Intelligent Rolling Stock Monitoring
Hot Box and Hot Wheel Detection with Multi Beam Technology
Higher speeds of trains, larger loads per axle, the variety of wagon types for long-distance traffic as well as the integration of high-speed networks creates increased technical demands on systems used to monitor rolling stock. New standards have been set by the development of PHOENIX MB by engineers at SST.
Axles Running Hot and Locked Brakes –
Risk Factors for Operational Safety
Axles running hot and locked brakes are the greatest dangers facing an operating system. A hot box can lead to fractures of axle journals which might cause a derailment.
Considerable operational hazards are caused by locked brakes, e.g. due to overheated loosened wheel rims as well as broken wheel disks. Additionally, locked brakes can cause fire and are therefore one of the main reasons for the formation of flat spots.
Intelligent Solutions for International Standards
The PHOENIX MB system is able to identify all types of axle boxes and braking systems, currently running on international rail systems and reliably detects dangerous excess temperature, up to a speed of 500 km/h.
An infrared optic that repeatedly scans the undercarriage (MB = Multi Beam) with eight measuring points and a width of 120 mm is the heart of the system. The integrated signal processor is able to convert the results exactly and quickly.
Besides an attractive purchase price the modular construction guarantees a quick and cost effective service of the system. PHOENIX MB functions under all worldwide conditions – from intercity to long distance haulage, from the Polar Regions to the desert.
The System PHOENIX MB Consists of Six Functional Units
1. Electronic Rail Contacts
These contacts have been specially developed to control the measuring process at the moment the train passes. They activate the system, create a gate signal to evaluate the collected measurement data and then de-activate into stand-by mode.
2. Sensor Modules
The infrared sensors are integrated into the hollow steel sleeper as modular plug-in unit. They include the complete micro-electronics that are needed for calculating the measured data. The sensors are accurately positioned by pre-set module mounting and therefore, for the purpose of service, can be completely changed within a few minutes without affecting the measurement geometry. Therefore no adjustment is necessary in when serviced! The measurement data is transferred to the Service & Communication Terminal (SCT) via high speed secure data transmission.
3. Service & Communication Terminal (SCT)
The main part is a powerful IPC that is able to cope with extreme environmental conditions. All service and test functions regarding the infrared sensors can be carried out using the IPC. The measurement data is automatically stored. Additionally, the SCT is the interface to next level network structure (e.g. IP) and can be integrated into different topologies.
4. Central Control and Processing Unit (CMSAT)
To integrate several monitoring points as well as other control systems an optional central control and processing unit can be installed. Integration into different networking topologies resp. networking protocols is also possible. The system is capable of multi-processor operation and is monitored by an integrated watchdog unit.
5. Remote Service Terminal (RST)
All service and test functions of the PHOENIX MB system can be executed worldwide by remote maintenance. This leads to significant savings of operating costs.
6. SST Service Solutions
If the customer requests, the systems can be controlled, configurated and serviced by SST.
Advantages
The Advantages of the System at a Glance
- Inspection of all types of axle boxes used worldwide and high flexibility for future construction types
- Continuing measurement of the complete axle box
- Higher safety with multiple scanning (multi beam) with eight independent detection elements
- Fast sensor electronic: 3-dimensional thermographic image with 450 measuring points a speed of 500 km/h (1,125 at 200 km/h)
- Software for a complete identification of vehicles (Automatic Equipment Identification)
- Software to avoid false alarms
- Flexible integration into existing networkse
- Secured data transmission
- Remote maintenance concept
- Modular setup of sensor modules: exchanged within a few minutes, without re-adjustment
- Tamping of the ballast without disassembly of the bearer
- Mechanical components and sensor housing made of heavy-duty stainless steel
- Environmental conditions for the sensor module Working range: -30°C up to +70°C (extended temperature range on request)
- Fulfillment of EMC standard EN 50 121-4
- Heating of sensor modules for winter condition
- Option: Equipment suitable for installation in desert or arctic environment
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Range of thermal imaging of the axle boxes | |
|---|---|
| Speed of train | up to 500 km/h |
| Range of temperature: | 0 °C up to 150 °C |
| Temperature resolution: | +/- 1 K |
| Repetition accuracy: | +/- 1 K |
| Scanning width: | 50 up to 120 mm |
| Autocalibration |
| Range of thermal imaging of the brakes | |
|---|---|
| Speed of train | up to 500 km/h |
| Range of temperature: | 80 °C bis 650 °C |
| Temperature resolution: | +/- 1 K |
| Repetition accuracy: | +/- 3 K |
| Scanning width on brake and wheel disk: | 50 up to 120 mm |
| Autocalibration |