TRACK TECHNOLOGY
Track vacancy detection for the future
he requirements and challenges placed on modern axle counting systems by interlocking manufacturers and train operators are becoming ever more varied and individual. Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH has recognised this and developed a completely new generation of axle counters.
T
The Frauscher Advanced Counter (FAdC) is a highly-fl exible axle counting system, which provides major benefi ts for both interlocking integrators and train operators. The FAdC offers customer-specifi c functionalities such as ‘Counting Head Control’ or ‘User-Specifi c Reset Procedures’, fl exible project planning and design, system confi guration through software or hardware and optimal integration with various interlocking technologies. The FAdC conforms to CENELEC SIL 4 standards.
Owing to its functional modularity and easy scalability using an ethernet interface, the
FAdC system offers maximum fl exibility for the confi guration of many different applications.
Possibilities range from small centralised systems using zero-voltage relay contacts, to complex systems located in decentralised clusters along the track and networked with one another. As the complexity of the system increases, savings on space, energy and investment costs, compared with conventional axle counting systems, rise signifi cantly – resulting in the lowest possible life-cycle costs.
The FAdC can be used in an extremely wide variety of applications irrespective of the size or complexity of a project. High-speed main lines, regional lines, metros or light railways and industrial lines can all utilise the features and benefi ts of the FAdC.
Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH is a technology leader for inductive sensors for
Richard Coleman, managing director of Frauscher UK Ltd, explains why Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH is a technology leader for inductive sensors for railway applications.
railway applications. Since 1986 Frauscher has been developing, manufacturing and delivering inductive sensor systems as well as wheel detection and axle counting systems for a large variety of railway applications. As an independent and expanding medium- sized company, Frauscher focuses on constant product innovation,
best quality working
practices, high customer orientation and outstanding after sales service for our products and systems.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
E: offi
ce@uk.frauscher.com W:
www.frauscher.com
Reusable newt fencing E
Installing newt and ecological fencing on construction sites costs the industry millions every year – but sustainable fencing can be cost-effective, says James B Lloyd of Herpetosure Group.
very year, tens of thousands of metres of newt and reptile fencing are installed on construction and civil engineering schemes across the UK, particularly in the rail sector.
The majority of ecological fencing installed on rail projects is of a timber and membrane specifi cation; this fencing system cannot be reused or economically recycled, and re-usable alternatives are now proving the way forward, even on price!
Sustainability models place great focus on the importance of reusability; and it is accepted that re-use is more preferable than simply using recycled materials.
Without question, the rail sector accounts for a very large proportion of the overall ecological fencing installed in the UK and for the most
part these fences are temporary structures; the fact that these requirements are temporary only strengthens the case for moving to a re- usable fencing type.
The robust fencing material means it can be removed and reinstalled many times and its simple fi xing method means it can be dismantled quickly, effi ciently and without affecting product integrity – fencing panels can be installed ten-plus times.
As well as sustainability, the cost saving benefi ts are threefold. First, by choosing a re-usable fencing type, the overall spend on fencing materials will reduce; depending on the number of phases / re-uses, the savings can far outweigh the initial premium in price.
fencing are still to be incurred.
The unsustainable nature of this material makes disposal far more expensive than the removal of re-usable fencing – even at the end of the re-usable panel’s life, the material commands a commercial recycled value.
Finally, the fl imsy nature of timber and membrane fencing makes this specifi cation extremely vulnerable to contractor and traffi c damage, vandalism and weather conditions, particularly on exposed sites. In our experience of installing hundreds of kilometres of timber and membrane fencing over the last nine years, we know fi rsthand that this fencing attracts signifi cant and ongoing maintenance costs. Maintenance over longer periods can run to several times the cost of the initial installation.
Re-usable ecological fencing such as Herpetosure has been proven to reduce ongoing maintenance costs by 98% compared to timber and membrane systems.
Also, at the end of a project / phase, not only is any value in timber and membrane fencing lost, the removal and disposal costs of that
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: 01664 444 660 E:
james.tyers@herpetosure.com W:
www.herpetosure.com
rail technology magazine Apr/May 13 | 177
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