.1 The diaphragms shall be of the following three types:
a) Type 1 - fabric reinforced and without central hole, in accordance with the relevant drgs.
b) Type 2 - fabric reinforced and with central hole, in accordance with the relevant drgs.
c) Type 3 - without fabric reinforcement, in accordance with the relevant drgs.
2.3 Requirements
2.3.1 Materials
2.3.1.1 Rubber:
The rubber used for the manufacture of diaphragms shall be either polychloroprene or any other
synthetic elastomers or a blend thereof, suitably compounded so as to conform to the requirements as
Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 3 of 14
 specified in this specification. The type of rubber and the grade to be used for the manufacture of
diaphragms depending on application shall be as shown in the relevant drgs.
2.3.1.2 Fabric Reinforcement –
The fabric used for reinforcement in the diaphragms shall be either polyester or polyamide. The
breaking strength of the fabric shall not be less than 18-kgf/cm width in both the directions, tested as
per IS:1969.
2.3.2 Construction, Workmanship & Finish
2.3.2.1 The diaphragms shall be smooth, free from pin holes, blisters, porosities and other visual flaws. In
fabric reinforced diaphragms, the thickness of the rubber shall be even on both sides. The fabric shall
be suitably treated to ensure satisfactory bond between the rubber and the fabric. The diaphragms
shall be moulded in accordance with the relevant drgs.
2.3.3 Dimensions and Tolerances
2.3.3.1 The dimensions and tolerances of the diaphragms shall be as indicated in the relevant drgs.
2.3.4 Physical Properties of Rubber
2.3.4.1 The rubber compound used in the manufacture of diaphragms shall conform to the following
requirements:
S.No. Property Polychloroprene Synthetic Elastomer
Grade ‘A’ Grade ‘B’ Grade ‘C’ or Blend Grade ’D’
1. Hardness (IRHD/ Shore „A‟) 50±5 60±5 70±5 70±5
2. Tensile strength (Mpa), min. 12 15 15 15

3. Elongation at break (%), min. 350 300 300 300

4. Compression set (%) max. at 25 25 25 25

100±1 0C for 24 +0/-2 hrs.
5. Swelling by Vol. (%), max.
a) In Liquid „B‟ at 27±2 0C for 70 70 70 30
24 +0/-2 hrs.
b) In lubricating oil at 100±1 oC +30 /-0 +25 /-0 +20 /-0 +10 /-5
for 72 +0/-2 hrs.
Note: The purchasing authority shall designate type & grade of rubber in the relevant drawings.
2.3.4.2 Accelerated Ageing
2.3.4.2.1 After ageing at 100±1 oC in an air oven for 72 +0/- 2 hrs., the hardness, tensile strength, elongation at
break (%) shall not vary from the values obtained with the unaged samples by more than the
following:
Grade A-C Grade D
a) Hardness (Shore 'A') +7/- 0 Deg. +7 /-0 Deg
b) Tensile strength +10 /-15 % ± 20 %
c) Elongation at break (%) +10 / -25 % +10 / -30 %

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 4 of 14

2.3.5 Air Leakage Test
2.3.5.1 The air leakage test shall be carried out on samples of diaphragms as shown in Appendix 'C‟ &
shall conform to the requirements indicated therein.
2.3.6 Dynamic Fatigue Test
2.3.6.1 The diaphragm shall be mounted on a fixture. The dimension of the fixtures shall be different for
diaphragms of different dimensions. The fixture shall be fitted to a test lay out comprising of
magnet valve, time delay relay, recorder, air compressor, air fitter etc. as shown in figure -2. The
diaphragm is subjected to a cyclic pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and zero, at frequency 6 minimum 15
maximum cycles per minutes. The diaphragms shall withstand 1,00,000 cycles without failure or
show sign of failures such as development of cracks on rubber and bond separation between the
rubber and the fabric.

The test shall constitute as type test and is mandatory for product Approval. The
Inspecting/Purchasing authorities, however, reserved the right to repeat the tests at their discretion.

3 ‘O’ RINGS
3.1 Scope
3.1.1 This specification covers‟ the requirements and method of tests for „0‟ rings used at 80°C in contact
with grease and/or moisture.
3.2 Requirements
3.2.1 Material
3.2.1.1 Rubber –
The rubber used in the manufacture of „O‟ rings shall be either polychloroprene or any other
synthetic elastomer or a blend thereof suitably compounded so as to conform to the requirements
as specified in this specification. The type and grade of rubber to be used in the manufacture of 'O'
rings depending on the applications, shall be as shown in the relevant drgs.
3.2.2 Construction, Workmanship & Finish
3.2.2.1 The 'O‟ rings shall be moulded in one endless piece with the spew trimmed to leave visible
circumferential line and the measurement across these lines to be within the tolerances shown in
the relevant drgs. The rings shall be uniform, smooth, free from pin holes, blisters, porosity and
other visual flaws. The moulded flash shall be removed in such a manner so that no groove is
formed on the body.
3.2.3 Dimensions & Tolerances
3.2.3.1 The dimensions & tolerances shall be as indicated in the relevant drgs,
3.2.4 Physical Properties of Rubber
3.2.4.1 The rubber compound used in the manufacture of „O‟ rings shall conform to the following
requirements:
Sl. Property Synthetic Elastomer or Blend Polychloroprene
Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade F
A B C D E
1. Hardness (IRHD/ Shore „A‟) 50±5 60±5 70±5 80±5 85±5 70±5

