Track
Geismar shows Infrabel catenary measuring vehicle measurement programme for Infrabel, says the infrastructure manager previously carried out manual inspections but due to time constraints and dangers to personnel it was decided to switch to a measurement vehicle system. He says the aim is to inspect the entire network over the course of a year.
Belgian infrastructure manager Infrabel the keys to a new catenary measuring vehicle. The unit displayed is one of
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three ordered by Infrabel, but unlike the other two which are used for ETCS diagnostics (IRJ April p9), the new vehicle will be used to monitor the height and condition of overhead electrification on 3kV dc conventional lines and the 25kV ac high-speed network. Around 80% of Infrabel’s
overhead infrastructure uses square-profile cables, and
Other highlights
Autolift, Germany, showed its new Masterlift, a mobile hydraulic lifting device for use in depots, production of which is due to start this July. Designed to replace cranes, Masterlift is powered by batteries and can lift items such as buffers, couplers, batteries, springs, wheels, axles, and windows. Four models will be available which are capable of handling capacities of up to 500kg or 1500kg, and a lifting stroke of 900mm or 1800mm. Kahlbacher, Austria, showed its SPS 245 snow clearing device (pictured) which was fitted to the front of a Robel 54.22 track vehicle supplied to Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB).
The machine has been used for five months this winter by ÖBB and uses a pressure sensor to lower and raise the nylon brushes via a hydraulic system. These can also be controlled remotely . The machine can operate at up to 5km/h with the sweeping brush performing 280-300
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revolutions per minute. Among the solutions exhibited by Strail, was its level crossing matting solution, velo-Strail. The solution uses only minimal grooves on the surface increasing safety for bikes and pushchairs which might cross the track. It can
also accommodate trains travelling up to 120km/h. Strail says since its
installation on a bridge in the port of Hamburg three years ago, no accidents have been reported compared with up to 15 per year previously. Exhibiting for the first time
was Tvema, Russia, which showcased its high-speed visual track detection technology which it has developed with Fraunhofer and has been tested in Germany in cooperation with German Rail (DB) since October 2012. Tvema has already sold
around 2000 devices, which can be fitted to any wagon or train, in the Russian market and is looking to expand in Europe and the Middle East. Hilton Engineering, Netherlands, exhibited its 60km/h road-rail rescue vehicle which it has specially developed for Indian Railways (IR). With a 74 tonne/metre lifting capacity, the machine is capable of lifting derailed diesel locomotives and placing them back on the track. Manufactured for Windhoff as part of its partnership with IR, two machines will be delivered in August for a pilot programme, which if successful could lead to additional orders. IRJ
IRJ July 2013
N the final day of the show, Geismar handed
while a plan is in place to replace these with round cables in the next 20 years, the vehicle will be used to measure the condition of both types to within an accuracy of 0.2mm.
The vehicle operates at a maximum speed of 40-45km/h during testing and up to 120km/h at other times using one powered bogie which was specially developed for the Infrabel project. Geismar says this could now be marketed to other prospective clients. Mr Benoit de Connick, who is leading the catenary
The vehicle was developed by Geismar’s Italian subsidiary Donelli, and uses the same bodyshell as the ETCS test vehicle. It features a glass dome in the roof which gives the driver and operator an improved view of the catenary while operating the vehicle from an additional driving position in the centre of the unit.
Following successful tests in
Italy, where the vehicle reached 140km/h, it is set to be tested on the Belgian network in July and August ahead of deployment by the end of the year or in early 2014.
Rail grinding metal remover displayed
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ROTEC Railadvies, the Netherlands, displayed its
Magneta road-rail machine which removes waste metal left in the ballast after rail grinding. Air jets are used to dislodge the metal enabling it to be attracted by the permanent magnets. A reversible rotating brush is also used at the front of the machine to remove metal deposits from switches. Magneta is capable of
removing metal residue on the sides of the rail and operates up to 50cm from the rail head. It can cover an area of 5m3 without stopping at a working speed of up to 20km/h. The company says all waste metal is removed in a single pass, and onboard cameras monitor performance.
Heat-sensitive cameras are also fitted to detect hot spots in wooden sleepers with a 4000-litre water system used to dowse any smouldering sleepers on a second pass.
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