9220 rail clip used for steel rail

Edit:Zongxiang Heavy Industry--Ethan Date:2025-12-18 11:01:57

The 9220 rail clip is a specialized heavy-duty fastening component primarily used in crane rail systems to secure steel rails to supporting structures. Unlike elastic clips (e.g., E-clips or SKL types) commonly found in mainline railways, the 9220 belongs to a series of adjustable, weldable crane rail clips (often part of the 9000 series, including models like 9116, 9120, 9216, and 9220). It is designed for environments with high lateral loads, such as overhead gantry cranes, port cranes, and industrial facilities like steel mills and shipyards.

Design and Features

The 9220 clip is typically a two-bolt, weldable interlocking design consisting of:

· An upper clip with a vulcanized rubber nose (for cushioning and allowing controlled longitudinal rail movement due to thermal expansion).

· A lower forged steel base that is welded to the supporting beam (e.g., I-beam or steel plate).

· High-strength bolts (often M20 grade 8.8), nuts, and hardened washers for assembly.

This self-locking, adjustable mechanism provides lateral adjustment (up to 15-20mm) and high clamping force. The rubber nose restrains lateral movement while permitting necessary longitudinal displacement, reducing wear and noise. It is forged from materials like Q235 or Q345 steel, offering excellent fatigue resistance and the ability to withstand lateral forces up to 235 kN (approximately 24 tons), making it suitable for the heaviest loading conditions compared to single-bolt variants like the 9120.

Usage with Steel Rails

The 9220 clip is specifically engineered for crane steel rails, including profiles such as:

· A-series (e.g., A75, A100, A120 – American standard crane rails).

· QU-series (e.g., QU80, QU100, QU120 – Chinese standard heavy crane rails).

· Other international sections like MRS87A, CR100, or JIS crane rails.

These steel rails are typically flat-bottomed and heavier than standard railway rails to handle concentrated wheel loads from cranes. The clip is often paired with a crane rail pad (elastomeric or reinforced) to distribute loads, dampen vibrations, and provide electrical insulation. Installation involves welding the base to the girder in a factory or on-site, followed by bolting the upper part for quick rail alignment.

Advantages and Applications

Key benefits include:

· High resistance to lateral forces from crane wheel movements.

· Easy maintenance (rubber nose replaceable without full clip removal in some designs).

· Compatibility with guide rollers on cranes due to low profile.

· Self-tightening under load for long-term reliability.

It is widely used in heavy industrial settings:

· Steel plants and smelters.

· Ports and container terminals.

· Shipyards and warehouses with overhead cranes.

· Power plants and mining operations.

Manufacturers like Gantrail, Gantrex, Molyneux, and Chinese suppliers (e.g., Zhongyue, Sinchold) produce these clips to standards like DIN5906, ensuring global compatibility.

In summary, the 9220 rail clip plays a critical role in safely fastening steel crane rails under extreme loads, extending track life and enhancing operational safety in industrial crane applications. Its robust design makes it a preferred choice for demanding environments where standard railway fastenings would fail.