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 5 of 14

 2. Tensile strength (Mpa), min. 12 15 15 15 12 15
3. Elongation at break (%), 350 300 300 300 150 300
min.
4. Compression set (%) max. 25 25 25 25 25 25
at 100±1 oC for 24 +0 /- 2 hrs.
5. Tension set (%) max. at 20 20 20 20 20 20
100±1 oC for 24 +0 /- 2 hrs.
6. Swelling by Vol. (%) max.
a) In Liquid „B‟ at 27± 20C for 30 30 30 25 25 70
24 +0 /- 2 hrs.
b) In grease at100±1 0C for +15/-0 +15/-0 +15-0 +10 /-0 +10 /-0 +50 /-0
72 +0 /- 2 hrs.
Note: The purchasing authority shall designate type and the grade of rubber in the relevant drawings.
3.2.4.2 Accelerated ageing
3.2.4.2.1 After ageing at 100±1 oC in an air oven for 72 +0 /- 2 hrs. the hardness, tensile strength, elongation at
break (%), shall not vary from the values obtained with the unaged specimens by more than the
following:

Grade A to E Grade F
a) Hardness (Shore 'A') +7 /- 0 Deg. +7 /- 0 Deg
b) Tensile strength ± 20 % +10 / -15 %
c) Elongation at break (%) +10 / -30 % +10 / -25 %
3.3 Stretch Test
3.3.1 The 'O‟ rings shall be stretched to 50% inner dia (I/D) on a suitable device with mandrels of
diameters three times those of cross-additional dia of the 'O‟ rings and held in stretched condition
for one hour at 27+2 °C, The rings shall not snap or show sign of distress.

4 PISTON PACKING CUPS

4.1 Scope
4.1.1 This specification covers the requirements & method of tests for Piston packing cups used in
contact with oil, grease or/and moisture at temperature upto 80 oC.
4.2 Types
4.2.1 The piston packing cups shall be of the following two types,
a) Type 1: Fabric reinforced, in accordance with the relevant drgs.
b) Type 2: Without fabric reinforcement in accordance with the relevant dregs.
4.3 Requirements
4.3.1 Materials
4.3.1.1 Rubber –
The rubber used in the manufacture of piston packing cups shall be Synthetic elastomers or a
blend thereof suitably compounded so as to conform to the requirements as specified in this
specification.

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 6 of 14

4.3.1.2 Fabric Reinforcement
4.3.1.2.1 Fabric reinforcement used as insertion in the piston packing cups shall be either polyamide or
polyester. The breaking strength of the fabric shall not be less than 18 kgf /cm width in both the
directions, tested as per IS:1969
4.3.2 Construction, Workmanship & Finish
4.3.2.1 The piston packing cups shall be smooth, free from pin holes, blisters, porosity and other visual
flaws. In fabric reinforced piston packings, the fabrics shall be suitably treated to ensure
satisfactory bond between the rubber and the fabric, and the thickness of the rubber shall be
uniform.
4.3.3 Dimensions & Tolerances
4.3.3.1 The dimensions & tolerances of the piston packing cups shall be as indicated in the relevant drgs.
4.3.4 Physical Properties of Rubber
4.3.4.1 The rubber compound used in the manufacture of piston packing cups shall conform to the
following requirements:

Sl. Property GRADE

‘A’ ‘B’ ‘C’ ‘D’
1. Hardness (IRHD/ Shore „A‟) 60±5 70±5 80±5 85±5
2. Tensile strength (Mpa), min. 12 12 12 12
3. Elongation at break (%), min. 300 300 200 150
4. Compression set (%) max. at 100±1 oC 25 25 25 25
for 24 +0 /- 2 hrs.
5. Swelling by Vol.(%), max.
a) In Liquid „B‟ at 27± 20C for 24 +0 /- 2 30 30 25 25
hrs.
b) In lubricating oil at 100±1o C for +10 /-5 +10 /-5 +10 /-5 +10 /-5
72+0/- 2 hrs.
c) In grease at 100±1 oC for 72 +0 /-2 +15 /-0 +15 /-0 +10 /-0 +10 /-0
hrs.
Note: The purchasing authority shall designate type and the grade of rubber in the relevant drawings

