This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Making sense of sensors


Jesse Bonfeld explains the role of inertial sensors, such as accelerometers and inclinometers, in the rail industry


T


he railway industry has used sensors to monitor trains and tracks almost since its inception. Initially, lanterns were used as signalling devices to communicate between the


engineer and the conductor. Rudimentary gauges were in use to monitor the operation of the engine, and mechanical level indicators were used to check water levels in the tenders. Today, there are a multitude of sensors used to not only monitor conditions,


but also to enable and enhance the performance, safety, economy and efficiency of modern passenger and freight operations. As with many industrial applications,


sensors used in the rail industry must be able to perform in very harsh and aggressive environments. Extremes in temperature, vibration, shock and electrical noise are typical. Many sensors are tasked with performing critical functions, necessitating very high levels of reliability, repeatability, robustness and accuracy.


What’s more, being a highly regulated,


safety-critical industry, railway owners, operators, equipment managers and vendors are incentivised to implement proven technologies and solutions that have shown themselves capable in these environments. Three common applications for


inertial sensors in the rail industry include passenger car acceleration modulation, alignment functions in rail line repairs and rail line condition compliance and monitoring.


PAGE 36 DECEMBER 2011


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44