4.3.4.2 Accelerated ageing

4.3.4.2.1 After ageing at 100±1 oC in an air oven for 72 +0 /- 2 hrs., the hardness, tensile strength, elongation
at break (%), shall not vary from the values obtained with the unaged specimens by more than the
following:
a) Hardness (Shore 'A') +7 /- 0 Deg.
b) Tensile strength ± 20 %
c) Elongation at break (%) +10 / -30 %

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 7 of 14

5 VALVE SEATS, GASKETS & GLAND PACKING WASHERS
5.1 Scope
5.1.1 This specification covers the requirements and method of tests for valve seals (including metal
bonded), gaskets & gland packing washers used in contact with oil or/and moisture at temperature
upto 80°C.
5.2 Requirements
5.2.1 Materials
5.2.1.1 Rubber –
The rubber used in the manufacture of valve seats, gaskets & gland packing washers shall be
either polychloroprene or any other synthetic elastomers or a blend thereof suitably compounded
so as to conform to the requirements as specified in this specification. The grade of rubber to be
used for each of the components depending on applications shall be as shown in the relevant drgs.
5.2.1.2 Metals –
The metals used in the manufacture of metal bonded valve seats shall be as specified in the
relevant drgs..
5.2.2 Construction, Workmanship & Finish
5.2.2.1 The valve seats, gaskets & gland packing washers shall be smooth, free from pin holes, blisters,
porosities and other visual flaws.
5.2.2.2 In metal bonded valve seats, the metal shall be grit/shot blasted or chemically cleaned before
bonding with rubber. The process adopted for bonding of rubber to metal shall be a proven one
using suitable bonding agents and vulcanised in-situ to achieve the required and durable bond
strength. The bond strength shall be atleast equal to the strength of rubber. All sharp edges and
burrs shall be removed from metal.
5.2.3 Dimensions & Tolerances
The dimensions & tolerances shall be as indicated in the relevant drgs.
5.2.4 Physical Properties of Rubber
5.2.4.1 The rubber compound used in the manufacture of valve seats, gaskets & gland packing washers
shall conform to the following requirements:

Sl. Property Synthetic Elastomer or Blend Polychloroprene

Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade
A B C D E F
1. Hardness (IRHD/ Shore „A‟) 50±5 60±5 70±5 80±5 85±5 80±5
2. Tensile strength (Mpa), min. 12 12 12 12 12 15
3. Elongation at break (%), min. 350 300 300 200 150 150
4. Compression set (%) max. at 25 25 20 20 20 25
100±1 oC for 24 +0 /- 2 hrs.
5. Swelling by Vol. (%) max.
a) In Liquid „B‟ at 27± 2 0C for 30 30 30 25 25 65
24 +0 /+ 2 hrs.
Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 8 of 14
 b) In Lubricating Oil at 100 ± 1 +10/-5 +10/-5 +10/- 5 +10/-5 +10/- 5 +20 /- 0
o C for 72 +0 /- 2 hrs.

Note: The purchasing authority shall designate the grade of rubber in the relevant drgs.
5.2.4.2 Accelerated Ageing
5.2.4.2.1 After ageing at 100±1 oC in an air oven for 72 +0 /- 2 hrs, the hardness, tensile strength, elongation at
break (%) shall not vary from the values obtained with the unaged specimens by more than the
following:
Grade A to E Grade F
a) Hardness (Shore 'A') +10 /- 0 Deg. +7 /- 0 Deg
b) Tensile strength ± 20 % +10 /-15 %
c) Elongation at break (%) +10 /-30 % +10 /-25 %
6 Field Trial
After inspection of the rubber components, it will be subjected for field trials to monitor its
performance. Quantity of the rubber components for field trial and field trial period shall be as per
RDSO ISO document no- MP-M-8.1-1 (latest version)
Field performance feedback format is as under:

S. No. Shed/ Rly. Loco No. Date of Date of failure, Reason of Remarks
fitment if any failure

The acceptance criteria of field trial shall be the satisfactory field performance of equipment

7 PREFERENCE TO MAKE IN INDIA

The Government of India policy on „Make in India‟ shall apply.

8 VENDOR CHANGES IN APPROVED STATUS

All the provisions contained RDSO‟s ISO procedures laid down in Document No. QO-D-8.1-11, dated
01.07.2020 (Titled “Vendor-changes in approved status”) and subsequent version/amendment thereof,
shall be binding and applicable on the successful vendor/vendors in the contract floated by Railways
to maintain of products supplied to Railways.

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 9 of 14

 APPENDIX ‘A’
(Ref: Clause 0.7)
Code of Practice for Quality Control and Inspection of Rubber Component

A.1 THE SYSTEM

A.1.1 The manufacturers shall furnish to the purchasing/ Inspecting Authorities information in respect of
quality control systems in force at their works on rubber compound, fabric, metals, etc., used in the
manufacture of components,
A.2 RECORDS, TESTS & SAMPLING
A.2.1 The manufacturers shall furnish to the Purchasing / Inspecting Authorities the details of tests and
inspection records and other relevant records as required under the quality control systems in force.
These records & reports shall be maintained by the Competent Technical Authority of the
manufacturers and shall be open to examination by the Purchasing / Inspecting Authorities at all
reasonable time. The Purchasing / Inspecting Authorities at their discretion may draw samples of
materials referred to in Para A.1 & products at any stage of production for conformity tests either at the
works of the manufacturers or in an approved laboratory. In case the samples do not conform to the
requirements of the manufacturers, double the number of samples from the same Lot/batch shall be
drawn for re-tests. Should any of the re-test samples do not conform to the requirements, the entire
lot/batch shall be rejected,
A.3 APPROVED MANUFACTURERS
A.3.1 For reasonable quality assurance, it is desirable that the components are procured from
manufacturers approved by Research, Designs & Standards Organization (RDSO), Lucknow or by
any other agency as assigned by the Purchasing Authority, based on evaluation of the components as
per the specification, manufacturing & quality control facilities and quality assurance program.
However, such approval does not guarantee the supply of consistent quality of material /components
& therefore, every lot/batch offered shall be subjected to inspection and testing as per the
specification.
A.3.2 The approved manufacturers shall be subjected to periodical re-appraisal (periodicity for each
component shall be assigned by the approving authority). In case of withdrawal of any manufacturing
& quality control facilities provided at the time of approval or the components produced at the time of
re-appraisal are not conforming to the specification, the manufacturers are liable to be withdrawn from
the approved list. The approving authority reserves the right to withdraw the manufacturers from the
approved List without assigning any reason.
A.3.3 The consignee may also periodically arrange testing, if so desired, in an approved laboratory for
confirmatory tests within six months from the date of receipt of the supplies, in their original packings,
In case the samples do not conform to the specification, the consignees may at their discretion
suspend the manufacturer for further supply and the fact brought to the notice of approving/inspecting
authorities for appropriate action.

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 10 of 14

 APPENDIX ‘B’
(Ref: Clause 1.3.3)
Characteristics of Liquid ‘B’, Lubricating Oil & Grease

B.1 LIQUID ‘B’

B.1.1 The liquid „B‟ commonly referred to as Reference „Fuel ‟B‟ shall conform to 1S:3400. (Part VI).
B.2 LUBRICATING OIL
B.2.1 The lubricating oil referred to in this specification shall have the following characteristics:

i. Aniline point (0C) 95±5

ii. Flash Point (0C), min. 210
iii. Kinematic Viscosity
a) At 40 0C 50 – 85
b) At 100 0C 7.5 - 10

Note: The brands of lubricating oils normally conform to the requirements are:
SERVOPRIME/SYSTEM-57 of IOC, TUABINOL-77 of HPC, TURBOL-78 of BPC or equivalent
B.3 GREASE
B.3.1 The grease referred to in this specification shall be Lithium base, Grade 3 of Regular type to IS:7623.

Notes: The common brands are:

SERVOGEM-RR-3, LITHON-3, BHARAT MP-3 and other equivalent.

Spec No.: IRS-R-48-88, January’ 2021 Page 11 of 14

 APPENDIX ‘C’
(Ref: Clause 2.3.5)

Air Leakage Test for Diaphragms

C.1 SCOPE

C.1.1 This test is Applicable to all types of diaphragms used in air brake equipment of Diesel & electric
locomotives, electric multiple unit (EMU) stock and diesel rail cars.
C.2 METHOD
C.2.1 Air pressure Is applied on one surface of a diaphragms for a specified period at 27± 2 0C, and leakage
of air or any rupture shall be detected with soap water solution.
C.3 APPARATUS
C.3.1 The apparatus shall consist of a bottom test block (item 1} with a pressure point for air pipe. On the
hubs of the top and bottom test blocks, the diaphragm is held tightly with the help of bolts and nuts
(Items 4 & 5). The top test block is provided with a hole of 1.5 mm dia. The dimensions of each part of
the apparatus would depend on the type of diaphragm under testing. The schematic diagram of the
apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
C.4 PROCEDURE & CRITERIA FOR CONFORMITY
C.4.1 The air pressure shall be raised slowly to 5.5 kgf/cm2 through the pressure hole of the bottom test
block and maintained for one minute. Then apply soap Solution at the orifices of the small hole on the
top test block. The diaphragm shall not show any rupture and there shall be no leakage of air as
observed by the formation of bubbles at the hole. The diaphragm shall not show any distortions.

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